Friday promises a packed programme of flat racing, with action streaming from both Ascot and Newcastle on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the day is a high‑profile renewal of the Longines Sagaro Stakes, the traditional Gold Cup trial, where the seasoned Sweet William will meet the talented Caballo De Mar in a nine‑horse contest. Sweet William, trained by the veteran duo John and Thady Gosden, entered last season in fine form, adding a second Doncaster Cup victory to his résumé before contesting the Ascot Gold Cup, where he was forced to chase the winner Trawlerman home. That recent record makes him the favourite for the Sagaro Stakes, but it will also be his first start after a lengthy spell, which could leave him vulnerable to a well‑conditioned rival.
Caballo De Mar, a product of George Scott’s stable, arrives at Ascot with fresh race‑fitness after finishing a close second in the Dubai Gold Cup just 34 days ago. He also carries the distinction of having won the prestigious Prix du Cadran last year, a Group One triumph that earned him a penalty in the current race. His recent form and proven staying ability suggest he could pose a serious challenge to Sweet William’s bid for dominance.
Also worth watching are Tabletalk and Tarriance, two horses whose performances at Meydan have been closely matched. Neither has yet been fully tested over extended staying distances, leaving their true capabilities still in the dark and making them intriguing outsiders.
The day also features a competitive Group Three Commonwealth Cup trial. Wise Approach, the recent Middle Park winner, will be carrying a weight concession across the board, giving him a tactical edge against his rivals. Charlie Appleby’s three‑year‑old, fresh off a spirited victory in the Newmarket Group One, will line up under the experienced hands of William Buick. After a strong finish to the 2025 campaign, the colt is expected to be the one to beat in this sprint contest.
Aidan O’Brien will have his hopes pinned on Brussels, who sits just three‑quarters of a length behind the favourite. Ridden by Ryan Moore, Brussels is considered a rock‑solid place bet and could profit from any trouble at the front. Coppull, the Group Two Richmond Stakes winner at Goodwood, was only a short head away from Brussels at Newmarket. Trained by Clive Cox, who guided Jasour to victory in the same race in 2024, Coppull is rated as a major player under the guidance of Rossa Ryan.
For those who prefer a broader view of racing news, Sky Sports Racing offers a constant stream of stories, interviews, and features that can be accessed on mobile devices. The platform ensures fans never miss a beat when it comes to the latest developments in the sport. Turning to the Listed Paradise Stakes, the field of eight includes Remmooz, Jonquil and Rashabar, each offering a different storyline. Remmooz, trained by Owen Burrows, has shown steady improvement, winning four of his six starts last summer.
He impressed when finishing fourth in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot in June and later demonstrated a turn of foot to beat Volterra in a Listed race at Newbury. The step up to a mile distance could unlock further progress for this promising youngster.
Jonquil, meanwhile, has been burdened with a series of tough assignments since capturing the Greenham Stakes on his return last spring. He narrowly missed a Group‑One triumph in the French Guineas a year ago and fell short in Abu Dhabi in February. Under the guidance of Colin Keane, Jonquil will be looking to rebound and prove his class at the mile distance. Rashabar, who finished second to Jonquil in the Greenham, endured a frustrating 2025 campaign but managed to produce creditable runs on several occasions.
Dropping back to a mile may suit his running style, and the connections will be hoping the shorter trip brings a resurgence. Additional highlights on the card include a two‑year‑old trial at Ascot where Brocklesby winner A Bear Affair will face off against Dance A Jig and debutant Adaay Of Scarlett. A three‑year‑old heat later in the day sees So Regal offering an exciting prospect for the Gosden‑Moore partnership.
A strong 0‑95 handicap will feature multiple contenders such as Greek Order, Dosman and Angel Hunter, with Saytarr aiming for a four‑run win. Internationally, the program extends to Churchill Downs, where the Grade One Kentucky Oaks will be contested, followed by the Ashland Stakes one‑two finish of Percy's Bar and Zany. The La Troienne Stakes, also a Grade One, will be run later at the same venue. In France, Saint‑Cloud hosts the Group Two Prix Du Muguet, where Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven will be among a solid field, and a Group Three over a mile and a quarter will see Juddmonte filly Sunly return under trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard.
Back in England, Newcastle offers a couple of intriguing runs: The Cursor, a previous winner, will have obvious claims at 2.50, while Haggas‑trained Eklleem looks to improve on his previous effort, and well‑bred Eljowhary will make his debut. Overall, the Royal Ascot Trials Day provides a rich tapestry of narratives—from seasoned stayers testing their stamina to emerging milers seeking to make a mark.
Whether you are a fan of classic distance battles or sprint‑type excitement, the day’s programme delivers a compelling mix that should satisfy every racing enthusiast.