Coppull once again proved he belongs among the elite at Royal Ascot, delivering a dominant performance in the Commonwealth Cup trial at Ascot on Friday. The Bated Breath colt, who previously captured the Richmond Stakes as a two‑year‑old and later secured a respectable third place in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, showed he has progressed dramatically since his juvenile season. In the trial over the Rowley Mile, Coppell turned the tables on his rivals. After settling behind the early leader Ghost Mode, he launched a decisive challenge, overtaking the front‑runner and then accelerating again to repel a late surge from the 66‑to‑1 outsider Midnight Tango, ridden by Ed Walker.
The finish was a tight neck‑length victory for jockey Rossa Ryan, with the impressive Division finishing a further length back in third place. The win came at odds of 7‑2, and bookmakers have already trimmed his price to 12‑1 for the upcoming Commonwealth Cup at the summer Royal Ascot meeting—a race trainer Mark Cox has previously won with Golden Horde.
Before that, Cox may opt to give the colt a run in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock on May 23, a logical stepping‑stone that would keep Coppell sharp ahead of the festival. Cox, who also claimed the Sandy Lane with Jasour two years ago, praised his charge after the trial: “That was a fantastic run and a perfect way to start the year. He was very pleasing last season, especially his Richmond Stakes win at Goodwood. We took a sideways step in the Prix Morny, but finishing strongly in the Middle Park was encouraging.” He added that Coppell has matured over the winter: “He hasn’t grown much in height, but he’s become much stronger and more mentally settled.
I was impressed by how he quickened twice, idling briefly before picking up again. He fought back well and I’m extremely proud of him.” Cox believes the Sandy Lane is a sensible next target: “It’s a real possibility and a logical lead‑up to the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot.” He also noted that Coppell’s spring form has been solid and expects the colt to improve further as the season progresses. In other news from the meeting, Sweet William 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, remains a stalwart of the long‑distance division, having already added a second Doncaster Cup victory to his résumé and a runner‑up finish to stablemate Trawlerman on British Champions Day. Sent off as the 5‑6 favourite for his comeback, Sweet William was expertly ridden by Robert Havlin, who guided the gelding to a short‑head win and secured his place back at the Royal meeting in June.
Gosden praised the veteran: “He’s a smashing horse, a year older but still full of enthusiasm. He loves to keep you guessing, and after two miles round the course he gave a fantastic performance. Robert knows him like his own child and rode him brilliantly, staying in front when it mattered most.” The gelding’s odds have been cut to 12‑1 for the 2024 Gold Cup after a solid third‑place finish last year and a fourth place in the previous Gold Cup. While the Gold Cup remains his primary aim for the summer, connections have not ruled out an additional run before then.
Gosden explained the plan: “We’ll see how he comes out of this race. The natural step is to aim for the Gold Cup, but there are other options we’ll discuss with his owner, Mrs Philippa Cooper.
He’s a character who enjoys both home life and racing.” Meanwhile, the runner‑up from the Sagaro Stakes, a Group One winner praised by trainer George Scott, is also targeting the Gold Cup. Scott is eager to give the horse another run in France at the Group One Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at Longchamp on May 21, the same venue where the colt claimed his Prix du Cadran victory last autumn.
“It was an unbelievable run, a career‑best effort while giving away weight, and the perfect trial for the Gold Cup,” Scott said. He added, “We know he stays two‑and‑a‑half miles easily. He gave 2lb at the finish, which is a lot over that distance.
We’re looking forward to June; he stays so well, though it was disappointing to be beaten on the day. He’ll head to France for the Vicomtesse Vigier and loves his racing. He was a bit difficult to saddle today, like a bear, but he’s an amazing, tough horse and I can’t wait to see him back here in a Gold Cup on level weights.” These performances underscore the depth of talent heading into the Royal Ascot festival, with both sprinters and stayers showing promising form in their respective trials. The upcoming Commonwealth Cup, Sandy Lane, and Gold Cup will provide further opportunities for these horses to cement their status among the season’s top performers.