Friday promises a packed programme of flat racing, with action coming from both Ascot and Newcastle and broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight of the day is the Longines Sagaro Stakes, a key trial for the Gold Cup, which brings together a strong field of nine horses, including the seasoned Sweet William and the well‑conditioned Caballo De Mar. Sweet William, trained by the veteran duo John and Thady Gosden, has been a reliable performer over the last season.
He capped his campaign with a second victory in the Doncaster Cup and then gave chase to Trawlerman at Ascot, confirming his staying power. Given that recent form, he enters the Sagaro Stakes as the market favourite.
However, this will be his first run in a while, and the long layoff could leave him vulnerable to a surprise challenger. On the other side of the paddock sits Caballo De Mar, a horse that has been sharpening his fitness after a recent runner‑up finish in the Dubai Gold Cup just 34 days ago. The horse also boasts a Group One win in the Prix du Cadran from the previous season, which adds a layer of respect despite carrying a penalty for that top‑class victory.
Trainer George Scott will be hoping that the recent trip to Dubai has left the horse in peak condition for the test at Ascot. Also worth watching are Tabletalk and Tarriance, two horses whose performances on the Meydan track have been closely matched. Both have yet to be fully tested over extended staying distances, making their potential to surprise an intriguing storyline for punters. The Group Three Commonwealth Cup Trial provides another competitive subplot.
Wise Approach, a former Middle Park winner, will be carrying a weight concession across the board, which could prove decisive in a tightly contested sprint. Charlie Appleby’s three‑year‑old, who wrapped up a stellar 2025 campaign with a spirited win in the Newmarket Group One, is expected to be the horse to beat, especially with the experienced William Buick aboard. Aidan O’Brien’s Brussels, sitting a three‑quarter length behind the favourite, offers a solid place bet under the guidance of Ryan Moore.
Meanwhile, Coppull, the Group Two Richmond Stakes winner at Goodwood, was only a short head away from Brussels at Newmarket. Trainer Clive Cox, who previously guided Jasour to the same prize in 2024, rates Coppull as a major player with Rossa Ryan in the saddle.
For those who want to stay updated on the latest racing stories, interviews, and features, the Sky Sports Racing app provides instant access to all the news on the go. The Listed Paradise Stakes also presents an open field, with eight runners including Remmooz, Jonquil, and Rashabar. Remmooz, campaigned by Owen Burrows, has shown steady improvement, winning four of six starts last summer and finishing a respectable fourth in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot in June. His most recent effort saw him fend off Volterra in a Listed race at Newbury, and the step up to a mile may unlock further progress.
Jonquil, after a demanding campaign that saw him carry heavy weights following a Greenham win last spring, narrowly missed a Group One triumph in the French Guineas a year ago. A disappointing run in Abu Dhabi this February left him seeking redemption, and trainer Colin Keane will be hoping the horse can bounce back in this outing. Rashabar, who placed second to Jonquil in the Greenham, endured a frustrating 2025 season but managed to produce creditable performances on several occasions.
Dropping back to a mile could suit him well and provide a fresh opportunity to showcase his abilities. The day’s schedule continues with a series of notable fixtures: - 2:00 pm at Ascot: A two‑year‑old trial featuring Brocklesby’s top two finishers, A Bear Affair and Dance A Jig, who will be matched against debut winner Adaay Of Scarlett. - 4:55 pm at Ascot: A three‑year‑old heat where So Regal could prove an exciting prospect for the Gosden‑Moore partnership.
- 5:30 pm at Ascot: A strong 0‑95 race with several contenders, including Greek Order, Dosman, and Angel Hunter, while Saytarr aims for a four‑run win. - Churchill Downs: Grade One Kentucky Oaks and Ashland Stakes one‑two finish with Percy's Bar and Zany clashing again. - 11:56 am at Churchill Downs: Grade One La Troienne Stakes. - 2:50 pm at Saint‑Cloud: Group Two Prix du Muguet featuring Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven among a solid field.
- 3:25 pm at Saint‑Cloud: An excellent Group Three over a mile and a quarter, where Juddmonte filly Sunly returns under trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. - 5:53 pm at Newcastle: The previous winner, The Cursor, will have obvious claims.
- 6:30 pm at Newcastle: Haggas‑trained runner Eklleem looks to improve, while well‑bred Eljowhary makes his debut. Overall, Friday’s card offers a blend of seasoned stayers, rising stars, and intriguing match‑ups across a range of distances and classes.
Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the day’s racing promises plenty of excitement and the chance to spot the next champion in the making.