Royal Ascot: Illinois the one to beat in Gold Cup on day three as Aidan O’Brien seeks tenth title | Racing Information

Royal Ascot rolls on to Gold Cup day and it’s all eyes on Illinois as record-breaking coach Aidan O’Brien seeks one other well-known victory.

4.20 Royal Ascot – Illinois and Trawlerman conflict in Gold Cup

A stellar renewal of the Gold Cup (4.20) sees Illinois and Trawlerman conflict over the marathon 2m 4f journey.

John and Thady Gosden saddle Trawlerman who ran a career-best when chasing residence star stayer Kyprios on this race final yr and, having scored at Sandown final month, he appears a stable each-way participant below William Buick.

Illinois is an enchanting contender to supply O’Brien with a tenth Gold Cup. A taking winner of the Queen’s Vase at this assembly final yr, he warmed up for this with a straightforward win within the 1m 5f Ormonde Stakes at Chester and now steps up markedly in distance. With stamina a doubt, lots could search to oppose him on the seemingly costs.

French contender Candelari has progressed with every begin and claimed a primary Group One when claiming the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at ParisLongchamp over 1m 7.5f. He might be standard to go shut over this additional distance, whereas Sagaro winner Yashin completes the shortlist.

2.30 Royal Ascot – Charles Darwin and Naval Gentle headline cavalry cost

All eyes might be on Charles Darwin as he headlines a area of 25 for the Group Two Norfolk Stakes (2.30).

O’Brien’s son of No Nay By no means has impressed along with his angle in successful two of his three begins and he might be thought of a banker for a lot of this week with stall 15 one other constructive.

Loads in right here have claims together with Wathnan Racing’s Naval Gentle, who made an eye catching debut when chasing residence Outdated Is Gold at Beverley and he ought to profit for that have.

Afjan scored on debut at Chantilly earlier this month and warrants respect, whereas Richard Hannon’s First Legion has proven lots in his two begins thus far.

3.40 Royal Ascot – Backyard of Eden and Serenity Prayer function

Backyard Of Eden and Serenity Prayer function in an open-looking renewal of the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes (3.40).

The Andrew Balding-trained Serenity Prayer took a Newbury maiden on her first begin earlier than following residence subsequent Oaks runner-up Whirl at York. That was a advantageous effort for one so inexperienced and she or he makes loads of attraction on this step up in school.

Backyard Of Eden, the decide of Ryan Moore, has had three begins already this spring and improved when successful the Listed Oaks Trial at Naas final time. She shapes like this additional distance will go well with and should be feared for her highly effective connections.

Of the others, Paddy Twomey’s Catalina Delcarpio is evenly raced and appears the most certainly to fill the body.

Watch each race from Royal Ascot all reside on Sky Sports activities Racing on Thursday June 19.