The Commonwealth Cup is a relatively new Group 1 race, established in 2015, but it will be forefront of the action on Day 4 at Royal Ascot.
This high-profile race for three-year-olds brings together top-class horses stepping back from the Classic distance and proven sprinters from the specialist ranks, setting the stage for an exciting clash.
It is run over a straight 6 furlongs on turf for three-year-olds under set weights. As the only G1 sprint exclusively for three-year-olds, it serves both as a comeback stage for horses previously aimed at Classics and a summit battle for precocious sprinting talent. The inaugural winner, Muhaarar, went on to win the July Cup and the Breeders' Cup Sprint, securing his place among the sprinting elite. Recent winners include standout sprinters like Perfect Power (2022), Shaquille (2023), and Inisherin (2024).
Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. 18+ www.gambleaware.org. Place a £10 fixed odds bet at minimum odds of 1/2 and get 3 x £10 free fixed odds bets, 3 x £5 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x £5 Winning Favourites spread bets and a £1 racing Race Index spread bet. Free bets expire within 28 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.
HOW TO WATCH ROYAL ASCOT: Full details on TV & Streaming here
What time is the 2025 Commonwealth Cup?
The 2025 Commonwealth Cup will take place on Friday, 20 June, as part of Day 4 of the Royal Ascot meeting. The race is scheduled to go off at 3:05pm local time, and will be run over six furlongs on the straight course. Restricted to three-year-olds only, the Group 1 contest is one of the highlights of the meeting for younger sprinters.
Commonwealth Cup 2025 betting tips, predictions, form and latest odds
The leading contender this year is Shadow of Light, who won the Middle Park Stakes (G1, 1200m) and Dewhurst Stakes (G1, 1400m) at two. Though he finished third in the 2000 Guineas due to the extended distance, he is fundamentally a sprinter and is expected to perform strongly back over his preferred trip.
Babouche is a talented runner who won her first three starts. She possesses strong sustained speed and excels when racing from the front. Though the competition is tougher this time, she has the quality to contend.
Whistlejacket, beaten by Baboosh in the Phoenix Stakes (G1, 1200m), rebounded to win the Prix Morny (G1, 1200m) in France. He is a developing sprinter with proven performance and strong course suitability.
Jonquil finished second in the French 2000 Guineas after leading from a prominent position. The winner, Henri Matisse, later ran second in the St. James’s Palace Stakes, underlining the strength of that form. Jonquil's tactical speed and raw ability suggest the drop back to 6 furlongs could suit.
From the U.S., Shisospicy began her career with two dirt races but switched to turf in her third start. She then won the Mamzelle Stakes (turf, 1100m) impressively, proving her turf aptitude. She’s a sharp front-runner with staying power and could have a major impact on the race’s shape.
Sky Majesty is undefeated in three starts. Steadily rising through the ranks in France, she brings both speed and polish, and it will be intriguing to see how she fares against Britain’s top sprinters.
Commonwealth Cup 2025: Key contenders to watch
All odds correct at time of publish via Spreadex.
- Shadow of Light (15/8): Group 1 winner at two; solid third in the 2000 Guineas. Expected to shine again at sprint distance.
- Babouche (9/2): A classy filly with three wins from as many starts; excels with front-running tactics.
- Whistlejacket (11/1): Prix Morny winner; a proven and experienced sprinter.
- Jonquil (6/1): Runner-up in the French 2000 Guineas; boasts early speed and versatility.
- Shisospicy (18/1): U.S. raider with turf success; dangerous if allowed to dictate the pace.
- Sky Majesty (20/1): Unbeaten in three starts; brings form and mystery from France.
ROYAL ASCOT FREE BETS: Bet £10 and get £60 in free bets when you sign up with Spreadex. Click to claim and for offer details
Commonwealth Cup 2025: TSN's Selections
- Win: Shadow of Light
- Main Danger: Whistlejacket
- Next Best: Jonquil
- Place Chance: Shisospicy
- Longshot: Sky Majesty
Commonwealth Cup 2025: Race details
- Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
- Start time: 15:05 (local time)
- Distance: 6 furlongs, turf
- Eligibility: Three-year-old colts and fillies
- Grade: Group 1
Commonwealth Cup: Past winners (2015–2024)
Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Stall |
2024 | Inisherin | Tom Eaves | Kevin Ryan | 1 |
2023 | Shaquille | Oisin Murphy | Julie Camacho | 4 |
2022 | Perfect Power | Christophe Soumillon | Richard Fahey | 1 |
2021 | Campanelle | Frankie Dettori | Wesley Ward | 14 |
2020 | Golden Horde | Adam Kirby | Clive Cox | 10 |
2019 | Advertise | Frankie Dettori | Martyn Meade | 4 |
2018 | Eqtidaar | Jim Crowley | Michael Stoute | 3 |
2017 | Caravaggio | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | 5 |
| 2016 | Quiet Reflection | Dougie Costello | Karl Burke | 8 |
| 2015 | Muhaarar | Paul Hanagan | Charles Hills | 8 |
£30 free bet for a £5 stake when you sign up for a new account with Paddy Power. Click for details
Commonwealth Cup: Leading jockeys and trainers (2015–2024)
- Most wins by jockey: Frankie Dettori (2 wins)
- No trainer has more than one win
Commonwealth Cup: Stall Bias (2015–2024)
Victories by draw position:
Stalls 1–4: 5 wins
Stalls 5–8: 3 wins
Stalls 9–12: 1 win
Stalls 13+: 1 win