Longshots surprised in the two Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series qualifiers on Tuesday’s opening-day card at Royal Ascot in England, while favorites starred in the day’s other two group stakes.

An action-packed opening Tuesday of racing at Royal Ascot yielded a mix of expected and surprising outcomes as the four group stakes churned out rousing finishes befitting the prestigious five-day meet.

A pair of winners on 2023 opening day made world-renowned trainer Aidan O’Brien the winningest trainer in Royal Ascot history.

Another sensational Royal Ascot is in the books. With sunny skies making for good-to-firm going, the tricky soft-ground variable was eliminated, and the results were generally logical.

Royal Ascot’s glittering five-day stand begins Tuesday. Three Group 1s are on tap, beginning with the Queen Anne S. (G1) that serves as a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), and a couple of American sprinters are taking on defending champ Battaash in the King’s Stand S. (G1).