Ascot Gold Cup 2025 betting tips, predictions, form and latest odds for Day 3 of Royal Ascot meeting

The Ascot Gold Cup stands as the signature staying contest of the Royal meeting each year, offering a true test of stamina over two-and-a-half miles.

This year’s edition once again brings together major players from the stayer ranks, with leading contenders from the powerful Aidan O'Brien and John Gosden yards, alongside strong French representation, setting the stage for a highly competitive renewal.

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First run in 1807, the Ascot Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious staying races in the world, staged over 2 miles 4 furlongs. Run on Ladies' Day during Royal Ascot, it holds a special place on the British racing calendar.

The race has produced legendary stayers such as Yeats, who won four consecutive editions from 2006 to 2009, and Stradivarius, who secured a hat-trick between 2018 and 2020. Leading trainer Aidan O'Brien has claimed the race nine times, while the great Lester Piggott holds the jockey record with 11 victories.

In 2013, Queen Elizabeth II's Estimate famously captured the Gold Cup, fulfilling her long-held ambition to win the race and creating one of Royal Ascot’s most memorable moments.

In recent years, winners have included Kyprios (2022, 2024), Courage Mon Ami (2023), and Subjectivist (2021).

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What time is the 2025 Gold Cup?

The 2025 Ascot Gold Cup will be run on Thursday, June 19, as part of Day 3 of Royal Ascot. The race is scheduled to go off at 4:20 p.m. local time (BST) and will be contested over 2 miles 4 furlongs on turf. The race is open to horses aged four and older under Group 1 conditions.

Ascot Gold Cup 2025 betting tips, predictions, form and latest odds

All odds correct at time of publish via Paddy Power.

The leading contender for 2025 is Illinois, trained by Aidan O'Brien.

Runner-up in last year’s St Leger, he has since captured back-to-back stakes victories late in the season. A son of Galileo, he boasts a potent combination of stamina and toughness that should serve him well over this extended trip.

For John Gosden, Sweet William represents the leading chance.

Third in last year’s Gold Cup before capturing the Doncaster Cup in the autumn, he has specialized in staying races throughout his career. His sustained late kick and progressive profile make him a serious threat, especially as he tends to improve with racing.

Stablemate Trawlerman also returns with strong credentials.

Runner-up in last year’s Gold Cup, he recently added his second stakes win beyond 3000 meters with an emphatic success in the Henry II Stakes. His proven stamina is a key asset for this grueling test.

French challenger Candelari, trained by Francis Graffard, adds international depth.

Lightly raced but highly consistent, with 5 starts yielding 4 wins and a placing, he enters off his first Group 1 victory in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (3000m). His adaptability suggests the additional distance could suit.

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Ascot Gold Cup 2025: Key runners

• Sweet William (13/2)
  Last year’s Gold Cup third, followed by victory in the Doncaster Cup. Proven stayer with strong late stamina who improves with racing.

• Illinois (13/8)
  Second in the St Leger, followed by two stakes victories. Combines stamina and resilience; distance increase poses no concern.

• Trawlerman (9/4)
  Last year’s runner-up, recently impressive in the Henry II Stakes. A tough stayer well suited to this stamina test.

• Candelari (10/3)
  The French representative arrives off a Group 1 win over 3100m. Versatile and progressive, with the stamina to feature.

TSN'S Gold Cup 2025 Selections

• Win: Sweet William
• Main Danger: Illinois
• Place Chance: Trawlerman
• Value Play: Candelari

Ascot Gold Cup 2025: Race details

• Date: June 19, 2025 (Thursday)
• Post Time: 4:20 p.m. (local time, BST)
• Distance: 2 miles 4 furlongs
• Conditions: 4-year-olds & up, open company
• Grade: Group 1

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Ascot Gold Cup: Past Winners (2005–2024)

Ascot Gold Cup Trainer & Jockey Records (2005–2024)

• Leading Trainer: Aidan O'Brien – 9 wins
• Leading Jockey: Frankie Dettori – 5 wins

Ascot Gold Cup: Stall Trends (2005–2024)

• Stalls 1–4: 7 wins
• Stalls 5–8: 8 wins
• Stalls 9–12: 2 wins
• Stalls 13+: 3 wins

While winners have emerged from both inside and outside draws, stalls 1–8 have provided the majority of winners, suggesting early tactical positioning remains important, but no extreme bias is evident.