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 a high‑profile renewal of the Longines Sagaro Stakes, the traditional Gold Cup trial, where the seasoned Sweet William squares off against the talented Caballo De Mar in a nine‑horse field.
Sweet William, trained by the Gosden brothers, John and Thady, has proven himself to be a durable stayer. Last season he added a second Doncaster Cup to his résumé and then chased the winner, Trawlerman, at Ascor. That consistency makes him the market favourite for the Sagaro, although the race will be his first start after a lengthy break, which could leave him vulnerable to a well‑timed challenge.
Caballo De Mar, campaigned by George Scott, arrives in peak condition after finishing a close second in the Dubai Gold Cup just 34 days earlier. The horse also boasts a Group One victory in the Prix du Cadran, a triumph that still carries a Group One penalty in the current form book.
The combination of recent race fitness and proven staying ability means Caballo De Mar should be regarded as a serious threat to Sweet William’s dominance. Also worth watching are Tabletalk and Tarriance, two runners whose performances at Meydan suggest they possess the stamina required for extended trips, yet they have not yet been tested over the longer distances typical of British staying races. Their untested status adds an element of intrigue to the field.
The day’s programme continues with a competitive Group Three Commonwealth Cup Trial. Wise Approach, the recent Middle Park victor, will be carrying a weight penalty and will need to give away weight to his rivals. Despite the extra burden, Wise Approach’s class should keep him in contention.
Charlie Appleby’s three‑year‑old, fresh from a hard‑won Group One win at Newmarket, will be ridden by William Buick. The colt finished the 2025 season on a high note and is expected to be the horse to beat in this sprint‑type trial. Aidan O’Brien will field Brussels, who sits a three‑quarters of a length behind the favourite and offers a reliable place bet under the guidance of Ryan Moore. Brussels has shown consistency at the top level and should be a factor in the finish.
Coppull, the Group Two Richmond Stakes winner at Goodwood, was a short head behind Brussels at Newmarket. Trained by Clive Cox, who also guided Jasour to a Group Two victory in 2024, Coppull is rated highly by the stable and will be partnered with Rossa Ryan. The Listed Paradise Stakes provides an open contest for stayers, featuring Remmooz, Jonquil and Rashabar among eight entries. Remmooz, trained by Owen Burrows, has been a consistent performer, winning four of six starts last summer and finishing fourth in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot in June.
His recent victory over Volterra in Listed company at Newbury suggests he could thrive when stepped up to a mile. Jonquil, after a series of tough assignments since winning the Greenham Stakes on his return last spring, narrowly missed a Group One triumph in the French Guineas a year ago. A disappointing run in Abu Dhabi in February has left his connections hoping for a rebound under jockey Colin Keane.
Rashabar, who finished second to Jonquil in the Greenham, endured a frustrating 2025 campaign but displayed moments of quality. Dropping back to a mile may suit his speed‑stamina blend and could see him improve his placing.
The card also includes a two‑year‑old trial at Ascot featuring Brocklesby winners A Bear Affair and Dance A Jig, who will face debutant Adaay Of Scarlett. A three‑year‑old heat later in the day could see So Regal provide an exciting prospect for the Gosden‑Moore partnership. A strong 0‑95 race follows, with Greek Order, Dosman and Angel Hunter among the contenders, while Saytarr aims for a four‑horse sweep.
Across the Atlantic, the Grade One Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs will see the Ashland Stakes top finishers Percy’s Bar and Zany clash once more, while the La Troienne Stakes also offers Grade One action. In France, the Group Two Prix du Muguet at Saint‑Cloud will feature Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven in a respectable 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’s card includes a race where former winner The Cursor will have obvious claims, and a later contest sees Haggas‑trained Eklleem looking to improve, while well‑bred Eljowhary makes his debut.
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