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 centerpiece of the day is the Longines Sagaro Stakes, a key trial for the Gold Cup, featuring a strong field of nine runners that includes the seasoned Sweet William and the promising Caballo De Mar. Sweet William, trained by the veteran duo John and Thady Gosden, has once again demonstrated his staying power. Last season he repeated his Doncaster Cup triumph and then gave a respectable chase to Trawlerman at Ascot.
Those performances have made him the market favourite for the Sagaro Stakes, although it will be his first run in a while, and that break could expose a touch of vulnerability. Still, his proven stamina and class over extended distances make him a formidable contender. On the opposite side of the gate sits Caballo De Mar, a horse owned by George Scott that arrives with recent race‑fit form.
He was runner‑up in the Dubai Gold Cup just 34 days ago, a performance that underscores his ability to handle top‑class competition. In addition, Caballo De Mar is the reigning Prix du Cadran winner, a Group One staying race that adds a further layer of credibility to his campaign, even though he carries a Group One penalty for his past success. Also worth watching are Tabletalk and Tarriance, both of which have shown similar form at Meydan and have yet to be tested over the longer staying trips that Ascot will demand. Their untested stamina could make them dark horses if they adapt well to the softer ground.
The day also offers a competitive Group Three Commonwealth Cup trial. Wise Approach, who earned a win in the Middle Park Stakes, will be carrying a weight concession across the board, giving him a tactical edge.
Meanwhile, Charlie Appleby’s three‑year‑old, fresh off a spirited victory in the Newmarket Group One, is expected to lead the charge under the experienced hands of William Buick. Appleby’s colt has finished the 2025 season on a high note and appears to be the horse to beat in this sprint‑type contest.
Aidan O'Brien will have his own contender in Brussels, who sits a three‑quarter length behind the favourite. With Ryan Moore aboard, Brussels is positioned as a solid place‑bet, offering a reliable option for punters looking for a safe return. In the Group Two Richmond Stakes, Coppull, who captured the title at Goodwood, was narrowly beaten by a short head by Brussels at Newmarket. Trainer Clive Cox, who previously guided Jasour to victory in the same race in 2024, rates Coppull as a major player, especially with Rossa Ryan in the saddle.
The Listed Paradise Stakes also presents an open field, featuring Remmooz, Jonquil and Rashabar among eight runners. Remmooz, trained 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 win came in Listed company at Newbury, where he held off Volterra. The step up to a mile could see him further sharpen his turn of foot.
Jonquil, meanwhile, has been assigned some tough handicaps since his return last spring, when he claimed the Greenham Stakes. He narrowly missed a Group One victory in the French Guineas a year ago and disappointed in a race in Abu Dhabi in February. Under Colin Keane, Jonquil will be looking to rebound and prove that he can still compete at the highest level.
Rashabar, who finished second to Jonquil in the Greenham, endured a frustrating 2025 campaign but showed flashes of ability on several occasions. Dropping him back to a mile could unlock his latent speed and give him a better platform to showcase his talent. Beyond the British meetings, the card includes several international fixtures. At Churchill Downs, the Grade One Kentucky Oaks will feature a repeat of the Ashland Stakes showdown between Percy's Bar and Zany.
Later that day, the La Troienne Stakes, another Grade One, will also be contested. In France, the Group Two Prix du Muguet at Saint‑Cloud sees Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven among a solid field, while the Group Three over a mile and a quarter will feature Juddmonte’s filly Sunly under the guidance of Francis‑Henri Graffard. Newcastle’s program includes a familiar face in The Cursor, a previous winner who will have several claims to make, and a hopeful run from Haggas‑trained Eklleem, who aims to improve on his previous effort. Additionally, well‑bred Eljowhary is set to make his debut, adding another layer of intrigue to the Newcastle card.
For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports Racing offers a suite of stories, interviews, and feature pieces that can be accessed on mobile devices. Whether you are tracking the progress of seasoned stayers like Sweet William, evaluating the rising talent of Caballo De Mar, or following the sprint specialists in the Commonwealth Cup trial, the day’s racing provides a rich tapestry of narratives and betting opportunities. The blend of proven Group winners, promising newcomers, and international contests ensures that the Royal Ascot Trials Day will be a memorable chapter in the flat‑racing calendar.