Gold Cup preview: Contenders, odds and a verdict on Day 3 of Royal Ascot

Day 3 of Royal Ascot provides another excellent seven-race card to enjoy and it should be another enthralling day. The big race of the day is undoubtedly the historically prestigious Gold Cup. A Group 1 race over 2m4f, a field of 10 has been declared. We’ve assessed the chances of the main contenders, provided a verdict and an outsider to follow. Check out our free tips page for daily content across all five days of Royal Ascot.

Gold Cup contenders

3. Kyprios

Aidan O’Brien’s sole representative was a game winner of this race in 2022 and injury meant he couldn’t defend his crown last year. He stays 2m4f particularly well, judging by his wide margin victory in the Prix du Cadran and appears to be back to his best.

9. Gregory

James Doyle’s mount won the Queen’s Vase here last year and he looks capable of further progress over marathon trips. Significant improvement will be required on the evidence of his third in the Yorkshire Cup but you can’t rule that out.

8. Vauban

Willie Mullins is always one to watch in staying races at Royal Ascot and he bolted up in the Copper Horse Handicap in 2023. The six-year-old has never gone this far before but his profile suggests stamina won’t be an issue.

6. Trawlerman

This horse got the better of Kyprios in the Long Distance Cup here in October and has every chance on that evidence. He’s thoroughly unexposed as a stayer and he’s the highest rated horse in the race.

10. Caius Chorister

David Menuisier’s runner has been a narrow second to Coltrane and Sweet William so far this season and you would imagine she’s vulnerable from a win point of view. She just failed to catch Coltrane on her penultimate start and the new trip could suit.

1. Coltrane

Andrew Balding’s seven-year-old was beaten by less than a length in this race last year and the winner is absent. That form would have to give him every chance, especially after gaining his revenge in the Lonsdale Cup two months later.

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Outsider

Coltrane looks like the one that could be overpriced here and he runs his race more often than not at Ascot. He’s certainly not far away on the evidence of last year’s renewal and looks set to make the frame.

Verdict

Kyprios won by a 20 lengths when last seen over 2m4f and the return to this marathon trip is set to suit. He was particularly impressive when winning the Vintage Crop Stakes on seasonal debut and is the one they all have to beat on that form.

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