Coppull once again proved why he belongs among the elite at Royal Ascot, delivering a dominant performance in the Commonwealth Cup trial at Ascot on Friday. The offspring of Bated Breath, who had previously captured 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. After settling behind the early leader Ghost Mode, Coppell accelerated, overtaking the front‑runner and then re‑accelerating to fend off a late surge from the 66‑1 outsider Midnight Tango, ridden by Ed Walker.
The finish was a tight neck victory for jockey Rossa Ryan, with the strikingly fast Division holding on for third place. Coppell entered the race at 7‑2 odds, and his impressive display prompted bookmakers to shorten his price to 12‑1 for the upcoming Commonwealth Cup at the summer Royal Ascot meeting—a race trainer David Cox has previously won with Golden Horde. Before that, Cox is likely to aim the colt at the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock on May 23, a logical stepping‑stone that would give the three‑year‑old a further test over a similar distance.
Cox, who also secured victory in this race two years ago with Jasour, praised his charge: "That was fantastic and it was good to start the year off with him like that. He was very pleasing last year and it was great to win the Richmond like he did at Goodwood.
We took a bit of a sideways step in the Prix Morny, but finishing off in the Middle Park as he did was really encouraging." He added further insight into Coppell's development: "He's wintered well, he hasn't grown a lot taller but he's got a lot stronger and matured mentally as well. I was really impressed with how he quickened twice there as he kind of idled a little bit but got going again. He battled back well and I'm really proud of him.
We've had a good spring with him, but he's bound to come forward for this and I'm pleased to see him start off like this. The Sandy Lane is a real possibility and a very logical step before coming back here for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot." In other news from the meeting, Sweet William demonstrated his staying power by holding off Caballo De Mar in a dramatic finish to the Longines Sagaro Stakes. The seven‑year‑old gelding, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been a stalwart of the staying division for several seasons.
After a successful 2025 campaign that included a second victory in the Doncaster Cup and a runner‑up finish to stablemate Trawlerman on British Champions Day, Sweet William was sent off as the 5‑6 favourite for his comeback run. Jockey Robert Havlin delivered a tight ride, guiding the horse to a short‑head win and securing his place at the upcoming Royal meeting in June. Thady Gosden spoke highly of his charge: "He's a smashing horse and he's a year older but still retains all his enthusiasm.
He's beaten a very good horse there and the front two have come a long way clear of the third. He's a horse who likes to keep you guessing so he was quite happy to stick his head up going up the straight and after two miles round there I think the jockey was having a good blow too afterwards. Rab gave him a fantastic ride and knows him like one of his own children at this point and it was a good performance.
He hit the front and was happy to stay there rather than go away from the second, but he was in front when it mattered at the line." Looking ahead, Sweet William's connections have already cut his odds to 12‑1 for the 2024 Gold Cup after a strong fourth‑place finish in last year's edition. While the Gold Cup remains the primary target for the summer, the team has not ruled out an additional run before the championship race. Gosden added: "We'll see how he comes out of it and the natural thing would be to wait for the Gold Cup, but there are other options beforehand.
We'll discuss it with his owner Mrs Philippa Cooper and make a plan. He's a character and he certainly enjoys himself at home, but he also enjoys himself on track too." Another contender securing a spot in the Gold Cup is the runner‑up from the Sagaro Stakes.
Trainer George Scott expressed delight with his improving Group One winner, noting the horse gave weight away across the board in the recent contest. The colt will now head to France for the Group One Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at Longchamp on May 21, a race that serves as a perfect trial for the Gold Cup after his previous victory in the Prix du Cadran last autumn.
Scott commented: "It was an unbelievable run and a career best giving weight away all round and the perfect trial for the Gold Cup. We know he stays two-and-a-half miles and he was coming back at the winner at the line there giving him 2lb which is a lot over two miles.
We're looking forward to June now and he stays so well but for now it's just disappointing he was beaten on the day. He'll go to France for the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier and he loves his racing. He was too fresh today, he was like a bear today when trying to saddle him, I couldn't get it on him.
He's an amazing, tough horse and I can't wait to see him back here in a Gold Cup off level weights." These developments set the stage for an exciting Royal Ascot meeting, with Coppell, Sweet William, and the French‑trained contender all pointing toward a highly competitive Commonwealth Cup and Gold Cup. Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on Sky Sports Racing, ensuring they never miss a story from the sport's most prestigious festivals.