ASCOT GOLD CUP - RUNNERS AND RIDERS - CJRFANTASY

Wednesday, 18th June 2025 - The spotlight now shifts to Royal Ascot – the most prestigious and iconic meeting in British racing – where elegance and world-class sport unite in a spectacle like no other. At the heart of the five-day festival lies its crown jewel: the Ascot Gold Cup, taking place on Thursday 19^th June.

A race steeped in history and tradition, it stands as the ultimate test of stamina, covering a gruelling two-and-a-half miles. This is the pinnacle of the staying calendar – a race that demands not only physical toughness but also supreme class and unflinching courage. Some of the world’s finest long-distance thoroughbreds will step onto the grandest of stages, chasing glory before both Racing Royalty and Royalty alike, seeking to etch their names alongside the sport’s staying legends.

·      9. Illinois (10 XP) - Heads to the Ascot Gold Cup as one of the most exciting staying prospects in Europe, having stamped his class in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester. Aidan O'Brien’s colt, still unexposed over extreme distances, appears to be peaking at the right time.

·      4. Trawlerman (15 XP) – Godolphin’s first string, an established stayer who finished second in this last year to the recently retired Kyprios and certainly has a live chance of going one better this year.

·      7.Candelari (20 XP) – French raider who comes here off the back of a commanding win at Longchamp last month. The gelding has never run further than two miles though, so the step up in trip poses questions.

·      3.Sweet William (30 XP) – Consistent performer for the John and Thady Gosden team who has never finished outside the first three - must be respected.

·      7. Yashin (80 XP) – Made a winning start to life at Michael Bell’s stable when first in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot. Will need to build on that to continue winning ways at his new yard.

·      6. Wonder Legend (165 XP) – Successful on last two starts but this is a step up in class and will need to show significant improvement to win here.

·      1. Coltrane (165 XP) – Long-time campaigner for Andrew Balding who finished second in this race two years ago. Will require a career best to prevail in this contest but is certainly no write off.

·      2. Dubai Future (165 XP) – Second runner for Godolphin. Has been campaigned with varied success in the Middle East and won the Wolferton Stakes at the Royal Meeting in 2022. Will take a serious performance to prevail here.

Trends

·      Favourites: 8/12 last winners have been favourites/joint favourites.

·      Course Form: 9/12 last winners had at least 1 previous run at Ascot. 8/12 winners had at least 1 previous win at Ascot.

·      Last Run: 10/12 Winners won on their last run before Ascot. 11/12 winners had their last run within 50 days.

CJRF Tip

1^st – Trawlerman

2^nd – Coltrane

3^rd – Sweet William

ENDS