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 Gold Cup trial, the Longines Sagaro Stakes, where the seasoned Sweet William will square off against the talented Caballo De Mar in a nine‑horse field.
Sweet William, trained by the brother‑duo John and Thady Gosden, enjoyed a commendable campaign last season, adding a second Doncaster Cup victory to his résumé before finishing a close second to Trawlerman at Ascus. That recent form makes him the logical favourite for the Sagaro Stakes, although it will be his first run in a while, which could expose any rust that may have settled during his lay‑off.
On the other side of the gate sits Caballo De Mar, a horse that has already demonstrated race‑fit form by finishing runner‑up in the Dubai Gold Cup just 34 days ago. The colt also boasts a win in last season's Prix du Cadran, a Group One triumph that earned him a penalty but also cemented his reputation as a top‑class stayer. Trainer George Scott will be hoping the recent trip to Dubai has left the horse sharp and ready to challenge the older Sweet William. Also worth watching are Tabletalk and Tarriance, two horses whose performances at Meydan have been closely matched.
Neither has yet been tested over extended staying distances, so the Sagaro Stakes could provide the first real indication of their stamina. Their relative anonymity adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already competitive contest. The day also features a Group Three Commonwealth Cup trial that should produce a thrilling sprint showdown.
Wise Approach, the recent Middle Park victor, will be carrying a weight penalty, meaning he will be giving weight to his rivals. The added burden could make the race a true test of his class and speed. Charlie Appleby’s three‑year‑old, fresh off a spirited win in the Newmarket Group One, will line up under the experienced hands of William Buick. The colt finished a strong 2025 campaign and is expected to be the one to beat in this sprint contest, with his recent form suggesting he can handle the pressure of a high‑stakes trial.
Aidan O'Brien’s Brussels, who finished just three‑quarters of a length behind the favourite in his last outing, will be guided by Ryan Moore. The combination of O'Brien’s training acumen and Moore’s riding expertise makes Brussels a solid place bet, especially given his demonstrated ability to stay close to the pace.
Coppull, the Group Two Richmond Stakes winner at Goodwood, was a short head away from Brussels at Newmarket. Trained by Clive Cox, who also claimed the 2024 prize with Jasour, Coppull is rated as a major player under the reins of Rossa Ryan.
His recent near‑miss suggests he has the class to challenge for the top spot. Beyond the main events, the Listed Paradise Stakes offers an open field with eight runners, including Remmooz, Jonquil and Rashabar. 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 win over Volterra in Listed company at Newbury shows he can handle a step up in class, and the mile distance may allow him to further showcase his improvement. Jonquil, who captured the Greenham Stakes on his return last spring, has since been tasked with some demanding assignments. He narrowly missed a Group One victory in the French Guineas a year ago and disappointed in Abu Dhabi in February.
Under Colin Keane, Jonquil will be looking to rebound and prove that his earlier form was no fluke. Rashabar, who was 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 could suit his speed profile, and he may be the dark horse of the day. The card also includes a two‑year‑old trial at Ascot featuring Brocklesby’s top finishers, A Bear Affair and Dance A Jig, who will be joined by debut winner Adaay Of Scarlett.
A three‑year‑old heat later in the day gives So Regal a chance to impress the Gosden‑Moore partnership, while a strong 0‑95 race sees Greek Order, Dosman and Angel Hunter all in contention, with Saytarr aiming for a quartet of wins. Internationally, the Grade One Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs will showcase the Ashland Stakes one‑two finish of Percy's Bar and Zany, while the La Troienne Stakes also at Churchill Downs offers another top‑level contest. In France, the Group Two Prix du Muguet at Saint‑Cloud features Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven among a solid field, and a Group Three over a mile and a quarter will see Juddmonte filly Sunly return under Francis‑Henri Graffard. Back in England, Newcastle’s programme includes a race where last‑time winner The Cursor will have clear claims, and a later start sees Haggas‑trained Eklleem looking to improve, while well‑bred Eljowhary makes his debut.
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