16:20 Royal Ascot

Thursday 19 June 2025

All14:3015:0515:4016:2017:0017:3518:10

Gold Cup (Group 1)

Off time: 16:20 | Winning time: 4m 15.02s

(6)

Coltrane^p²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-4| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 112| BF| CD

33/1

A regular in the staying contests here, landing the 2022 Ascot Stakes, second in this the following year and winning the Sagaro last season. Solid seconds this term, comfortably no match for Trawlerman at Sandown 3 weeks ago. Place claims again.

Form: 5643-22

(5)

Dubai Future^p,h1²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 9-4| J: James McDonald| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 116| C

28/1

Won the 2022 Wolferton and made a most remarkable return to the track at Meydan this year, winning twice. Shaped as if amiss on first start in Europe since September 2022 at Longchamp last month, however. Hood goes on. Bit to find up in trip.

Form: 204/119

(8)

Sweet William^v³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 116

7/1

Very smart stayer, winning the Sagaro here and Doncaster Cup (2¼m) last season. Inadequate test in the Yorkshire Cup on return 5 weeks ago and sure to have come on for that. Third in this last season and could better that.

Form: 13212-3

(2)

Trawlerman^h²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-4| J: W Buick| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 118| C

85/40

Made up into a very smart stayer in 2023, landing the Long Distance Cup, and having chased home the mighty Kyprios in this race and that one last season, he resumed winning ways in the Henry II at Sandown 3 weeks ago, slamming Coltrane. Solid claims.

Form: 1/323-51

(3)

Wonder Legend⁶²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J Ferguson| OR: 108

50/1

Been in fine form on AW, drawing clear in good 2m Newcastle handicap on Good Friday. No reason why he won't transfer progress back to turf and a stayer to be positive about, but this is a massive step up.

Form: 231-211

(7)

Yashin^t⁵⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: Callum Shepherd| T: M L W Bell| OR: 106| C

50/1

Goes well fresh and, following another breathing op ahead of return for new yard (also in first-time tongue strap/visor discarded), proved at least as good as ever when seeing off Coltrane in 4-runner Sagaro here 7 weeks ago, displaying a superior turn of speed. Should stay but this is much tougher.

Form: 33006-1

(4)

Candelari^t1²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: M Barzalona| T: F Graffard| OR: 118| BF

5/2

Progressive French challenger perhaps unfortunate not to remain unbeaten, showing a fine turn of foot as he landed Group 1 at Longchamp (15.5f) last month. Longer trip will suit and he's clearly of interest.

Form: 1-1131

(1)

Illinois⁴²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 116| C

9/4

Won the Queen's Vase last season and chasing a hat-trick after victories in 15f Longchamp Group 2 and the Ormonde at Chester. No doubt he'll stay this sort of trip and this really likeable sort looks a great substitute for retired stablemate Kyprios.

Form: 12221-1

Forecasts

Trawlerman (85/40), Illinois (9/4), Candelari (5/2), Sweet William (7/1), Dubai Future (28/1), Coltrane (33/1), Yashin (50/1), Wonder Legend (50/1)

The retirement of Kyprios has blown this race wide open and that could pave the way for TRAWLERMAN, who pushed him very close 12 months ago, to make the breakthrough at the top level. He impressed when making all at Sandown last month, his first victory since the 2023 Long Distance Cup here, and seems sure to give a good account. Illinois has some big shoes to fill replacing Kyprios but could easily be up to the task. French raider Candelari is 4-5 and improving and can go well.