From Paul the psychic octopus to Big Head the sea turtle , the bookies are no stranger to calling in animals to help with working out the odds . Now one is hoping a pack of corgis will give betting on the royal birth a boost , while giving the public a clue to the sex and name of the new fourth-in-line . The 'Barkingham Palace ' Gold Cup saw 10 dogs face off in race across London 's Bedford Square , with a pooch named Alexandra taking first place . Scroll down for video . Winning ways : Corgi Alexandra took the title in the Barkingham Palace Gold Cup . Five of the runners taking part in the race were male and five female , with each chosen by bookmakers Ladbrokes because their names are among the most popular with punters betting on the new royal baby 's name . A dog called Alexandra , a name that is currently running third in the betting , took the honours followed by Camilla ( 100/1 ) and Victoria ( 10/1 ) . Among the boys , Spencer came first , despite boasting real-life odds of just 25/1 , followed by James ( 8/1 ) and Boris ( 200/1 ) . 'Alexandra romped to victory and it looks like Kate will soon be giving birth to a little girl next month , ' said Ladbrokes ' Jessica Bridge , tongue firmly in cheek . Prediction : The race was a tongue-in-cheek attempt to predict the name and sex of the new royal baby . Ready for action : The pets were put through their paces in a tiny parade ring beforehand . And they 're off ! The dogs emerge from the traps with Spencer ( fourth from left ) taking an early lead . Sprinting ahead : The pets are on their way , although Boris ( left ) does n't seem too bothered . 'Royal baby betting is booming and the arrival of a new heir to the throne is sure to see a record amount of wagers placed . ' Alexandra , who won with a time of 4.32 seconds , was then treated to a winner 's ceremony that included a trophy and a rendition of the National Anthem . Although corgi Elizabeth rolled home last in the Barkingham Palace Gold Cup , the name is currently the odds-on favourite should the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a girl . Other popular choices include Charlotte , the second-favourite at 6/1 , and Diana which comes in at 12/1 . Streaking ahead : A sprinting Alexandra leaves the competition trailing in her wake . Well ahead : Alexandra charges down the final furlong followed by second-placed Camilla . Good work : Alexandra enjoys her trophy and a special rendition of the National Anthem . Should the new royal baby prove to be a boy , it is James that is the hot favourite followed by Arthur , Henry , Charles and Thomas . While the majority of names put forward by punters are sensible , others have had a flutter on more outlandish names , according to Bridge . 'Elizabeth and James are currently the most popular girl and boy ’ s names , ' she explains . 'But that hasn ’ t stopped punters from betting on outsiders , including Sapesan and Mercedes at 500/1 apiece . ' Less favoured names in the running include Ruprecht , Chardonnay , Kevin and Wayne , all at 500/1 , and Ruth , Justin and Colin at 200/1 .
Alexandra came first , beating Camilla in second and Elizabeth in third . Race staged by bookies to determine royal baby 's name and sex . In actual betting , favourite name is Elizabeth , followed by Charlotte . Rank outsiders include Mercedes and Sapesan on 500/1 .