The Gold Cup is a Group 1 flat race open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at the famous Royal Ascot meeting over a distance of two miles and four furlongs.
It is Britain’s most prestigious event for “stayers” – horses which specialise in racing over long distances. It is traditionally held on day three of the Royal Ascot meeting, which is known colloquially as Ladies’ Day. Contrary to popular belief the actual title of the race does not include the word “Ascot”.
The event was established in 1807, and it was originally open to horses aged three or older. The inaugural winner, Master Jackey, was awarded prize money of 100 guineas. The first race took place in the presence of King George III and Queen Charlotte.
The Gold Cup is the first leg of Britain’s Stayers’ Triple Crown, followed by the Goodwood Cup and the Doncaster Cup. The last horse to win all three races in the same year was Double Trigger in 1995.
Jamie Spencer is looking forward to being reunited with 6/4 favourite Fame And Glory as they go for back-to-back victories in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot this year.
Aidan O’Brien’s stayer also won the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at the Berkshire course in the autumn to prove himself top class and will take some beating this time around.
5/1 joint second favourite Saddler’s Rock is on course for the Gold Cup next Thursday, after pleasing trainer John Oxx on his reappearance at Leopardstown.
Saddler’s Rock signalled his potential as a leading Gold Cup candidate when winning the Doncaster Cup impressively on Town Moor last September.
Another 5/1 chance, the Godolphin-trained Colour Vision, looks to have decent claims and this horse was a hugely impressive winner of the Sagaro Stakes on his reappearance. That form has since been boosted by the second horse, Red Cadeaux, winning the Yorkshire Cup and finishing second in the Coronation Cup.
Opinion Poll (6/1) and Dunaden (8/1) are also worth keeping an eye on but for me, they all have to beat Fame and Glory.
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