Thursday at Royal Ascot – All Eyes on the Gold Cup
It’s set to be a thrilling Thursday at Royal Ascot 2025, with the spotlight firmly on the prestigious Gold Cup, scheduled for 17:20.
Once again, the formidable partnership of Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien will team up—this time with the exciting Illinois, who looks poised to make a major impact.
NEW HERO
Touted as Ballydoyle’s leading stayer following the retirement of star performer Kyprios, Illinois now carries the weight of expectation in this £650,000 feature. Already a proven talent, the four-year-old showed his staying potential with a commanding victory in the Queen’s Vase at Ascot last year.
He followed that with a gutsy runner-up performance in the St Leger at Doncaster before confirming his quality by outduelling Trafalgar Square in the Qatar Prix Chaudenay at Longchamp. Although this will be his first test over 2m4f, his attitude and pedigree—being a son of the legendary Galileo—suggest the stamina is there.
Aidan O’Brien knows exactly what it takes to win this race, having saddled nine previous champions, including the iconic four-time winner Yeats. That experience could prove vital once again.
Trawlerman, runner-up in last year’s renewal, presents the main danger after an emphatic five-length triumph in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown. He returns in top form and will be looking to go one better.
Gold Cup – Key Trends to Watch
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All 12 of the last winners were aged between four and six
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10 of the past 12 winners had won on their previous start
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Eight of the last 12 favourites or joint-favourites were successful
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Seven out of 12 had already scored at Group 1 level
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Eight of the last 12 winners were trained by either Aidan O’Brien or the Gosden yard
Back your favourites today at World Sports Betting – offering top odds and full coverage of Royal Ascot 2025.
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