Friday promises a packed racing programme, with flat contests taking place at both Ascot and Newcastle and broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight of the day is the return of the Longines Sagaro Stakes, a key trial for the Gold Cup, featuring a nine‑horse field that includes the seasoned Sweet William and the promising Caballo De Mar. Sweet William, trained by the Gosden brothers, John and Thady, entered the season with a strong résumé. He repeated his Doncaster Cup triumph last year and then chased the winner Trawlerman at Ascor t, confirming his staying power at the highest level.
That recent form makes him the market favourite for the Sagaro Stakes, although it will be his first start after a lengthy spell, which could leave him vulnerable to a well‑timed challenge. Caballo De Mar, the creation of trainer George Scott, arrives with fresh race‑fitness after finishing second in the Dubai Gold Cup just 34 days earlier. He also boasts a Group One victory in the Prix du Cadran from the previous season, albeit carrying a penalty for that win.
His recent high‑class performance and proven stamina make him a serious contender, and he could exploit any softness in Sweet William’s first run back. Also worth watching are Tabletalk and Tarriance, two horses whose recent runs at Meydan suggest they are evenly matched.
Neither has been tested over extended staying distances, so the Sagaro Stakes could be their first real test of stamina, and they may surprise if given the right pace. The Group Three Commonwealth Cup trial offers another competitive scene. Wise Approach, a former Middle Park winner, will be carrying top weight, which could level the playing field for the other entrants. Charlie Appleby’s three‑year‑old, fresh from a spirited Group One victory at Newmarket, is expected to lead the field under the experienced hands of William Buick.
Appleby’s colt closed out an impressive 2025 campaign, and his form suggests he will be the horse to beat. Aidan O’Brien’s Brussels, who finished a close three‑quarters of a length behind the favourite in his last outing, is a solid place bet with Ryan Moore aboard.
The horse has demonstrated consistency and could profit from any trouble at the front. Coppull, the Group Two Richmond Stakes winner at Goodwood, was a short head behind Brussels at Newmarket.
Trained by Clive Cox, who guided Jasour to victory in the same race in 2024, Coppull is rated highly and will be ridden by Rossa Ryan, adding another layer of intrigue to the sprint contest. Beyond the headline races, the Listed Paradise Stakes offers an open field of eight, featuring Remmooz, Jonquil and Rashabar. Remmooz, campaigned by Owen Burrows, has shown steady improvement, winning four of six starts last summer and finishing fourth in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot in June.
He recently displayed a strong finish in a Listed race at Newbury, beating Volterra, and the step up to a mile could reveal further progress. Jonquil has been assigned a series of challenging races since capturing the Greenham Stakes on his return last spring. He narrowly missed a Group One triumph in the French Guineas a year ago and delivered a disappointing run in Abu Dhabi in February. Under Colin Keane, Jonquil will be looking to rebound and prove his class over the mile distance.
Rashabar, who placed second to Jonquil in the Greenham, endured a frustrating 2025 campaign but showed flashes of ability on several occasions. Dropping back to a mile may suit his running style, and he could be a dark horse in the contest. The day also includes a series of supporting races across the UK and abroad. At Ascot, a two‑year‑old trial at 2:00 will see Brocklesby winner A Bear Affair and Dance A Jig take on debutant Adaay Of Scarlett.
Later, at 4:55, a three‑year‑old heat offers So Regal a chance to shine for the Gosden‑Moore partnership. At 5:30, a strong 0‑95 handicap presents opportunities for Greek Order, Dosman and Angel Hunter, with Saytarr aiming for a four‑horse win. Across the Atlantic, the Grade One Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs features the Ashland Stakes top finishers, Percy's Bar and Zany, set for a clash.
The La Troienne Stakes, also a Grade One event, follows at 11:56. In France, Saint‑Cloud hosts the Group Two Prix du Muguet at 2:50, where Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven will contest a solid field.
At 3:25, a Group Three over a mile and a quarter sees Juddmonte filly Sunly return under trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. Back in England, Newcastle’s 5:53 card includes a repeat winner, The Cursor, who will have obvious claims on the day.
At 6:30, Haggas‑trained runner Eklleem looks to improve on his previous effort, while well‑bred Eljowhary makes his debut. Overall, Friday’s card offers a blend of proven stayers, emerging milers and sprinters, each with storylines that could shape the rest of the season. Whether you are tracking Gold Cup prospects, scouting future classic contenders, or simply enjoying the thrill of top‑level flat racing, the Royal Ascot Trials Day delivers a rich tapestry of competition and excitement for racing fans worldwide.