Coppull proved his Royal Ascot quality on Friday when he left his rivals in the dust in the Commonwealth Cup Trial at Ascot. The progeny of Bated Breath, who had already taken the Richmond Stakes as a two‑year‑old and finished a respectable third in the Middle Park at Newmarket in the autumn, showed a marked improvement on the Rowley Mile.
In the race he turned the tables on the leaders. After chasing down the early‑pace setter Ghost Mode, Coppell accelerated a second time to fend off a late‑charging Midnight Tango, a 66‑1 outsider ridden by Ed Walker. The finish was a narrow neck, with Rossa Ryan guiding the colt home just ahead of the impressive Division, who settled a further length back in third place.
The win came at odds of 7‑2, and the price was subsequently trimmed to 12‑1 for the upcoming Commonwealth Cup at the summer meeting, a contest that trainer Tim "Cox" Cox has previously won with Golden Horde. Before targeting the Royal Ascot sprint, Cox is entertaining a run at Haydock in the Sandy Lane Stakes on 23 May, a logical stepping‑stone that would give the four‑year‑old a useful test against seasoned stayers. Speaking after the trial, Cox, who also claimed the Sandy Lane two years ago with Jasour, praised the colt’s performance: "That was fantastic and a great way to start the year.
He was a pleasure last season, especially when he won the Richmond at Goodwood. We tried a sideways step in the Prix Morny, and his strong finish in the Middle Park was very encouraging." He added, "He’s wintered well – he hasn’t grown much in height but he’s become significantly stronger and more mature mentally. I was impressed by how he quickened twice, settled for a short spell, then hit the accelerator again. He fought back admirably and I’m proud of what he’s shown." Cox also noted that the horse’s spring campaign has been encouraging, saying, "He’s bound to improve as the season progresses and I’m pleased to see him start the year like this.
The Sandy Lane is a realistic target and a sensible prep before we aim for the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot." The bulletin also highlighted another seasoned performer, Sweet William, who demonstrated his staying power by holding off 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 consistent presence in the staying division, having secured a second win in the Doncaster Cup in 2025 and a runner‑up spot to stablemate Trawlerman on British Champions Day. Ridden by Robert Havlin at odds of 5‑6, Sweet William eked out a short‑head victory, earning his ticket to the Royal meeting at Royal Ascot in June.
Thady Gosden commented, "He’s a smashing horse – a year older but still full of enthusiasm. He beat a very good field and the first two pulled well clear of the rest. He loves to keep you guessing, so he was happy to stretch his head up the straight and then settle again after two miles." Gosden also praised Havlin’s ride, noting the jockey knows the gelding "like his own child" and that the horse responded positively when asked to lead. The victory moved Sweet William’s odds for the upcoming Gold Cup to 12‑1, after being cut from 16‑1, reflecting his consistent form over the past two seasons where he finished third in 2024 and fourth in the previous Gold Cup.
Looking ahead, the Gosdens said they would evaluate the horse’s condition after the Sagaro before deciding on a schedule that could include a further prep run, but the primary aim remains the Gold Cup later in the summer. "We’ll discuss the plan with his owner, Mrs Philippa Cooper, and decide the best route. He’s a character who enjoys both home life and racing," they added. The article also mentioned the runner‑up from the Commonwealth Cup trial, whose owner George Scott expressed delight at the colt’s continued progression.
The horse, a Group One winner, is slated to travel to France for the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at Longchamp on 21 May, a race that serves as a valuable trial for the Gold Cup. Scott said, "It was an unbelievable run, a career‑best performance carrying weight all round, and a perfect test for the Cup. He stays two‑and‑a‑half miles easily and gave a strong effort even after conceding two pounds at the finish." Scott emphasized his confidence in the horse’s stamina and temperament, noting that despite a disappointing defeat on the day, the colt remains a top contender for the Gold Cup: "He loves racing, he’s a tough, amazing horse, and I can’t wait to see him back here at Ascot in a level‑weight Gold Cup." In summary, Coppoll’s dominant trial win, Sweet William’s gritty stay‑race victory, and the promising form of the trial runner‑up all point to an exciting summer of high‑class racing, with key targets at Ascot and beyond awaiting these talented thoroughbreds.