Coppull once again proved his class at Royal Ascot by dominating the Commonwealth Cup trial at Ascot on Friday, showcasing the kind of speed and stamina that mark a true Group One contender. The colt, a son of Bated Breath, first came to prominence when he captured the Richmond Stakes as a two‑year‑old, then capped that early season with a respectable third place in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket later in the autumn. Those performances hinted at his potential, but his recent display at the Rowley Mile left no doubt that he belongs among the elite sprinters.
In the trial, Coppell broke away from the pack early, chasing down the early leader Ghost Mode with a smooth, powerful stride. After overtaking the front‑runner, he settled briefly before accelerating again to fend off a late surge from the 66‑to‑1 outsider Midnight Tango, ridden by Ed Walker. The finish was a classic neck‑to‑neck battle, with Rossa Ryan guiding Coppull across the line just ahead of the high‑profile Division, who settled for third. The victory came at odds of 7‑2, and bookmakers promptly cut his price to 12‑1 for the upcoming Commonwealth Cup at the summer Royal Ascot meeting—a race trainer Tom Cox has previously won with Golden Horde.
Cox, who also claimed the Sandy Lane Stakes two years ago with Jasour, praised Coppull’s performance, saying, "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 that Coppull had wintered well, gaining strength and mental maturity despite not growing much taller.
"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," Cox continued.
"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." Looking ahead, Coppull may contest the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock on 23 May, a race that would serve as a valuable stepping stone before the summer’s premier sprint contest. The trainer believes the distance and conditions will suit the colt’s developing profile, offering a chance to sharpen his turn of foot while testing his resilience against a broader field.
In other news from the Ascot meeting, Sweet William demonstrated his enduring staying ability 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, has been a stalwart of the staying division for several seasons, having secured a second Doncaster Cup victory in 2025 and a runner‑up finish to stablemate Trawlerman on British Champions Day. Sent off as the 5‑6 favourite, Sweet William was ridden expertly by Robert Havlin, who guided him to a short‑head win and secured his place back at the Berkshire track for the Royal meeting in June. Thady Gosden commented on the gelding’s performance, noting, "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." Sweet William’s odds have been cut to 12‑1 from 16‑1 after his recent triumph, reflecting his status as a serious contender for the Gold Cup later in the season. While his connections have not ruled out an additional run before the Cup, the primary objective remains the prestigious two‑and‑a‑half‑mile contest at Royal Ascot. 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." Meanwhile, the runner‑up from the Sagaro Stakes, a Group One winner under trainer George Scott, has also secured a spot in the Gold Cup field. Scott expressed delight at his horse’s progress, noting the colt’s willingness to give weight throughout the season and highlighting an upcoming campaign in France. The horse will travel to Longchamp for the Group One Prix Vicomtesse Vigier on 21 May, a race that serves as a perfect preparation for the stamina test at Ascot.
Scott said, "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 underscore a busy and exciting period for British flat racing, with several high‑profile horses positioning themselves for the summer’s marquee events. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling contests, strategic placements, and the emergence of new talent ready to challenge established champions. The combination of seasoned stayers like Sweet William and rising sprinters such as Coppull adds depth to the racing calendar, promising memorable moments for enthusiasts and bettors alike.