Friday promises a packed programme of flat racing, with action coming from both Ascot and Newcastle and broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The highlight of the day is the long‑awaited renewal of the Gold Cup trial, the Longines Sagaro Stakes, where two seasoned stayers – Sweet William and Caballo De Mar – will clash in a nine‑horse field.
John and Thady Gosden’s veteran Sweet William arrives at the trial after a commendable campaign last season. The bay gelding secured his second Doncaster Cup victory and then went on to finish a close second to Trawlerman at Ascot.
That recent form makes him the logical favourite for the Sagaro Stakes, although the race will be his first start after a lengthy break, which could leave him vulnerable to a well‑timed challenge. Across the paddock, George Scott’s Caballo De Mar brings a different set of credentials. The horse is fresh from a runner‑up finish in the Dubai Gold Cup just 34 days ago, proving he still possesses the stamina and class required for top‑level staying contests.
In addition, Caballo De Mar earned a Group One win in the Prix du Cadran last season, albeit while carrying a penalty, so he remains a serious threat despite the weight disadvantage. Also worth watching are Tabletalk and Tarriance, both of whom have shown comparable form on the Meydan surface and have yet to be tested over true staying distances in Britain.
Their unexposed stamina could make them dark horses if the pace unfolds in their favour. The Group Three Commonwealth Cup trial offers a competitive field, highlighted by Wise Approach, the winner of the prestigious Middle Park Stakes, who will be giving away weight to his rivals. The weight concession could prove decisive in a race that is likely to be tightly contested.
Charlie Appleby’s three‑year‑old, fresh from a spirited victory in the Newmarket Group One, will line up under the experienced hands of William Buick. After a strong finish to his 2025 campaign, the colt is expected to be the one to beat in this sprint trial.
Aidan O’Brien will ride Brussels, who sits just three‑quarters of a length behind the favourite and presents a reliable place option for Ryan Moore. The horse’s consistency makes him a solid pick for punters looking for a safe return. Coppull, the Group Two Richmond Stakes winner at Goodwood, was a short head away from Brussels at Newmarket. Trained by Clive Cox, who also guided Jasour to victory in the same race last year, Coppull is rated highly and will be ridden by the talented Rossa Ryan.
The Listed Paradise Stakes at Ascot offers an open contest with eight runners, including Remmooz, Jonquil and Rashabar. Remmooz, trained by Owen Burrows, has shown steady improvement, winning four of six starts last summer and finishing fourth in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot in June.
His recent win in Listed company at Newbury, where he held off Volterra, suggests he could thrive over the mile distance. Jonquil, a Greenham Stakes winner, has been tasked with a series of tough assignments since his return last spring. He narrowly missed a Group One victory in the French Guineas a year ago and disappointed in Abu Dhabi in February.
Under Colin Keane, Jonquil will be looking to rediscover his best form. 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 produce a surprise performance.
The day also features a number of supporting races across the UK and abroad. At 2:00 at Ascot, a two‑year‑old trial will see Brocklesby winner A Bear Affair and Dance A Jig take on debutant Adaay Of Scarlett. At 4:55, a three‑year‑old heat offers So Regal as a potential highlight for the Gosden‑Moore partnership. The 5:30 slot presents a strong 0‑95 race with multiple contenders such as Greek Order, Dosman and Angel Hunter, while Saytarr aims for a four‑timer.
Across the Atlantic, the Grade One Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs will feature the Ashland Stakes one‑two finish of Percy's Bar and Zany, setting up a clash of top‑class fillies. Later, the Grade One La Troienne Stakes will also be contested at the same venue. In France, the Group Two Prix du Muguet at Saint‑Cloud at 2:50 will see Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven among a respectable field. At 3:25, a Group Three over a mile and a quarter will feature Juddmonte’s filly Sunly, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard.
Back in England, Newcastle’s 5:53 race will see last‑time winner The Cursor with clear claims, while the 6:30 event offers Haggas‑trained Eklleem a chance to improve on his previous effort. Additionally, well‑bred Eljowhary will make his debut, adding another point of interest for the day’s racing enthusiasts.
Overall, Friday’s programme provides a rich tapestry of storylines, from seasoned stayers testing their mettle in a Gold Cup trial to emerging juveniles and middle‑distance prospects seeking to make a mark. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.