Friday brings a full card of flat racing from Ascot and Newcastle, all live on Sky Sports Racing.
2.35 Ascot – Longines Sagaro Stakes: Sweet William v Caballo De Mar
A high-quality Gold Cup trial lines up nine stayers, headed by the durable Sweet William and the well-travelled Caballo De Mar.
Sweet William, trained by John and Thady Gosden, enjoyed another strong season last year, landing a second Doncaster Cup and finishing runner-up to Trawlerman at Ascot. That recent form makes him the one to beat, although this will be his first run following a break and he could be vulnerable fresh.
George Scott’s Caballo De Mar arrives on the back of a sound effort, finishing second in the Dubai Gold Cup just over a month ago. A Prix du Cadran winner last season, he deserves respect even with a Group One penalty to carry.
Tabletalk and Tarriance, both showing useful form in Meydan, look interesting as lightly exposed stayers who may still be improving over this trip.
3.10 Ascot – Commonwealth Cup Trial (Group 3): Wise Approach heads the market
The Group Three Commonwealth Cup Trial is competitive, with Middle Park hero Wise Approach expected to give weight to his rivals.
Charlie Appleby’s three-year-old finished his 2025 campaign on a high with a gritty Newmarket Group One victory and looks the one to beat under William Buick. Aidan O’Brien sends over Brussels, who finished just three-quarters of a length behind Wise Approach and should be a solid place claim with Ryan Moore aboard.
Clive Cox’s Coppull, winner of the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood and narrowly behind Brussels at Newmarket, is another prominent contender, likely to be partnered by Rossa Ryan.
3.45 Ascot – Paradise Stakes (Listed): Remmooz, Jonquil, Rashabar among the key players
The Listed Paradise Stakes looks wide open. Owen Burrows’ Remmooz improved steadily last summer, winning four of six starts and finishing fourth in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot. He ended last term by grabbing Listed honours at Newbury and the step up to a mile could unlock further progress.
Jonquil, who claimed the Greenham on seasonal return and narrowly missed in the French Guineas, has faced tough tasks at the highest level. He disappointed in Abu Dhabi in February and will hope to bounce back under Colin Keane. Rashabar, beaten by Jonquil in the Greenham, has had a frustrating 2025 but has shown creditable form at times; the drop back to a mile is an intriguing move.
Best of the rest
– 2.00 Ascot: A two-year-old trial featuring A Bear Affair and Dance A Jig, who finished first and second in the Brocklesby, up against debut winner Adaay Of Scarlett.
– 4.55 Ascot: A three-year-old contest where So Regal could be an eye-catcher for the Gosdens with William Buick.
– 5.30 Ascot: A competitive 0-95 handicap with claims for Greek Order, Dosman and Angel Hunter; Saytarr bids for a fourth successive win.
– Churchill Downs: The Ashland Stakes one-two Percy’s Bar and Zany are highlighted ahead of the Kentucky Oaks (Grade 1). The La Troienne Stakes (Grade 1) also features on the card.
– Saint-Cloud: The Group Two Prix du Muguet includes Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven, while the Group Three over 10f sees Juddmonte’s filly Sunly return for Francis-Henri Graffard.
– Newcastle: Last-time winner The Cursor looks to follow up in the 5.53, while the 6.30 features William Haggas’s Eklleem aiming to improve on a recent effort and the well-bred Eljowhary making his debut.
Plenty to enjoy through the day as Ascot provides the Royal Trials action and Newcastle supplies local excitement — tune in to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage.