Friday promises a packed racing programme, with flat meetings at both Ascot and Newcastle being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the day is a high‑profile renewal of the Longines Sagaro Stakes, the traditional Gold Cup trial, where the seasoned Sweet William and the well‑regarded Caballo De Mar will lead a nine‑horse field.
Sweet William, trained by the veteran partnership of John and Thady Gosden, entered the season with a solid record, having captured his second Doncaster Cup last year and then finishing a close second to Trawlerman at Ascot. Those performances make him the logical favourite for the Sagaro Stakes, but it will be his first start after a relatively long break, and that could expose a touch of vulnerability.
Caballo De Mar, a product of George Scott’s stable, arrives with race‑fit credentials, having been runner‑up in the Dubai Gold Cup just 34 days earlier. He also boasts a Group One win in last season’s Prix du Cadran, although he carries a penalty for that success.
His recent form and proven stamina make him a genuine threat to the Gosden entry. Also worth watching are Tabletalk and Tarriance, two horses whose recent performances at Meydan suggest they are evenly matched and still untested over longer staying distances.
Their progress could be a key storyline as the race unfolds. The day also features a competitive Group Three Commonwealth Cup trial.
Wise Approach, the winner of the Middle Park Stakes, will be giving away weight to the rest of the field, a factor that could level the playing field and produce a surprise result. Charlie Appleby’s three‑year‑old, fresh from a spirited victory in the Newmarket Group One earlier this season, is another strong contender. Ridden by William Buick, the colt looks the one to beat in this contest.
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 race. With Ryan Moore aboard, Brussels is a solid place bet and could capitalize on any opening that appears. Coppull, the Group Two Richmond Stakes winner at Goodwood, was a short head behind Brussels at Newmarket.
Trained by Clive Cox, who also guided Jasour to Group Two success in 2024, Coppull is highly regarded and will be given a strong ride by Rossa Ryan. For those who prefer to stay updated on the go, Sky Sports Racing offers a suite of news, interviews and feature stories that can be accessed via mobile devices, ensuring fans never miss a beat. The Listed Paradise Stakes presents an open contest over a mile, featuring Remmooz, Jonquil and Rashabar among eight entries.
Remmooz, trained by Owen Burrows, has been a consistent performer, winning four of six starts last summer and finishing fourth in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot in June. His recent win in a Listed race at Newbury, where he held off Volterra, suggests he could thrive when stretched out to a mile.
Jonquil, after a demanding campaign that included a Greenham win on his return 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 a ride from Colin Keane could spark a resurgence. 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 running style and could see him improve his form. Additional race cards for the day include a two‑year‑old trial at Ascot at 2:00 am, where Brocklesby’s top finishers A Bear Affair and Dance A Jig will meet the 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. The 5:30 am slot features a strong 0‑95 handicap with multiple contenders such as Greek Order, Dosman and Angel Hunter, while Saytarr aims for a four‑run win.
Across the Atlantic, the Grade One Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs will showcase the Ashland Stakes one‑two finish of Percy's Bar and Zany, followed by the La Troienne Stakes later in the day. In France, Saint‑Cloud hosts the Group Two Prix du Muguet at 2:50, where Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven joins a respectable field, and at 3:25 a Group Three over a mile and a quarter will see Juddmonte filly Sunly return under trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. Back in England, Newcastle’s 5:53 race will see last‑time winner The Cursor looking for another victory, while the 6:30 event offers Haggas‑trained Eklleem a chance to improve on his previous effort, with well‑bred Eljowhary making his debut.
Overall, Friday’s program delivers a rich tapestry of staying contests, juvenile trials, and top‑level Group races that should satisfy both casual fans and seasoned punters alike. The clash between Sweet William and Caballo De Mar in the Sagaro Stakes, in particular, promises to be a highlight, offering a tantalising preview of the upcoming Gold Cup and setting the tone for the rest of the Royal Ascot meeting.