Royal Ascot Day 3 arrives with the Carnival in full swing, and Thursday’s card delivers one of the true highlights of the week.
The Gold Cup takes centre stage, a searching 4014m test that always separates the genuine stayers from the rest.
Trawlerman returns looking to defend his 2025 crown, while Scandinavia heads the market as he aims to deliver Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 10th Gold Cup.
With a deep field of proven stayers engaged, expect a race built on tempo, tactics, and staying power.
Let’s dive into the key races and find the best plays on the card.
AIX LA CHAPELLE (1) is an impeccably bred Justify colt out of dual Group 1 winning mare Immortal Verse.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained two-year-old started his career in fine style last start over this distance at Curragh where he let down strongly to salute by 1.5 lengths.
He’ll be better for the experience and will strip fitter second-up.
Ryan Moore will likely settle in a prominent position.
| 1. Aix La Chapelle (7) J: Ryan Moore 59.5kg 1T: Aidan O’brien | |||
| Claiming his maiden victory on debut; won by 1.5 len at Curragh June 3 over 1408m defeating Bull Shark with 60.5kg at $5. Holds leading claims. | |||
INTO THE LIGHT (12) was very good in his first race on grass last start in the Ozzy Osbourne Memorial Handicap at Sandown.
Following a win on debut and runner-up finish second-up, both on synthetic, the Charlie Appleby-trained colt hit the line hard to just miss running down Lost Boys by a head.
That’s great form for this given Lost Boys has won three consecutive races and looks a real talent.
Given the way Into The Light powered through the line last start, the rise in distance looks ideal.
| 12. Into The Light (11) J: William Buick 56kg 122T: C Appleby | |||
| Form hard to fault. Comes off a 55 day let-up. Most recently 2nd in a small field at Sandown Park on April 24 over 2000m, nose behind Lost Boys with 61kg at $7. The race before that 2nd in a small field at Southwell All Weather on March 11 over 2400m, 3 len behind Ravenspire carrying 62kg at $1.90. Capable of much better now advancing in distance. | |||
LEGACY LINK (9) was no match for Thundering On in the Group 1 Epsom Oaks last start, but her performance places her as the main chance in this year’s Group 3 Ribblesdale Stakes.
The Juddmonte-owned filly gave her all but couldn’t go with Thundering On in the final furlong to finish 3.75 lengths second but she was a massive six lengths ahead of third.
Prior to that, she resumed with a comfortable win in the Group 3 Musidora Stakes.
She maps to enjoy an economical run and gets in extremely well under the set weight conditions of the race.
| 9. Legacy Link (1) J: Colin Keane 58kg 14×12T: John & Thady Gosden | |||
| Third-up today. Resuming won by 0.8 len at York G3 Musidora Stakes May 13 over 2100m defeating Felicitas with 58kg at $2.50. Second-up 2nd of 9 at Epsom Downs in the G1 The Oaks on June 5 over 2400m, 4 len behind Thundering On carrying 58kg at $4. Suited here and certainly worth following up. | |||
RAHIEBB (9) looks a more furnished horse this preparation based on his impressive return in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup Stakes.
The Roger Varian-trained son of Frankel proved too strong at the end of 2787m to salute buy 2.25 lengths.
He gives the impression that he’ll be better over further and was taking ground off Scandinavia with every stride in the final 100m of the Group 1 St Leger Stakes when finishing a neck second to end last preparation.
He looks a horse still short of his ceiling this preparation and is clearly trending the right way through the staying ranks.
| 9. Rahiebb (10) J: Ray Dawson 58.5kg 342×1T: Roger Varian | |||
| Second-up. First-up after eight months won by 2.25 len at York G2 Yorkshire Cup May 15 over 2800m defeating Al Nayyir carrying 58.5kg at $5. Previously second-up 2nd in a small field at Newcastle All Weather on March 22 2025 over 2040m, 2.25 len behind Warrant Holder carrying 62kg at $1.70. The one to beat based on that latest effort. Has potential and rates a live contender. | |||