We have a busy day’s racing on Friday with Flat action from Ascot and Newcastle, live on Sky Sports Racing.
2.35 Ascot – Sweet William and Caballo De Mar lock horns
A stellar renewal of the Gold Cup trial, the Longines Sagaro Stakes, features the evergreen Sweet William and Caballo De Mar among nine runners.
John and Thady Gosden’s Sweet William enjoyed another solid season last year, winning the Doncaster Cup for a second time before finishing second to Trawlerman at Ascot. That form makes him the one to beat, though he could be vulnerable on his first outing after a break.
George Scott’s Caballo De Mar brings race fitness after finishing runner-up in the Dubai Gold Cup 34 days ago. Last season’s Prix du Cadran winner merits respect despite carrying a Group One penalty.
Tabletalk and Tarriance are closely matched on their Meydan form and remain unexposed over staying trips.
3.10 Ascot – Middle Park hero Wise Approach headlines
A competitive renewal of the Group Three Commonwealth Cup Trial sees Middle Park winner Wise Approach concede weight all round.
Charlie Appleby’s three-year-old ended an excellent 2025 campaign with a gritty Newmarket Group One success and looks the one to beat under William Buick.
Aidan O’Brien saddles Brussels, who finished three-quarters of a length behind the favourite and is a solid place chance under Ryan Moore.
Coppull, victor in the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood and just a short head behind Brussels at Newmarket, is a major contender for Clive Cox and jockey Rossa Ryan.
3.45 Ascot – Improving Remmooz faces Jonquil and Rashabar
The Listed Paradise Stakes has an open feel, with Remmooz, Jonquil and Rashabar among eight runners.
Owen Burrows’ Remmooz improved with every start last summer, winning four of six races. He caught the eye when fourth in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot and was last seen digging in to beat Volterra in Listed company at Newbury. The step up to a mile could spark further progress.
Jonquil, successful in the Greenham on return last spring, has faced stiff assignments and narrowly missed top-level success in the French Guineas last year. He disappointed in Abu Dhabi in February and will hope to bounce back under Colin Keane.
Rashabar, second to Jonquil in the Greenham, had a frustrating 2025 but ran creditably at times; the drop to a mile is notable.
Best of the rest
2.00 Ascot – Two-year-old trial where Brocklesby first and second A Bear Affair and Dance A Jig take on debut winner Adaay Of Scarlett.
4.55 Ascot – Three-year-old contest in which So Regal could excite for the Gosdens and William Buick.
5.30 Ascot – Strong 0-95 with several claims including Greek Order, Dosman and Angel Hunter. Saytarr bids for a four-timer.
Churchill Downs – Grade One Kentucky Oaks spotlights Ashland Stakes one-two Percy’s Bar and Zany.
11.56 Churchill Downs – Grade One La Troienne Stakes.
2.50 Saint-Cloud – Group Two Prix Du Muguet with Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven among a decent field.
3.25 Saint-Cloud – Group Three over 10f where Juddmonte filly Sunly returns for Francis-Henri Graffard.
5.53 Newcastle – Last-time winner The Cursor has obvious claims.
6.30 Newcastle – Haggas runner Eklleem looks to go one better; well-bred Eljowhary debuts.