A competitive field of 11 have been declared for Thursday’s Ascot Gold Cup as Aidan O’Brien looks to extend his record.
The Ballydoyle handler first won the event with Yeats in 2006, who’d go on to win a successive three more. Leading Light and Order Of St George bolstered his record in 2014 and 2016, before Kyprios’ in 2022 and 2024.
Scandinavia is the sole Coolmore representative for the Royal Ascot race this season, as he looks to extend his winning sequence to six. His last defeat came in the Queen’s Vase last season, but the addition of cheek-pieces has transformed him. Scandinavia was a rare three-year-old winner of the Goodwood Cup, before taking Classic honours in the St Leger. He’s reappeared with two wins this season, and another jolt of improvement is likely.
The extra distance is unknown, as it is for Rahiebb who won the Yorkshire Cup on reappearance. Rahiebb was beaten a neck by Scandinavia in the St Leger, and was ahead of him in the Queen’s Vase. He shaped as if staying trips will suit, and he has the pedigree to match that suspicion.
Last year’s winner Trawlerman has it to prove first time up
Last year’s winner Trawlerman is undefeated in his last four races and has form figures of 312311 around here. He’s developed into a leading contender in this division, but wasn’t a confirmed runner until late. Having spent time on the sidelines due to eye issues, he missed his seasonal debut. The Gosdens have said there’s bigger targets down the line and now he’s an eight-year-old, he mightn’t be fully tuned for this.
Stablemate Sweet William has only been out of the first three once in 23 starts and cannot be discounted. The admirable stayer returned in good style this season, beating the improving Caballo De Mar in the Sagaro Stakes. He was a surprise loser at Sandown to veteran Dubai Future, with the button being pressed a touch late. He was only a length behind Trawlerman on Champions Day, and race-fitness could see him reverse that form.
Caballo De Mar began life in handicaps off 65 when third at Windsor in 2024. Nine wins later, he is rated 50lbs higher and is a dual Group 1 winner. He is one a few horses guarantee to stay, having won the Prix Du Cadran at this trip last season. He arrives on the back of a Group 1 success, and it’s tough to knock his chances.
Al Riffa was behind Caballo De Mar at Longchamp and shaped as if this distance could eek out further improvement. The son of Wootton Bassett has bumped into the likes of Ace Impact, City Of Troy and Rebel’s Romance. He’s always threatened to land a race of this stature, and has form at this meeting.
Al Nayyir, Dubai Future, Carmers, Further and Miss Apilles complete the field, in what looks set to be a thrilling renewal of the Gold Cup.