The upcoming Friday promises a jam-packed schedule of flat racing, with action streaming live from both Ascot and Newcastle on Sky Sports Racing. Among the highlights is the much‑anticipated renewal of the Longines Sagaro Stakes, a key trial for the Gold Cup. The race will feature a nine‑horse field headlined by the seasoned Sweet William and the promising Caballo De Mar, setting the stage for a compelling showdown over the staying distance.
Sweet William, trained by the brother‑duo John and Thady Gosden, entered the previous season with a string of impressive performances. He secured a second victory in the Doncaster Cup, reaffirming his staying prowess, and later chased down the high‑profile Trawlerman at Ascot.
Those achievements have made him the market favourite for the Sagaro Stakes. However, this will be Sweet William’s first start after a relatively long spell, and the extended lay‑off could expose a touch of vulnerability that rivals will be eager to exploit. On the opposite side of the scale is Caballo De Mar, a horse conditioned by George Scott.
Caballo De Mar arrives at Ascot with fresh race fitness, having finished a close second in the Dubai Gold Cup just 34 days earlier. His résumé also includes a victory in last season’s prestigious Prix du Cadran, a Group One triumph that earned him a weight penalty for the Sagaro Stakes. Despite that added weight, his recent form and proven ability over long trips make him a serious threat to the favourite. Also worth watching are Tabletalk and Tarriance, both of whom have shown consistent performances on the Meydan surface.
Their staying credentials remain largely untested beyond that context, and the Ascot test could reveal new dimensions to their capabilities. The race therefore promises a competitive mix of proven stayers and those looking to prove themselves at the highest level.
In the Group Three Commonwealth Cup Trial, the field includes the Middle Park victor Wise Approach, who will be giving away weight to his rivals. The weight concession adds an extra tactical element, as Wise Approach will need to overcome the handicap imposed by the conditions.
Charlie Appleby’s three‑year‑old, fresh from a spirited win in the Newmarket Group One, is also in the mix and is expected to be the horse to beat under the experienced hands of William Buick. Aidan O'Brien’s Brussels, who finished just three‑quarters of a length behind the favourite in a recent contest, is positioned as a solid place‑bet with Ryan Moore aboard. The horse’s consistency and the top‑class training he receives make him a reliable option for punters seeking a safe return. Coppull, the Group Two Richmond Stakes winner at Goodwood, was narrowly beaten by Brussels at Newmarket, losing by a short head.
Trained by Clive Cox, who previously guided Jasour to victory in the same race in 2024, Coppull is expected to be a major factor in the race, especially with Rossa Ryan in the saddle. Beyond the main events, the Listed Paradise Stakes offers an open field that includes Remmooz, Jonquil and Rashabar among eight contenders. 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. His recent victory over Volterra in a Listed race at Newbury suggests he could thrive when stretched out to a mile.
Jonquil, who captured the Greenham Stakes on his return last spring, has faced a series of tough assignments since then. He narrowly missed a Group One win in the French Guineas a year ago and was disappointing in Abu Dhabi in February. Nevertheless, under the guidance of Colin Keane, Jonquil will be looking to rebound and prove his class.
Rashabar, who finished second to Jonquil in the Greenham, endured a frustrating 2025 campaign but showed flashes of ability on several occasions. Dropping back to a mile may suit him well and could result in a strong performance.
The program also includes a two‑year‑old trial at Ascot, where Brocklesby‑placed A Bear Affair and Dance A Jig will face debut winner Adaay Of Scarlett at 2:00. Later, at 4:55, a three‑year‑old heat will see So Regal potentially delivering an exciting performance for the Gosden‑Moore partnership. At 5:30, a strong 0‑95 race will feature multiple contenders such as Greek Order, Dosman and Angel Hunter, with Saytarr aiming for a four‑horse finish.
Internationally, the Grade One Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs will showcase the Ashland Stakes top‑two finishers Percy's Bar and Zany in a renewed clash. The La Troienne Stakes, also a Grade One event at Churchill Downs, will follow later in the day.
In France, the Group Two Prix du Muguet at Saint‑Cloud will see Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven among a solid field, while the Group Three over a mile and a quarter will feature Juddmonte filly Sunly under trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. Back in England, Newcastle will host a race at 5:53 where last‑time winner The Cursor is expected to have strong claims, and at 6:30, Haggas‑trained Eklleem will aim to improve on his previous effort, while well‑bred Eljowhary makes his debut. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports Racing offers a constant stream of racing news, interviews and feature stories, all accessible via mobile devices.
Whether you are tracking the progress of seasoned stayers like Sweet William, scouting emerging talent such as Caballo De Mar, or following the broader programme of Group and Listed races across the UK and abroad, the day promises a rich tapestry of equine competition and storytelling.