The big race of the week at Royal Ascot will come in the form of the Gold Cup, which will be run on the third day of the meet. This Group One is staged over a distance of two miles and three furlongs, and it is considered to be the most prestigious race for ‘stayers’ on the British calendar.
Before Betting On Gold Cup
The Ascot Gold Cup is the signature race at Royal Ascot, with stayers competing over two miles and three furlongs. There have been some notable winners of the race throughout history, including Estimate for Her Majesty The Queen in 2013. Courage Mon Ami was the winner of the race last year, giving Frankie Dettori a final success in the Gold Cup before moving to the United States.
However, Aidan O’Brien could hold the leading chance in the Gold Cup this year, with the sensational Kyprios set to take his chance. The six-year-old is clear on ratings when compared to the field, and he has been faultless on his return to action since suffering an injury setback last year. He stays this trip well having won a Group One in France over two miles and four in October 2022. That makes him the one to beat.
Gregory could be the interesting selection against the favorite this year for John & Thady Gosden. Last year’s St Leger fifth is yet to reproduce that effort in 2024, mostly recently finishing only third in the G2 Yorkshire Cup Stakes. However, the step up in trip at Ascot could suit him, and his running style suits the track after previously winning at Ascot last June.
Willie Mullins has been the dominant trainer over jumps in Britain and Ireland for much of recent history, and he holds a fascinating entry in the Gold Cup this year. Vauban disappointed in the Melbourne Cup last year, but positives could have been taken from his second in the Yorkshire Cup on his return. Any rain would boost his chances considerably.
Gold Cup Offshore Odds & Pick
Kyprios is the one to beat in the Gold Cup this year, but he is extremely short in the betting. We are prepared to take a chance on Vauban for the Mullins yard, with the extended distance run at Ascot very much likely to bring out the very best in the cross-code runner.
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