Ascot Gold Cup Tips
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As one of the most prestigious events on the flat racing calendar worldwide, the Ascot Gold Cup is always the most anticipated event at Royal Ascot each year. Check out the latest Royal Ascot betting odds on our sportsbook!
At 2 miles, 3 furlongs, and 210 yards (also known as 4,014 metres) this long-distance race takes place on a largely-flat, right-handed, turf track.
Two trends stand out from recent Ascot Gold Cup history: favourites have won 8 of the last 11 runnings, and 4-year-olds have won 6 of the last 7.
At least 1 of these trends will not pan out this year, however, as current favourite Stradivarius is now 5-years-old.
Ascot Gold Cup race information
As is tradition, the Gold Cup will take place at 4:20pm on the Thursday of Royal Ascot, otherwise known as Ladies Day.
The 20 runners must be at least 4-years-old. Allowances of 3 pounds apply to mares and fillies, 1 pound to southern hemisphere 4-year-olds.
If you’re in a position to place your bet closer to race time, be sure to pay attention to the draw. High draws traditionally have the advantage in the Ascot Gold Cup. Nine of the past 11 winners have started the race in stalls 1-9.
Following redevelopment, the straight mile now drains more quickly than other parts of the track so going can vary. If there has been rain earlier in the day, take this into account before hedging your bets!
Ascot Gold Cup Tips
Since winning the Ascot Gold Cup in 2018, Stradivarius has been on a winning streak with 4 more first-place finishes. The last 3 were with jockey Frankie Dettori, who will ride the favourite for this race as well. Repeating is never easy, but at evens this is clearly what most bookies expect to happen.
If you’re not keen on following the crowd, consider backing Dee Ex Bee. Third in the Ascot Gold Cup odds table, this assessment seems to be based more on the 4-year-old’s inconsistent early career rather than recent outings. The Mark Johnston-trained horse has won its last 2 races, including 1 at Ascot in early May.
Past history tells us that backing a horse trained by Ireland’s Aidan O’Brien is often the key to a winning bet. O’Brien has trained 7 of the last 13 winners. His most recent victory was back in 2016 with Order of St George, so many think he’s due for another winner. With 5 horses in this year’s renewal, he certainly has several decent chances: Kew Gardens (7/1), Southern France (10/1), Flag of Honour (10/1), Capri (16/1), and Cypress Creek (33/1).
If you want to buck historical trends, consider Called to the Bar. If this 5-year-old wins, Pia Brandt would become only the second French trainer in 40 years with a Gold Cup winning horse. At 16/1, Called to the Bar is much more than an outside chance!
House of Cards fans may recognise the name “Raymond Tusk.” At 40/1, the horse with this name is certainly less intimidating than the character played by Gerald McRaney. Raymond Tusk did manage a second place finish at Ascot in early May however. The 4-year-old was beaten by 3 and ¼ lengths by…Bee Ex Dee!
For all the information you need about the races, check out our Royal Ascot Beginner’s Guide and Day 3 tips!
Remember, please gamble responsibly, these tips are not guarantees of wins and only ever wager what you can afford. When the fun stops, stop.
