June 18 / 16.15 Ascot

16.15

Good To Firm

Gold Cup (Group 1)

  • Prize money: £396970
  • 2m 3f 210y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
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Gold Cup (Group 1)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

7/4 (Won)

  • Win: £2.65
  • Place: £1.25

Form: 111-11

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Plenty went wrong for him in the Queen's Vase here one year ago (still a close fifth) but unbeaten with cheekpieces added for his five starts since; that includes the St Leger at Doncaster (by a neck from Rahiebb) in September and two 1m6f events this spring (familiar route to this race for his stable) but also, and perhaps most tellingly, the 2m Goodwood Cup last July in which he asserted late on from last year's Gold Cup second; high class and there's plenty in those 1m6f/2m performances which suggests he will be a thorough stayer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(2)

28th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Scandinavia

9st 12lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Unbeaten with cheekpieces added for his last six starts, including this race last year (outbattled an in-form Illinois), the St Leger at Doncaster (by a neck from Rahiebb) that September and last month's 2m4f Gold Cup at Royal Ascot; had proven fitness on his side against the reappearing Trawlerman when inching ahead close home in their magnificent duel for the Gold Cup, but his stayers' crown is unlikely to be relinquished without a mighty effort whatever the circumstances.

Evs

1st

10

(3)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Scandinavia

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Plenty went wrong for him in the Queen's Vase here one year ago (still a close fifth) but unbeaten with cheekpieces added for his five starts since; that includes the St Leger at Doncaster (by a neck from Rahiebb) in September and two 1m6f events this spring (familiar route to this race for his stable) but also, and perhaps most tellingly, the 2m Goodwood Cup last July in which he asserted late on from last year's Gold Cup second; high class and there's plenty in those 1m6f/2m performances which suggests he will be a thorough stayer.

7/4

1st

1

(1)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:22 Leopardstown

Scandinavia

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Won four of his five races at three; improved with cheekpieces after Queen's Vase fifth, won a 1m5f Group 3 at Newmarket by almost 9l and mastering older stablemate Illinois in the Goodwood Cup (2m, good); dug deep to hold off Rahiebb on soft ground in the St Leger; readily coped with Dallas Star at Navan last month and now continues on the Kyprios route to the Gold Cup.

2/9

7/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 51111- CD

Last run: 243 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
High class, a thorough stayer and a right battler, the powerful combination of which were seen to prime effect here as a 7yo last year when he made the running (he doesn't have to) to win the Gold Cup on good to firm by 7l, having been a close second the year before; just as good when he won here on final start last term; it's seemingly been touch and go whether he defends his crown, as he has been denied a preliminary run this time round and has developed a rare eye problem which makes him sensitive to sunlight, but he's the one to beat if judged on those sterling performances of 2025.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(8)

28th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Trawlerman

9st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Can make the running (he doesn't have to) to maximise the emphasis on stamina; won a handicap at this meeting in 2022 in his only appearance at Goodwood and has battled it out in the top staying contests since autumn 2023; unbeaten in four British races last season, but reappearance this term was delayed until his repeat bid for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and he lost out to Scandinavia in only the dying strides; he didn't look far off his best that day but there's clearly an argument that he will have come on from the run.

2/1

2nd

6

(2)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Trawlerman

9st 4lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

High class, a thorough stayer and a right battler, the powerful combination of which were seen to prime effect here as a 7yo last year when he made the running (he doesn't have to) to win the Gold Cup on good to firm by 7l, having been a close second the year before; just as good when he won here on final start last term; it's seemingly been touch and go whether he defends his crown, as he has been denied a preliminary run this time round and has developed a rare eye problem which makes him sensitive to sunlight, but he's the one to beat if judged on those sterling performances of 2025.

7/2

3

(2)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 209y

Class 1

12:55 Ascot

Trawlerman

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

Battling 7yo who can front-run (doesn't have to) and did so to pulverising effect in the Gold Cup here (2m4f) this June, winning by 7l; that's his career-best form but several runs are not far behind it, including his two other wins this season; latest was from Sweet William at York (2m); won this race in 2023, fair third last year and very much the one to beat this time.

4/9

16/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 212-12 C BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Third and fourth in the last two renewals of this race and his 19l defeat last year was the only time in his career that he's finished out of the top three; being ridden closer to the pace that day seemingly backfired, as he's usually smuggled into each-way contention in the closing stages; beat Caballo De Mar (who gave 2lb) in one tight finish this year and not quite able to reel in Dubai Future in another; probably as good as ever but winning the Gold Cup may again prove a bit beyond him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(9)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Sweet William

9st 4lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Third and fourth in the last two renewals of this race and his 19l defeat last year was the only time in his career that he's finished out of the top three; being ridden closer to the pace that day seemingly backfired, as he's usually smuggled into each-way contention in the closing stages; beat Caballo De Mar (who gave 2lb) in one tight finish this year and not quite able to reel in Dubai Future in another; probably as good as ever but winning the Gold Cup may again prove a bit beyond him.

16/1

2nd

1

(4)

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

18:12 Sandown

Sweet William

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Won this in 2024 and has added three more Group-race wins, the latest on reappearance in this month's Sagaro Stakes at Ascot (2m, good to firm) where he was clear with subsequent Group 1 winner Caballo De Mar; leading claims despite 5lb penalty.

Evs

1st

2

(9)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 1

14:35 Ascot

Sweet William

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Headgear and Rab Havlin all starts; not straightforward but he nearly always gives his running, including at this track; he did not have the top stayers to worry about last September when winning his second Doncaster Cup and the same seems to apply today, so he's a leading player.

2/1

Form: 174-63

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Second at last year's Royal Ascot in the 1m4f Hardwicke and 4l winner of the 1m6f Irish St Leger; ran on strongly from out the back when seventh in the Melbourne Cup (2m) in November and ended up third to Caballo De Mar in blanket finish to a Longchamp Group 1 (nearly 2m) four weeks ago, having been last of nine 2f out; those do not mean he's an assured stayer on this move up to 2m4f but he brings among the best form and has to enter calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(1)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 4y

16:25 Curragh

Al Riffa

9st 11lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won this event by 5l last year as a prelude to a handsome Irish St Leger success, adding to Group 1 wins in the 2022 National Stakes and in Germany in 2024; finished seventh of 24 in last year's Melbourne Cup; best of three runs this season when third in a Group 1 event over almost 2m at Longchamp; back in his comfort zone trip-wise after Ascot Gold Cup fourth.

7/4

4th

2

(8)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Al Riffa

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Second at last year's Royal Ascot in the 1m4f Hardwicke and 4l winner of the 1m6f Irish St Leger; ran on strongly from out the back when seventh in the Melbourne Cup (2m) in November and ended up third to Caballo De Mar in blanket finish to a Longchamp Group 1 (nearly 2m) four weeks ago, having been last of nine 2f out; those do not mean he's an assured stayer on this move up to 2m4f but he brings among the best form and has to enter calculations.

8/1

100/1

Form: 211-32

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Suited by step up to 2m when winning a Listed event at Newmarket (good) on final start last term; 40-1 and perhaps in need of the race when she ran out of steam behind Sweet William and Caballo De Mar here (2m; beaten 8l) on reappearance, and staying-on second at York (1m6f) next time was better, but there is nothing in her form which suggests she is up to today's task.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(5)

28th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Miss Alpilles

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Suited by step up to 2m when Listed winner on final start last term and she's played creditable supporting roles in Group events this term; best form when 11l fifth at 80-1 behind Scandinavia and Trawlerman in the 2m4f Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last time; needs to find extra and headgear is given a go.

66/1

5th

11

(7)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Miss Alpilles

9st 1lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Suited by step up to 2m when winning a Listed event at Newmarket (good) on final start last term; 40-1 and perhaps in need of the race when she ran out of steam behind Sweet William and Caballo De Mar here (2m; beaten 8l) on reappearance, and staying-on second at York (1m6f) next time was better, but there is nothing in her form which suggests she is up to today's task.

100/1

2nd

4

(1)

23rd May 2026

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:15 York

Miss Alpilles

9st 2lb

J: George Downing

T: Ed Walker

Upwardly mobile 5yo who seemed suited by the step up to 2m when winning Listed race at Newmarket (good) last autumn; ran creditably against male rivals when 8l third of eight in Group 3 Sagaro at Ascot on return; today's drop back in distance isn't an obvious positive but she may have more in the tank and should give a good account of herself.

4/1

6th
7 (4)
Carmers

18/1

Form: 125-51 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Won last May/June in his first three races, notably the 1m6f Queen's Vase at this meeting (good to firm) where he seized the initiative entering the straight and finished with three of today's rivals snapping at his heels; Scandinavia and Rahiebb comfortably turned the tables on him in the St Leger at Doncaster in September, however; latest start may have bolstered hopes, as he stepped up to 2m and switched from blinkers to a visor when well on top in a Listed race, but that was in far less demanding company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(4)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Carmers

9st 3lb

J: W J Lee

T: P Twomey

Won last May/June in his first three races, notably the 1m6f Queen's Vase at this meeting (good to firm) where he seized the initiative entering the straight and finished with three of today's rivals snapping at his heels; Scandinavia and Rahiebb comfortably turned the tables on him in the St Leger at Doncaster in September, however; latest start may have bolstered hopes, as he stepped up to 2m and switched from blinkers to a visor when well on top in a Listed race, but that was in far less demanding company.

18/1

1st

1

(2)

29th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

18:50 Down Royal

Carmers

9st 10lb

J: W J Lee

T: P Twomey

Won his first three races around this time last year, notably 1m6f Group 2 Queen's Vase; better again in defeat when second in 1m4f Great Voltigeur and fifth to Scandinavia in St Leger; not quite at same level on last month's seasonal return behind same rival in Navan Listed; visor now replaces blinkers.

5/4

OUR TIP

66/1

Form: 23-132

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
While his form since has not quite reached the heights of 2024, he's still been pretty reliable and got back on the scoresheet at Meydan (1m6f Group 3) in February; however, he twice found Trawlerman far too strong for him in Britain last season and couldn't match Rahiebb late on in last month's Yorkshire Cup; unraced beyond 2m but it's hard to envisage the new trip working sufficiently in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(1)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Al Nayyir

9st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: Tom Clover

While his form since has not quite reached the heights of 2024, he's still been pretty reliable and got back on the scoresheet at Meydan (1m6f Group 3) in February; however, he twice found Trawlerman far too strong for him in Britain last season and couldn't match Rahiebb late on in last month's Yorkshire Cup; unraced beyond 2m but it's hard to envisage the new trip working sufficiently in his favour.

66/1

2nd

1

(1)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

16:05 York

Al Nayyir

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: Tom Clover

While form since has not quite reached the heights of 2024, he's still been pretty reliable and got back on the scoresheet at Meydan (1m6f Group 3) in February; third in a 2m Group 2 there in March when last seen; wore cheekpieces on last four starts; should be thereabouts.

13/2

3rd

2

(6)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 1

14:25 York

Al Nayyir

9st 5lb

J: James Doyle

T: Tom Clover

So nearly sprung a 33-1 surprise on stable debut in this race last year (good) when his strong finish took him within short head of victory; backed up that form the following month (2m, soft); a notch or two below it this year, including when nearly 10l behind Trawlerman at Sandown (2m) in May but his short-head defeat with first-time cheekpieces there last time was more like it; could be on his way back and needs a second look.

14/1

8th
9 (10)
Rahiebb

4/1

Form: 2342-1

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Two clashes with Scandinavia last term (Royal Ascot and the St Leger) indicated there was little between them at about 1m6f; progress from 3yo to 4yo has delighted his trainer, backed up with an authoritative win from Al Nayyir in the Yorkshire Cup at York, again over 1m6f; lots to like but the difficulty is knowing how well he will be suited by 2m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(4)

28th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Rahiebb

9st 12lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Two clashes with Scandinavia last term (Royal Ascot and the St Leger) indicated there was little between them and he returned with an authoritative win in the Yorkshire Cup at York in May; all three of those races were over about 1m6f and, having turned for home in fourth when 8-1 in the 2m4f Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, he ended up beaten 24l in eighth; now tries his hand at 2m and maybe he'll get it, but others have proved their stamina.

10/1

8th

9

(10)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Rahiebb

9st 3lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Two clashes with Scandinavia last term (Royal Ascot and the St Leger) indicated there was little between them at about 1m6f; progress from 3yo to 4yo has delighted his trainer, backed up with an authoritative win from Al Nayyir in the Yorkshire Cup at York, again over 1m6f; lots to like but the difficulty is knowing how well he will be suited by 2m4f.

4/1

1st

6

(3)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

16:05 York

Rahiebb

9st 3lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Broadly progressive on a range of ground in his first season last year, despite being 0-6 after debut success; beaten a neck from off the pace in the St Leger at Doncaster (14.5f, soft) on final start; that makes him one of the form picks in today's field and, although this trip may eventually turn out to be shorter than ideal, he should be a big player.

7/2

Form: 66-841 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
10yo who has generally fared much better in the Middle East than in Britain but showed far too much toe for the others when stealing a march on Sweet William in 2m Group 3 at Sandown on latest start (hung on by a neck); never remotely near the principals when 14l third in this last year and he's probably not the out-and-out stayer that's required to win it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(5)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Dubai Future

9st 4lb

J: David Probert

T: Saeed bin Suroor

10yo who has generally fared much better in the Middle East than in Britain but showed far too much toe for the others when stealing a march on Sweet William in 2m Group 3 at Sandown on latest start (hung on by a neck); never remotely near the principals when 14l third in this last year and he's probably not the out-and-out stayer that's required to win it.

50/1

1st

3

(7)

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

18:12 Sandown

Dubai Future

9st 4lb

J: David Probert

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Won Group 3 (1m6f, good) and Group 2 (2m, good) races at Meydan early last year and he's very much of interest on that form; however, not at the same level subsequently and he was a soundly beaten fourth behind Sweet William in the Group 3 Sagaro at Ascot (2m, good to firm) recently.

20/1

4th

6

(5)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 1

14:35 Ascot

Dubai Future

9st 4lb

J: David Probert

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Has delivered smart efforts almost every season since 2020 (missed 2024) and last year's win in the 2m Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan was one of his best; that campaign went the wrong way and he did not perk up when returning for Dubai Gold Cup (20-1) five weeks ago, but holds a cracking chance if returning to his best.

16/1

66/1

Form: 160-46

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Second to Carmers in bunched finish to 1m6f Queen's Vase here last year and impressive in Group 3 at Newbury (1m5f, again good to firm) last August; he's been put firmly in his place on all four outings since, however, beaten just over 4l behind Scandinavia and Rahiebb in the St Leger at Doncaster on first occasion, which was creditable, but singularly underwhelming this season in Yorkshire Cup and 2m Sandown Group 3; needs a huge turnaround.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(3)

3rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Furthur

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: Andrew Balding

Both wins have been at Newbury, in a maiden over 1m3f last April and a Group 3 over 1m5f (good to firm) last August; respectable sixth in the St Leger in September but he's been below that level in all four starts since, including when beating only Duke Of Oxford home over this C&D in May; drops back to 2m having contested the Gold Cup two weeks ago.

5/1

10th

8

(6)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Furthur

9st 3lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Andrew Balding

Second to Carmers in bunched finish to 1m6f Queen's Vase here last year and impressive in Group 3 at Newbury (1m5f, again good to firm) last August; he's been put firmly in his place on all four outings since, however, beaten just over 4l behind Scandinavia and Rahiebb in the St Leger at Doncaster on first occasion, which was creditable, but singularly underwhelming this season in Yorkshire Cup and 2m Sandown Group 3; needs a huge turnaround.

66/1

6th

7

(6)

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

18:12 Sandown

Furthur

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

He hasn't kicked on since beating Epic Poet to win the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer at Newbury (1m5f, good to firm) last August and failed to threaten when fourth in the Yorkshire Cup at York three weeks ago; however, he could improve for that first outing since finishing mid-division in the Melbourne Cup (gelded between those starts); this 4yo remains one to be interested in.

4/1

10/1

Form: 17-221 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Huge improver last term, including second in the 1m6f handicap at this meeting and winning two Group events in the autumn, notably the Group 1 Cadran at Longchamp (2m4f, very soft); every bit as good this season, as he gave Sweet William 2lb when short-headed here (2m, good to firm) and followed that with a narrow Group 1 win at Longchamp; today's company demands a bit more but the thorough test of stamina will suit and he's one to take seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(11)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:15 Ascot

Caballo De Mar

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: George Scott

Huge improver last term, including second in the 1m6f handicap at this meeting and winning two Group events in the autumn, notably the Group 1 Cadran at Longchamp (2m4f, very soft); every bit as good this season, as he gave Sweet William 2lb when short-headed here (2m, good to firm) and followed that with a narrow Group 1 win at Longchamp; today's company demands a bit more but the thorough test of stamina will suit and he's one to take seriously.

10/1

2nd

1

(7)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 1

14:35 Ascot

Caballo De Mar

9st 11lb

J: William Buick

T: George Scott

Much improved last year, best effort to land the Group 1 Cadran at Longchamp (2m4f, soft) in October; close second in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan (2m, good) was a fine start to this campaign and his run on good to firm at Royal Ascot last June, although subsequently eclipsed, looked excellent at the time; needs respect but concedes weight all round.

7/2

8th

4

(12)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Haydock

Caballo De Mar

9st 6lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: George Scott

Highly progressive and prolific over the last 12 months or so, winning here (2m, good) in May before fine second of 16 in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot (1m6f, good to firm); he may be okay on slow ground; could play a leading role if at the top of his game after 81 days off.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £10.90
Straight Forecast £5.67
Tricast £35.30
Trifecta £67.10

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Rahiebb

RP RATINGS:

Trawlerman

The Times:

Scandinavia

The Guardian:

Carmers

SPOTLIGHT:

Caballo De Mar

POSTDATA:

Sweet William

D Express:

Rahiebb

Daily Mirror:

Rahiebb

Daily Record:

Rahiebb

Telegraph:

Scandinavia

Daily Mail:

Scandinavia

TOPSPEED:

Trawlerman

The Sun:

Trawlerman

The Star:

Trawlerman