Royal Ascot Gold Cup: Illinois Favored | Racing News
Illinois, Trawlerman Take Center Stage at Royal Ascot Gold Cup
Updated June 19, 2025
Royal Ascot continues with Illinois, trained by Aidan O’Brien, seeking another victory in the Gold Cup. The Gold Cup (4.20 p.m.) features a clash between Illinois and trawlerman over two miles and four furlongs.
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Trawlerman seeks to improve on last year’s performance where it finished behind Kyprios. William Buick will ride Trawlerman, who recently won at Sandown.
Illinois, a Queen’s Vase winner last year, won the Ormonde Stakes at Chester. Stamina questions surround Illinois as it steps up in distance.
Candelari, a French contender, won the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at ParisLongchamp. Yashin, the Sagaro winner, is also on the shortlist.
Charles Darwin and Ryan Moore in winning form for trainer Aidan O’brien
Charles Darwin headlines a field of 25 in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes (2.30 p.m.). The son of No nay Never has won two of three starts.
Naval Light, owned by Wathnan Racing, debuted impressively behind Old Is Gold at Beverley. Afjan,a debut winner at chantilly,also warrants consideration. First Legion, trained by Richard Hannon, has shown promise in two starts.
Garden Of Eden and Serenity Prayer are key contenders in the Ribblesdale Stakes (3.40 p.m.).
Serenity Prayer, trained by Andrew Balding, won a Newbury maiden before finishing behind Whirl at York. Garden Of Eden, Ryan Moore’s pick, won the Listed Oaks Trial at Naas. Catalina Delcarpio is also a contender.
What’s next
Royal Ascot continues, with races broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.