As anticipation builds for Royal Ascot 2025, attention is already turning to one of the meeting’s most exciting juvenile contests: the Coventry Stakes.
A Group 2 race steeped in tradition, the six-furlong dash has long been a launchpad for future stars, with the likes of Caravaggio, Calyx and Bradsell among its recent winners.
With several promising two-year-olds already making waves on the track this season, we take a closer look at the early favourites shaping the Ascot tips—and assess which ones might take centre stage come June.
Albert Einstein – 5/2
Albert Einstein made a promising debut for Aidan O’Brien in a six-furlong maiden at Naas in early May, and it’s clear to see the Coventry Stakes could be a logical next step for the Wootton Bassett colt.
The two-year-old was backed off the boards for his first race under rules, going off as the 1/2 market leader, and justified the support when seeing off his nearest rival Evening Blues in promising fashion.
He discovered extra gears in the closing stages to win by over a length from the Ger Lyons charge, with the rest of the field a further 12 lengths back.
Albert Einstein is now as short as 5/2 to win the Coventry Stakes, with the bookies taking no chances on the Coolmore-owned two-year-old.
Charles Darwin – 5/1
If Albert Einstein brings the brains to the Coventry after the penny dropped instantly on debut, then Charles Darwin adds a touch of evolutionary class to the Group 2 conversation.
Also trained by O’Brien, this No Nay Never colt was a close fourth on debut when beaten by just over a length at the Curragh last month.
However, he bounced back in a maiden at Navan at the end of April when beating Harmani by over five lengths, with a second win yesterday at Naas.
“We’re very happy, he just needed a nice sharp bit”
All roads lead to Royal Ascot for exciting two-year-old Charles Darwin…
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 18, 2025
Charles Darwin is 5/1 for the Coventry Stakes, but the Norfolk over five furlongs could also be an option to avoid a clash with his stablemate.
Wise Approach – 6/1
Another winning debutant, Wise Approach made a perfect start under rules when scoring in a Royal Ascot Two-Year-Old Trial at the end of April.
The Godolphin colt made William Buick work from over a furlong out, needing to be ridden and switched right, but stayed on the final 100 yards for a half-length success over Super Solider.
He made the step up in trip to six furlongs for a Novice Stakes at the York Dante Festival next time, and followed up successfully.
Charlie Appleby and Buick have had a fantastic start to the season, notably winning both the Guineas, and you can’t rule them out on current form.
Andab – 10/1
Aidan isn’t the only O’Brien who could be in contention for the Coventry; his son, Joseph, could send Andab to Berkshire.
The Al Shaqab Racing-owned two-year-old made an eye-catching debut when breezing home in a maiden at the Curragh in early May.
A great start to the day as Andab secures victory in the @IrishEBF_ Median Sires Series Maiden under @DylanBrowneMcM for trainer @JosephOBrien2 . 👏✨
Congratulations to all connections! 🏅👏 pic.twitter.com/tgXKDLfFaf
— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) May 5, 2025
Andab was travelling by far the best of the leaders around two furlongs out and soon eased into an undisputed lead before kicking on for an over four-length win.
The son of Saxon Warrior could be good value at 10/1 after that impressive first start.