Friday promises a packed schedule of flat racing, with action streaming from both Ascot and Newcastle on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the day is a high‑profile trial for the Gold Cup – the Longines Sagaro Stakes – where two seasoned stayers, Sweet William and Caballo De Mar, will clash in a field of nine runners. John and Thady Gosden’s veteran Sweet William arrives after a commendable 2024 campaign.
He repeated his Doncaster Cup triumph for a second year and subsequently chased down Trawlerman at Ascot, confirming his staying credentials. Those performances make him the market favourite for the Sagaro Stakes, but this will be his first start after a relatively long break, so there is a realistic chance he could be vulnerable to a fresher opponent. On the opposite side of the gate sits George Scott’s Caballo De Mar, who brings recent race‑fit form to the contest.
The horse was a close second in the Dubai Gold Cup just 34 days ago and, despite carrying a Group One penalty, still commands respect thanks to a win in last season’s Prix du Cadran. His proven ability over extended distances means he will be a serious threat to the Gosden entry. Also worth watching are Tabletalk and Tarriance, two horses whose recent Meydan performances have been very similar. Neither has yet been tested over the classic staying trips that Ascot demands, so they could be the dark horses if they adapt well to the softer ground and longer distance.
The day also features a competitive Group Three Commonwealth Cup trial. Wise Approach, the recent Middle Park victor, will be conceding weight to his rivals, making the race a genuine test of class. Charlie Appleby’s three‑year‑old, who capped off a brilliant 2025 campaign with a hard‑fought win in the Newmarket Group One, is expected to be the one to beat, with William Buick aboard. Aidan O’Brien will have Brussels in the mix, a horse that finished just three‑quarters of a length behind the favourite in a recent contest.
With Ryan Moore riding, Brussels offers a solid place bet, especially if the pace unfolds in his favour. Coppull, a Group Two Richmond Stakes winner at Goodwood, was a short head behind Brussels at Newmarket.
Trained by Clive Cox – who previously guided Jasour to victory in the same race in 2024 – Coppull is rated as a major player under the guidance of Rossa Ryan. In the Listed Paradise Stakes, an open field of eight runners includes Remmooz, Jonquil and Rashabar, each bringing a different storyline. Remmooz, trained by Owen Burrows, has been a consistent performer, winning four of six starts last summer.
He impressed with a fourth‑place finish in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot in June and later beat Volterra in a Listed race at Newbury. The step up to a mile could see him make further progress.
Jonquil, after a tough return to the Greenham Stakes last spring, narrowly missed a Group One victory in the French Guineas a year ago. A disappointing run in Abu Dhabi in February left questions about his form, but under Colin Keane he will be looking to rebound. Rashabar, who finished second to Jonquil in the Greenham, endured a frustrating 2025 season but showed flashes of ability on several occasions. Dropping back to a mile may suit his stamina profile and could produce a surprise performance.
The programme continues with a series of juvenile and three‑year‑old contests at Ascot. At 2:00 am, a two‑year‑old trial sees Brocklesby‑placed A Bear Affair and Dance A Jig take on debut winner Adaay Of Scarlett.
At 4:55 am, a three‑year‑old heat offers So Regal as a potential standout for the Gosden‑Moore partnership. Later, at 5:30 am, a strong 0‑95 race features several contenders, including Greek Order, Dosman and Angel Hunter, with Saytarr aiming for a four‑run win. Across the Atlantic, the Grade One Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs will feature the Ashland Stakes top‑two finishers, Percy’s Bar and Zany, meeting again in a clash of classic‑distance talent. Later, the La Troienne Stakes – another Grade One – will provide a test for the leading fillies.
In France, the Group Two Prix Du Muguet at Saint‑Cloud sees Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven among a solid field, while a Group Three over a mile and a quarter later in the day will see Juddmonte‑owned filly Sunly return under trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. Back in England, Newcastle’s card includes a 5:53 race where previous winner The Cursor will be a key contender, followed by a 6:30 event where Haggas‑trained Eklleem hopes to improve on his last effort. Well‑bred Eljowhary will make his debut, adding another point of interest. Overall, Friday’s racing offers a blend of seasoned stayers, emerging juveniles and high‑profile Group races across multiple venues.
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