Friday promises a packed schedule of flat racing, with action coming from both Ascot and Newcastle and being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight of the day is a high‑profile renewal of the Longines Sagaro Stakes, a key trial for the Gold Cup.
The evergreen Sweet William and the seasoned Caballo De Mar will lead a nine‑horse field, setting the stage for a compelling showdown. John and Thady Gosden’s Sweet William entered the season with a strong performance, having repeated his Doncaster Cup triumph last year and then finishing a respectable third behind Trawlerman at Ascot.
Those achievements make him the favorite for the Sagaro Stakes, but there is a caveat: this will be his first run after a lengthy break, and the extended lay‑off could leave him vulnerable to a well‑timed challenge. On the other side of the gate sits George Scott’s Caballo De Mar, who arrives with fresh race‑fitness after finishing second in the Dubai Gold Cup just 34 days ago. The horse also boasts a win in the Prix du Cadran last season, a Group One victory that carries a penalty in this race.
Despite the weight penalty, Caballo De Mar’s recent form and proven staying ability make him a serious threat to Sweet William’s favorite status. Also worth watching are Tabletalk and Tarriance, both of whom have shown comparable performances on the Meydan surface. Neither has been fully tested over extended staying distances, so the Sagaro Stakes could be the first real test of their stamina and could produce a surprise factor.
The Group Three Commonwealth Cup trial offers another intriguing contest. Wise Approach, the winner of the Middle Park Stakes, will be carrying a weight allowance against his rivals, giving him a tactical edge. The race should provide a good indicator of which three‑year‑olds are in form heading into the summer’s top sprint contests.
Charlie Appleby’s three‑year‑old, fresh from a spirited Group One win at Newmarket earlier in the season, will line up under the experienced hands of William Buick. After a strong 2025 campaign, this horse is expected to be the one to beat in the Commonwealth Cup trial and could be a future classic contender. Aidan O’Brien will have his own representative in Brussels, who is positioned just three‑quarters of a length behind the favorite. Ridden by Ryan Moore, Brussels is a solid place‑bet and could capitalize on any mishap among the front‑runners.
Coppull, the Group Two Richmond Stakes victor at Goodwood, finished a short head behind Brussels at Newmarket and is now targeting the trial under the guidance of Clive Cox. Having taken the Richmond Stakes with Jasour in 2024, Cox rates Coppull as a major player, especially with Rossa Ryan aboard. For fans who want to stay updated on the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories, the Sky Sports Racing app provides real‑time coverage and alerts. It’s the easiest way to keep track of all the action on the day.
The Listed Paradise Stakes will feature an open field of eight, with Remmooz, Jonquil, and Rashabar among the leading contenders. 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 most recently secured a Listed win at Newbury by out‑pacing Volterra. The step up to a mile could unlock further improvement.
Jonquil, after a challenging return to form that included a narrow miss in the French Guineas a year ago, has been assigned several tough handicaps since his Greenham victory. A disappointing run in Abu Dhabi in February has left his connections eager for a rebound, and they will be hoping Colin Keane can extract a better performance. Rashabar, who finished second to Jonquil in the Greenham, endured a frustrating 2025 campaign but showed flashes of ability on multiple occasions.
Dropping back to a mile distance for the Paradise Stakes could suit his running style and give him a chance to secure a valuable win. Additional race cards for the day include: - 2:00 pm Ascot – A two‑year‑old trial featuring Brocklesby winner A Bear Affair and runner‑up Dance A Jig, who will face debutante Adaay Of Scarlett.
- 4:55 pm Ascot – A three‑year‑old heat where So Regal could provide an exciting prospect for the Gosden‑Moore partnership. - 5:30 pm Ascot – A strong 0‑95 handicap with multiple contenders such as Greek Order, Dosman, and Angel Hunter, while Saytarr aims for a four‑horse finish. - Churchill Downs – Grade One Kentucky Oaks and Ashland Stakes featuring a one‑two finish for Percy's Bar and Zany.
- 11:56 pm Churchill Downs – Grade One La Troienne Stakes. - 2:50 pm Saint‑Cloud – Group Two Prix du Muguet with Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven among a solid field. - 3:25 pm Saint‑Cloud – An excellent Group Three over a mile and a quarter, where Juddmonte filly Sunly returns for trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. - 5:53 pm Newcastle – The last‑time winner The Cursor will have obvious claims.
- 6:30 pm Newcastle – Haggas‑trained runner Eklleem looks to improve, while well‑bred Eljowhary makes his debut. Overall, Friday’s program offers a blend of seasoned stayers, emerging sprinters, and promising juveniles, providing plenty of storylines for racing enthusiasts. Whether you are tracking the Sagaro Stakes for a glimpse of next season’s Gold Cup contenders or following the younger talent in the Commonwealth Cup trial, the day promises excitement across multiple venues.
Stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage, expert analysis, and post‑race interviews that will keep you informed of every development on the track.