Royal Ascot 2012: Dates, Race Schedule, Preview and More

It may not have as much notoriety as the Kentucky Derby and the other Triple Crown races in the United States, but Royal Ascot is unquestionably the most prestigious horse racing meeting in the world. It has been a British tradition since 1711, which will continue next week as many of the world's best horses will run from Tuesday through Saturday.

The racing itself is obviously of a high quality, but most are interested in the royal family's involvement with the event. Each day features a royal procession in which royal family members are taken to their seats by a horse-drawn carriage. The royals sit in the exclusive Royal Enclosure, and while it isn't easy to gain entry, it is possible to enjoy the races with the queen and her family.

There is a very strict dress code, as Royal Ascot truly represents the height of British society. Royal Ascot is certainly an English tradition, and it may very well be bigger now than it ever has been.

Here is all the information you need for when each race will take place, as well as all the most important horses to look out for at Ascot, Berkshire next week.

Race Schedule

Day 1 - Tuesday, June 19

Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1)

King's Stands Stakes (Group 1)

St. James' Palace Stakes (Group 1)

Coventry Stakes (Group 2)

Ascot Stakes (Handicap)

Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)

Day 2 - Wednesday, June 20

Jersey Stakes (Group 3)

Windsor Forest Stakes (Group 2)

Prince of Wales' Stakes (Group 1)

Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap)

Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)

Sandringham Stakes (Listed, Handicap)

Day 3 - Thursday, June 21

Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)

Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)

Gold Cup (Group 1)

Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

Tercentenary Stakes (Group 3)

King George V Stakes (Handicap)

Day 4 - Friday, June 22

Albany Stakes (Group 3)

King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)

Coronation Stakes (Group 1)

Wolferton Rated Stakes (Listed)

Queen's Vase (Group 3)

Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap)

Day 5 - Saturday, June 23

Chesham Stakes (Listed)

Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)

Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)

Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap)

Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions)

Horses to Watch

Black Caviar

Countless fantastic horses will be running at Royal Ascot, but there are a few in particular that racegoers will want to keep an eye on. The first is unquestionably Black Caviar.

The superb filly sports a career record of 21-0 and will put her undefeated mark on the line in the highly-touted Diamond Jubilee Stakes. The Australian-bred horse is a heavy favorite to come out on top, but will be challenged by some top-flight competition.

Aside from the royal family, Black Caviar may very well be the week's biggest attraction at Royal Ascot. The six-furlong distance is a specialty for the Aussie sprinter and a win could make her the best European-run filly in years. Most expect Black Caviar to come out on top, but it will be interesting to see if she can live up to the hype.

Frankel

If Black Caviar is the greatest filly in English horse racing, Frankel has to be the top horse overall. The British-bred and trained star is a perfect 10-0 during his career and has specialized at a distance of one mile.

Many believe that Frankel is the best British horse to come around in decades, and he will look to prove that on Tuesday in the very first race of Royal Ascot, the Queen Anne Stakes.

There is a lot of debate regarding who is better between Frankel and Black Caviar, and although they won't be running against each other, perhaps Frankel will show that he is, in fact, the superior horse.

Frankel won't be able to trot to victory, as he will have to overcome some elite horses, including Excelebration, who has finished second to Frankel three times, but Frankel is clearly the favorite.

Society Rock

With all of the attention being paid to Black Caviar in the Golden Jubilee Stakes, Society Rock will look to shock race fans and snap the Aussie's undefeated streak.

Society Rock won this very race last year and finished second the year before, so there is no doubt that the Irish-bred filly knows how to excel at a distance of six furlongs.

She has certainly struggled as of late, however, finishing 12th and 13th in two races late last year, but she bounced back with a third-place showing at the Duke of York Stakes in May.

There is absolutely no question that Black Caviar is going to be favored, and should be, but if there is any horse that has the experience and ability to take her out, it has to be Society Rock.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter