The staying division takes centre stage on day three of Royal Ascot, with the Gold Cup providing the headline act as defending champion Trawlerman bids to repel an emerging generation headed by Scandinavia and Rahiebb.
Absent since October due to an eye issue, Trawlerman has class in abundance, but race fitness could prove the decisive factor against younger, race-fit rivals.
Before the feature, there is another compelling six-race supporting card packed with betting opportunities.
Royal Ascot Day Three Tips
- 2:30 – Aix La Chapelle 13/8
- 3:05 – Enceladus 12/1 (e/w)
- 3:40 – Johanna Walsh 7/1 (e/w)
- 4:15 – Scandinavia 7/4 (NAP)
- 4:50 – Outback Heat 11/1 (e/w)
- 5:35 – Endorsement 9/4
- 6:10 – Dance In The Storm 10/1 (e/w)
*Odds subject to change.
2:30 Royal Ascot – Listed Chesham Stakes (7f)
Aidan O’Brien has made the Chesham his own over the years and could strike again with the exciting AIX LA CHAPELLE.
The son of Justify overcame obvious greenness on debut before quickening clear in impressive fashion, suggesting there is plenty more to come with experience. Given the improvement typically shown by Ballydoyle juveniles from first to second start, he could well set a lofty standard.
Time For The Moon enhanced his profile with a decisive success at Musselburgh and rates the chief threat over this stiff seven furlongs.
- Selection: Aix La Chapelle (13/8)
- Danger: Time For The Moon (11/2)
3:05 Royal Ascot – King George V Stakes (1m4f)
This valuable handicap is full of progressive three-year-olds, but ENCELADUS looks particularly interesting stepping up in trip.
Joseph O’Brien’s colt built on two promising juvenile efforts to open his account in determined fashion and shapes as though this extra distance will unlock further improvement. With Ryan Moore taking the ride, he has plenty in his favour.
Stablemate Cannes ties closely into the same form line, although Enceladus is preferred, while Into The Light, Tierra Del Toro and Al Azd also merit consideration.
- Selection: Enceladus 12/1 (e/w)
- Danger: Into The Light 5/1
3:40 Royal Ascot – Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes (1m4f)
Musidora heroine, Legacy Link, brings standout recent form but faces a quick turnaround after another demanding effort at Epsom.
So, preference is for the improving JOHANNA WALSH, whose front-running display at Leopardstown hinted at significant untapped potential. The runner-up from that race has already franked the form, and this daughter of Sea The Stars shapes as though the move up to 1m4f will suit her ideally.
Golden Orbit and Earth Shot can also make their presence felt.
- Selection: Johanna Walsh 7/1 (e/w)
- Danger: Legacy Link 7/4
4:15 Royal Ascot – Group 1 Gold Cup (2m4f)
The feature race of the afternoon sees defending champion Trawlerman attempting to retain his Gold Cup crown, but this could be the moment SCANDINAVIA announces himself as the new force among the stayers.
Last season’s St Leger winner has looked every inch a future Gold Cup horse, arriving here after successive victories this spring and with abundant stamina in reserve. His relentless galloping style should be ideally suited to this searching test, thereby enhancing Ballydoyle's standout record in the Gold Cup.
Trawlerman commands enormous respect despite his absence, while Carmers, a winner of the Queen's Vase last season, appeals as an interesting outsider capable of outrunning his odds.
- Selection: Scandinavia 7/4
- Danger: Trawlerman 9/2
4:50 Royal Ascot – Britannia Stakes (1m)
The Britannia is traditionally one of the meeting’s toughest handicaps and this year’s renewal looks no easier to unravel.
A chance is taken on OUTBACK HEAT, whose profile suggests there is more to come. The Hardy Eustace-trained gelding boasts proven course-and-distance form and gave the impression he had plenty left in reserve when scoring here last time.
In such a competitive contest, Crest Of Fire, St Anton, Conclave and Langstone all have credible each-way claims.
- Selection: Outback Heat 11/1
- Danger: St Anton 22/1
5:35 Royal Ascot – Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes (1m2f)
The Ballysax form gives ENDORSEMENT major appeal after his close third behind subsequent Derby winner Christmas Day.
He confirmed his progression with a front-running Listed success at Leopardstown and should have no issue dropping back in trip. If allowed to dictate matters from the outset, he could prove difficult to reel in.
Stablemate Italy rates the principal threat, with Oxagon and My Love Is King also respected.
- Selection: Endorsement 9/4
- Danger: Italy 5/1
6:10 Royal Ascot – Buckingham Palace Stakes (7f)
Royal Velvet arrives chasing a hat-trick and remains open to improvement despite a higher mark, while Great Acclaim and Colombier both have compelling credentials.
However, DANCE IN THE STORM is worth another chance after failing to fire at Epsom. Prior to that disappointment, she produced an eye-catching performance at Chester, overcoming the race setup to score with authority.
With the strong pace almost guaranteed here, her hold-up style should be perfectly suited, and she can finish to good effect.
- Selection: Dance In The Storm 10/1 (e/w)
- Danger: Royal Velvet 11/1
