Coppull once again proved his Royal Ascot pedigree by dominating the Commonwealth Cup Trial at Ascot on Friday, leaving his rivals far behind. The colt, a son of Bated Breath, first made a name for himself by winning the Richmond Stakes as a two‑year‑old and later capping his juvenile campaign with a respectable third place in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. In the trial, he turned the tables on his competitors on the Rowley Mile, initially pursuing the front‑running Ghost Mode before accelerating again to fend off a fast‑finishing outsider, Midnight Tango, at 66‑1 odds. Rossa Ryan guided him home by a neck, with the strikingly fast Division finishing a further neck behind in third.
Having secured the win at odds of 7‑2, bookmakers have already cut Coppell’s price to 12‑1 for the Commonwealth Cup itself, a race his trainer Mark Cox has previously won with Golden Horde. Before targeting the Group One sprint at Royal Ascot, Cox is considering a run in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock on May 23, describing the trial as an "excellent start to the year" for the young horse. Cox, who also claimed the Sandy Lane two years ago with Jasour, praised Coppell’s development, noting that while the colt hasn’t grown much in height over the winter, he has become significantly stronger and more mature mentally.
"I was really impressed by how he quickened twice in the race after a brief lull," Cox said. "He fought back well, and I’m extremely proud of his effort. We’ve had a solid spring so far, and I expect him to improve further as the season progresses. The Sandy Lane is a logical stepping stone before we bring him back to Ascot for the Commonwealth Cup." In other news from the meeting, Sweet William demonstrated that he remains a formidable force in the staying division by narrowly defeating Caballo De Mar in a thrilling finish to the Longines Sagaro Stakes.
The seven‑year‑old, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been a stalwart of long‑distance racing, having added a second Doncaster Cup win to his record in 2025 and finishing a close second to stablemate Trawlerman on British Champions Day. Sent off as the 5‑6 favourite, Sweet William was ridden expertly by Robert Havlin, who held on by a short head to secure the win and a place at the Royal meeting in June. Thady Gosden lauded the gelding, saying, "He’s a smashing horse, a year older but still full of enthusiasm.
He loves to keep you guessing, and after two miles round the course he was still keen to give a good blow. Rab gave him a fantastic ride and knows him like his own child; it was a superb performance." Looking ahead, Sweet William’s connections have cut his odds to 12‑1 for the 2024 Gold Cup after a strong showing in the 2023 edition, where he finished third, and a fourth‑place finish in the Gold Cup last year.
While the Gold Cup remains the primary target for the summer, the Gosdens have not ruled out an additional run before then, stating they will discuss the best plan with owner Mrs Philippa Cooper. Another contender for the Gold Cup, the runner‑up in the Sagaro, received praise from trainer George Scott, who highlighted the horse’s continued improvement and ability to carry weight. The horse is set to race in France at the Group One Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at Longchamp on May 21, a race that will serve as a final preparation before the Royal Ascot appearance. Scott commented, "It was an unbelievable run, a career‑best performance giving weight away all round, and the perfect trial for the Gold Cup.
He stays two‑and‑a‑half miles effortlessly, and although he was beaten on the day, he showed tremendous heart. He’ll go to France for the Vigier, and I can’t wait to see him back here in a Gold Cup on level weights." Overall, Trials Day delivered a clear signal of form for several top‑class horses heading into the summer campaign. Coppell’s impressive sprinting display, Sweet William’s gritty stayers’ battle, and the promising form of the French‑bound runner‑up all set the stage for an exciting Royal Ascot meeting, where the Commonwealth Cup and Gold Cup will provide the ultimate tests for these emerging and established stars.