Away from the major racing festivals, the Victoria Cup is one of the grander handicap prizes. The 7f contest at Ascot is regularly well subscribed. A maximum field of 29 go to post again this season.
GG tipster Joe Napier has previewed the race. With so many runners in with chances, a 50/1 shot stands out for an each-way flier.
2026 Victoria Cup Runners
Mudbir runs in the Shadwell silks for John & Thady Gosden. A touch unlucky at Goodwood when last seen, he was progressive otherwise and is extremely well-related. He will still have to step up significantly on previous form, but looks an obvious type to do so.
Dangers inevitably abound in a field this size though. Shiplake is progressive for Amo Racing though has to prove so on turf. Defence Minister is another owned by a powerful operation in Wathnan Racing. He also scored on the all-weather latest.
The last two winners, Hickory and The Wizard Of Eye, return again. The former is 10lb higher than for his 2025 success though. Conversely, the year-younger The Wizard Of Eye is on the same winning mark as 2024. He goes well fresh and connections may have been working back from this since he returned to fitness last season.
Tribal Chief comes back in trip, but that might not be ideal for him. He is bang there on the form of his unlucky Lincoln third, though a step up in distance could help So Darn Hot. He is well worth another attempt at 7f for Ed Walker.
Down the betting, there remain those with chances. Any significant rain could help Star Anthem, while Pellitory went very well first time out last season. He makes his debut for David O’Meara here.
None are more interesting than Houquetot though. Now trained by James Owen for the first time, he was ninth in Group 2 company last time out. However, he was value for finishing closer in that higher grade. With some notable form in France, including winning a juvenile Group 3, a mark of 98 could be exploited at a big price.
2026 Victoria Cup Racecard
14:20 Ascot
GoodCarey Group Victoria Cup (Heritage Handicap)
- First Prize: £51540
- 0m 7f 0y
- Class 2
- 28 runners
- Win time: 1m 24s
20/1 (Won)
- Win: £22.50
- Place: £5.50
12/1
- Place: £3.40
9/2
- Place: £2.00
33/1
- Place: £8.20
40/1
28/1
28/1
80/1
66/1
18/1
28/1
40/1
22/1
40/1
40/1
40/1
11/1
12/1
18/1
40/1
50/1
3/1F
14/1
12/1
22/1
66/1
66/1
150/1
Non-runners
Houquetot
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £329.50 |
| Straight Forecast | £233.90 |
| Tricast | £1323.00 |
| Trifecta | £2619.10 |
Selections
Victoria Cup Trends 2026
- No favourite has won since 2017
- Four-year-olds have won six of the last ten runnings – but none of the last three
- The last six winners have been between saddlecloth 6-18, in the middle of the handicap
- Only one of the last ten winners has emerged from a single figure stall
2026 Victoria Cup Tips
A Group 3 winner when trained in France, Houquetot ran eyecatchingly in Dubai last time out and may strike on debut for James Owen. A mark of 98 looks workable for a four-year-old who retains potential. The move back up to 7f on turf could be a positive for So Darn Hot, while 2024 winner The Wizard Of Eye goes well fresh and is on the same winning mark as two years ago. Mudbir will attract support given his pedigree and connections. Though not the pick on form, he has obvious potential this season.
FAQ
When and where is the Victoria Cup?
The Victoria Cup will take place at Ascot racecourse on Saturday 9 May, 2026 at 2.20pm.
How can I watch the Victoria Cup on Saturday?
The Victoria Cup is live on ITV Racing at 2.20pm on Saturday.
When were the Victoria Cup tips published?
The tips for the Victoria Cup were published at 12.25pm on Friday 8 May.
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