When Matt Chapman, ITV and Sky Sports Racing presenter, dropped his selections for Royal Ascot 2026Ascot Racecourse on Wednesday, June 17, the betting markets took notice. His column on Paddy Power News didn’t just offer safe favorites; it highlighted a bold 10/1 shot that could turn heads on Day 2.
Here’s the thing about Royal Ascot: it’s not just about the horses. It’s about the narrative. And Chapman knows how to read the room—or rather, the track conditions, the pace maps, and the jockey bookings better than most. For punters looking for an edge on Wednesday’s card, his picks provide a clear roadmap through what is arguably the biggest flat racing festival of the year.
The Wednesday Card Breakdown
Chapman’s approach is methodical. He doesn’t scatter tips randomly; he builds a case for each runner based on form, fitness, and fit. On this particular Wednesday, three names stood out in his preview, each targeting specific races where he sees value.
- 14:30 – Victorious: The first pick of the day targets the early feature. Chapman likely spotted a tactical advantage here, perhaps a favorable draw or a trainer with a strong strike rate at this stage of the meeting.
- 15:05 – Limestone: Mid-afternoon often brings tricky ground conditions or shifting wind patterns. Selecting Limestone suggests confidence in a horse that can handle variable factors.
- 15:40 – Cathedral: As the afternoon heats up, fatigue sets in for some runners. Cathedral appears to be Chapman’s choice for stamina and late kick.
The twist? One of these selections—though not explicitly named in the initial snippet—is priced at 10/1. In a field where odds often compress around top-tier talent, finding double-figure value at Ascot is rare. It signals either a significant market movement overnight or a deep insight into a horse’s preparation that the public hasn’t caught onto yet.
Why Matt Chapman’s Voice Matters
You might wonder why we’re paying attention to Chapman specifically. Turns out, he’s one of racing’s biggest personalities. Beyond his TV roles with ITV and Sky Sports, he runs "Chapman’s Call," a popular podcast where he breaks down complex race dynamics for everyday fans. His credibility isn’t just borrowed from his broadcaster status; it’s earned through consistent, transparent analysis.
In previous years, his tips have carried weight. For instance, in earlier Royal Ascot previews, he backed Servalan with the comment, "Fast pace should set the race up nicely for this one." That kind of specific, tactical reasoning is what separates expert tips from generic guesses. When he says a horse fits the pace, you believe him because he explains *why*.
The Broader Festival Context
Royal Ascot isn’t a one-day event. It’s a five-day marathon of elite competition. By focusing on Day 2, Chapman is helping punters navigate the middle stretch of the festival, where momentum shifts quickly. The upcoming days hold even more prestige: Thursday features the Britannia Stakes (a Class 2 Heritage Handicap for 3yo colts and geldings) and the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Wednesday is its own beast. The energy at Ascot is palpable, with crowds swelling and expectations high. A win on Day 2 can define a horse’s reputation for the rest of the week. Conversely, a loss can derail a campaign. That’s why Chapman’s focus on value—like that elusive 10/1 shot—is crucial. It’s not just about winning; it’s about smart banking.
What’s Next for Punters?
If you’re following Chapman’s advice, keep an eye on the non-runners and late declarations. Ascot is notorious for last-minute changes due to softening ground or injury concerns. His Friday fancies are also already circulating online, with reports suggesting another 9/1 pick in the pipeline. This continuity shows he’s not just reacting to daily cards but planning a strategy across the entire meeting.
For those who missed his Day 1 video on At The Races—which racked up 1.7K views in an hour—the shift to written tips on Paddy Power News offers a deeper dive. You get the same expertise, but with space to unpack the logic behind each selection. It’s a different medium, but the goal remains the same: help you make informed decisions when the money is on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Matt Chapman and why are his tips trusted?
Matt Chapman is a prominent presenter for ITV and Sky Sports Racing, widely regarded as one of the sport's leading analysts. His trustworthiness stems from his long-standing experience in the industry and his transparent analytical style, particularly through his show "Chapman's Call," where he details the tactical reasoning behind his selections rather than just offering names.
Which horses did Matt Chapman pick for Royal Ascot Day 2?
In his Wednesday column for Paddy Power News, Chapman selected Victorious for the 14:30 race, Limestone for the 15:05, and Cathedral for the 15:40. He also indicated that one of his selections was available at odds of 10/1, though the specific horse attached to that price was not explicitly detailed in the initial summary.
Where can I find Matt Chapman’s full Royal Ascot tips?
His written tips are published on Paddy Power News under the horse racing section. Additionally, he provides audio analysis on his podcast "Chapman's Call" and appears in live preview shows on YouTube and social media platforms like At The Races, offering multi-platform coverage throughout the five-day festival.
What is the significance of the 10/1 shot mentioned in the article?
A 10/1 price point at Royal Ascot represents significant value, as odds for top-class horses often shorten considerably due to heavy betting interest. Identifying a winner at these odds requires deep insight into form and conditions that the general public may have overlooked, making it a high-reward opportunity for informed punters.
Does Matt Chapman provide tips for other days of Royal Ascot?
Yes, Chapman covers the entire five-day meeting. Reports indicate he has separate columns for Friday, including picks priced at 9/1. His comprehensive approach ensures that followers have access to expert analysis for every major race across the festival, from the opening day to the final Gold Cup showdown.
