16:15 Royal Ascot

Thursday 18 June 2026

All14:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:3518:10

Gold Cup (Group 1)

Off time: 16:19 | Winning time: 4m 18.53s

(1)

Al Nayyir^p³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 9-4| J: James Doyle| T: Tom Clover| OR: 113

125/1

Evergreen 8-y-o who gained a first win at pattern level in the Nad Al Sheba Trophy at Meydan in February. Ran up to his recent best when 2¼ lengths second of 7 to Rahiebb in Yorkshire Cup (1¾m, good) last month, though proved no match for that rival and faces an even stiffer task here.

Form: 323-132

(8)

Al Riffa^p²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: Dylan Browne McMonagle| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 120| BF

8/1

Very smart 6-y-o who recorded a brace of authoritative wins at the Curragh in 2025, including the Group 1 Irish St Leger. Shaped well when neck third to Caballo De Mar in Group 1 at Longchamp latest, left poorly placed in a falsely-run affair, and has solid place prospects if his stamina holds up.

Form: 1174-63

(11)

Caballo De Mar^p²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Oisin Murphy| T: George Scott| OR: 115| D

7/1

Enjoyed a coming-of-age season in 2025, the last of his 6 wins coming in the Group 1 Prix du Cadran (2½m) at Longchamp. Has shown himself to be better than ever this season, though did have the benefit of a good position when winning a falsely-run Group 1 at Longchamp (15.4f) latest.

Form: 117-221

(5)

Dubai Future^p²¹

Age: 10| Weight: 9-4| J: David Probert| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 113| C

40/1

Veteran who was a creditable third in this race last year and showed he's still capable of smart form when just holding off Sweet William in 7-runner Henry II Stakes at Sandown (2m, good) 3 weeks ago. Had the benefit of a very good ride in a tactical affair, though, and looks vulnerable here.

Form: 366-841

(9)

Sweet William^v²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-4| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 117| BF| C

11/1

Smart and consistent stayer who again featured in the big cup races last season, winning the Doncaster Cup in September. As good as ever when narrow winner of Sagaro Stakes at Ascot on return and undone by the tactical nature of the Henry II Stakes at Sandown since. Has solid frame claims.

Form: 3212-12

(2)

Trawlerman^h²⁴³

Age: 8| Weight: 9-4| J: W Buick| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 121| CD

10/3

The dominant stayer around following the retirement of Kyprios, storming clear in last season's Ascot Gold Cup before adding to his tally in the Lonsdale Cup at York and Long Distance Cup at this venue. Has had an unusual eye condition that has kept him off the track but the one to beat even so.

Form: 3/51111-

(4)

Carmers^v²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Billy Lee| T: P Twomey| OR: 112| C

25/1

Smart colt who won Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot in 2025 and signed off with a good fifth in the St Leger at Doncaster. All the better for his reappearance fitted with a first-time visor when resuming winning ways in workmanlike fashion in 2m Down Royal listed event and seems likely to stay 2½m.

Form: 1125-51

(6)

Furthur²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Colin Keane| T: A M Balding| OR: 109

100/1

Runner-up to Carmers in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot last year and showed a fine turn of foot when landing the Geoffrey Freer at Newbury 2 starts later. However, has been below the pick of his 3-y-o form both starts this season and looks firmly up against it.

Form: 5160-46

(10)

Rahiebb³⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Ray Dawson| T: R Varian| OR: 116

8/1

Progressive in defeat last season after his winning debut at Newcastle, notably when just failing to reel in Scandinavia in St Leger at Doncaster final start. Notched a first pattern success in Yorkshire Cup (1¾m) on return and he's an interesting contender with the step up to 2½m worth exploring.

Form: 22342-1

(3)

Scandinavia^p³⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 117

11/8

Made up into a very smart performer in 2025, typically finding plenty when completing the hat-trick in St Leger at Doncaster. Also successful both starts this season, including Leopardstown Group 3 last time and gives the impression this step up to 2½m won't be a problem. Big chance.

Form: 5111-11

(7)

Miss Alpilles²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: K Shoemark| T: E Walker| OR: 100

80/1

Progressed during second half of last season, winning Goodwood handicap before following up in 2m listed race at Newmarket, suited by step up in trip. Ran up to her best when placed in a pair of Group 3s this season but has masses to find at this level.

Form: 0211-32

Forecasts

Scandinavia (11/8), Trawlerman (10/3), Caballo De Mar (7/1), Al Riffa (8/1), Rahiebb (8/1), Sweet William (11/1), Carmers (25/1), Dubai Future (40/1), Miss Alpilles (80/1), Furthur (100/1), Al Nayyir (125/1)

SCANDINAVIA had to dig a bit deeper than might have been expected to land the odds in a Group 3 at Leopardstown last time, but he again left the impression he was just dossing in front and looks the natural successor to Trawlerman on the staying scene, the latter having reportedly had an interrupted preparation owing to an unusual eye condition. Rahiebb is another fascinating up-and-coming type who warrants plenty of respect.