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Henry covers both flat and National Hunt racing at thatsagoal.com. Producing a daily NAP, each-way bet and lucky 15 tip throughout the year.
Our NAP for Saturday 25th July 2026 is EXTREMELY ZAIN in the 2:55 at Ascot, with ITEM in the 2:35 at York as the next best and GOLIATH each-way in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at 3:35.
ITV screens seven live races from Ascot and York, headlined by the first £2 million running of the King George. Here are our selections for every televised race.
Saturday’s ITV Racing selections
| Time | Course | Race | Selection | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30 | York | Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe (5f handicap) | KODIAC THRILLER | — |
| 1:45 | Ascot | Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes (Group 3, 6f) | MOONRISE | — |
| 2:00 | York | Sky Bet Dash (heritage handicap, 6f) | RED SPELLS DANGER | — |
| 2:20 | Ascot | Longines Valiant Stakes (Group 3, 1m) | KON TIKI | — |
| 2:35 | York | Sky Bet York Stakes (Group 2, 1m2f) | ITEM | NB |
| 2:55 | Ascot | Moët & Chandon International Handicap (7f) | EXTREMELY ZAIN | NAP |
| 3:35 | Ascot | King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1, 1m4f) | GOLIATH | Each-way |
Prices change constantly on raceday. Always take a price with a bookmaker offering Best Odds Guaranteed so you get the SP if it drifts.
What time is ITV Racing on today?
ITV Racing coverage runs from 1:15pm to 4:05pm on Saturday 25th July 2026, with Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani presenting from Ascot and York. The Opening Show airs earlier at 9:30am on ITV4, live from Ascot with Oli Bell and the team previewing the day’s action.
Seven races are televised: four from Ascot and three from York.
| Time | Course | Race |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30 | York | Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe Handicap, 5f |
| 1:45 | Ascot | Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes (Group 3), 6f |
| 2:00 | York | Sky Bet Dash (Heritage Handicap), 6f |
| 2:20 | Ascot | Longines Valiant Stakes (Group 3), 1m |
| 2:35 | York | Sky Bet York Stakes (Group 2), 1m2f |
| 2:55 | Ascot | Moët & Chandon International Stakes (Heritage Handicap), 7f |
| 3:35 | Ascot | King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1), 1m4f |
1:30 York — Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe
The opener at York is the “Jump Jockeys Nunthorpe”, a unique version of a 5f handicap on the flat.
I like KODIAC THRILLER (15/2) in this for the Mark Walford yard. He returned to form with a fine effort last time out at Ripon, staying on strongly after stumbling at the start to be a never-nearer 4th at the line. That slow start appears to be a one-off, as he normally jumps fine and likes to race prominently. If he jumps as normal from stall 2, that is often the place to be at York. He’s only a 1lb higher than he was for his last victory at this level and he can make a bold effort for jumps jockey Jamie Hamilton.
1:45 Ascot — Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes
Our first race live from Ascot is the Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes, a Group 3 contest over 6 furlongs.
A lot of these ran at Royal Ascot and are closely matched on form with improvement to come. However, I’ve landed on MOONRISE (13/2) who was a fine second in the Windsor Castle Stakes where she looked the likely winner before she was caught close to home. Coming from the Andrew Balding yard, you’d expect further improvement to be incoming. Oisin Murphy gets back on board after winning on him at Kempton on his debut which is obviously no bad thing. I think Moonrise looks overpriced in a wide-open two year-old race that looks tricky.
2:00 York — Sky Bet Dash
Next up at York is the Dash, a heritage handicap over 6f.
The consistent RED SPELLS DANGER (11/2) continues to run well in handicap company, and there doesn’t appear to be anything unexposed or well-in in this race so I don’t see why he can’t return to the winners’ enclosure again here. He completed a double at Ripon and Hamilton before earlier in the season before running two belters in competitive handicaps. Firstly, when runner-up at York and then last time out at Newmarket when beaten just over a length. This looks a weaker contest, and if he remains in a similar vein, it’s hard not to see him hitting the frame again at the very least.
2:20 Ascot — Longines Valiant Stakes
The Group 3 Valiant Stakes is at 2:20. A mile race for the fillies and mares.
I like KON TIKI (4/1) in here, who gets the assistance of Ryan Moore. She was an eye-catcher at Royal Ascot when chasing home the impressive Blue Bolt in the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes. She was short of room at a crucial stage that day and did well to stay on into 4th. The form has since been boosted with Blue Bolt now a Group 1 winner after landing the Fillies Mile, and Kon Tiki looks sure to go close as she drops back into Group 3 company.
2:35 York — Sky Bet York Stakes (NB)
The 2:35 from York is the Group 2 York Stakes run over the extended 1m2f trip.
The one for me is ITEM (9/4) NB. The Andrew Balding-trained three-year-old had a progressive profile, winning his first three starts including the Dante Stakes at York before he headed to Epsom for the Derby. Draw a line through that effort as the ground was far from what he wants and the trip looked a stretch anyway. Back to the 1m2f trip, I think he can progress past his rivals who bring solid form to the table but nothing that Item should be fearful of.
2:55 Ascot — Moët & Chandon International Handicap (NAP)
The 2:55 from Ascot is the competitive International handicap over 7f.
I think EXTREMELY ZAIN (2/1) NAP is better than a handicapper and this may be his last run in one. Despite things going wrong last time out, he has shown a potent turn of foot to win comfortably despite Ciaran Fallon not asking for maximum effort. The stiff finish of Ascot will suit his style, and I’d be surprised if he’s beaten in this, truth be told. He can remain unbeaten.
3:35 Ascot — King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (each-way)
The feature closes the coverage on ITV. It is an intriguing renewal of the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes ran over 1m4f.
I think GOLIATH (10/1) EW is the one who’s overpriced in this. He was coming to win at Royal Ascot last time out before Soumillon lost his irons at a crucial stage as they approached the final furlong. This will really set up well for him. The faster they go, the more it’ll suit, and I’m sure the Aidan O’Brien battalion will ensure they go a decent pace. He’ll sit out the back and come late and wide. We know that suits Ascot really well on the round course and I’m hopeful he can run into the places at least.
Why is the 2026 King George a bigger race than usual?
The 2026 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is the first running worth £2 million, making it the joint most valuable race staged in Britain alongside the Epsom Derby. The winner collects £1,134,200. Nine runners have been declared for the Group 1 over 1m4f, with the going good to firm.
The field has genuine international depth, drawing horses from Britain, Ireland, France and Japan. Last year’s winner Calandagan returns to defend his crown, Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini represents the Irish challenge, and Masquerade Ball is one of two Japanese raiders.
Where to bet on Saturday’s ITV races
On a day like this, taking an early price matters — prices on well-fancied runners shorten through the morning. A bookmaker offering Best Odds Guaranteed protects you either way: take a price, and if the starting price is bigger, you’re paid at the bigger one. Our Best Odds Guaranteed guide explains which firms offer it and when it kicks in each morning.
If you’re setting up an account for the summer’s racing, our guide to the best horse racing betting sites covers the strongest options for racing specifically, while our round-up of the top UK betting sites is the wider comparison.
Disclosure: Thatsagoal is an affiliate partner of the bookmakers featured on this site and may earn a commission if you open an account through our links. This does not affect our editorial view. 18+. GambleAware.org.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NAP for Saturday 25th July 2026? EXTREMELY ZAIN in the 2:55 at Ascot, the Moët & Chandon International Handicap over 7f.
What is the next best selection? ITEM in the 2:35 at York, the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes over 1m2f.
What is the each-way tip for the King George? GOLIATH, who is expected to be overpriced in the 3:35 at Ascot.
What time is the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes? 3:35pm on Saturday 25th July 2026 at Ascot, live on ITV.
How many races are live on ITV on Saturday? Seven — four from Ascot and three from York, with coverage from 1:15pm to 4:05pm.
What time is The Opening Show? 9:30am on ITV4, live from Ascot with Oli Bell.
How much is the 2026 King George worth? £2 million, the first time the race has carried that prize fund, with £1,134,200 to the winner.
More racing tips and guides: ITV Racing tips hub · Best Odds Guaranteed explained · Best horse racing betting sites · Tom Segal Pricewise tips · Non-runner no bet explained
Odds and selections were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change. Tips are the opinion of the author and are not guaranteed. 18+. Please gamble responsibly. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. GambleAware.org · GamCare.org.uk.
Henry covers both flat and National Hunt racing at thatsagoal.com. Producing a daily NAP, each-way bet and lucky 15 tip throughout the year.
