The Ascot Gold Cup, a prestigious and grueling test of stamina, promises an enthralling battle as 14 formidable stayers vie for victory. With a diverse field comprising horses with proven track records, it is set to captivate racing enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s explore the form, Racing Post ratings, and notable comments about each runner in this eagerly anticipated event.

Coltrane, the top-rated contender, enters the Gold Cup following an impressive victory in the Ascot Stakes last year. Having shed his handicapping days, this rising force in Group races comes into the event with an impressive Racing Post rating of 129. Trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Oisin Murphy, Coltrane has the potential to hold his own at the top level, having displayed remarkable form in previous outings.

Eldar Eldarov, a horse who has thrived on good to firm and good to soft ground, carries a strong rating of 129. With notable wins in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot and the St Leger, along with a close second in the Yorkshire Cup, Eldar Eldarov possesses serious form and potential. Trained by Roger Varian and ridden by David Egan, he is expected to relish the longer distance and bounce back from an end-of-season effort last year.

Emily Dickinson, trained by A P O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, boasts a solid Racing Post rating of 128. After an improved performance in a heavy ground Listed win, Emily Dickinson emerges as a leading contender in this year’s Gold Cup. Her trainer’s confidence in her ability, along with her previous victory over 2 miles in softer conditions, indicates her suitability for a stamina-demanding race.

Broome, a horse trained by A P O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, stands out with a strong Racing Post rating of 131. With victories at Royal Ascot and a late charge to secure the 2-mile Dubai Gold Cup, Broome has established himself as a genuine stayer. Although he failed to replicate that performance in the Yorkshire Cup, Broome’s recent form positions him as one of the top contenders in this esteemed race.

Courage Mon Ami, a talented Frankel progeny, has shown promising potential with decisive victories in novice races over 1 mile and 4 furlongs. His handicap win at Goodwood further confirmed his class and stamina. With John & Thady Gosden as trainers and the iconic Frankie Dettori as his jockey, Courage Mon Ami is an intriguing prospect. While the competition is of a significantly higher order, it is challenging to set a limit on his potential at this stage.

Echoes In Rain, a versatile runner with notable success in hurdle races, has the potential to surprise on the flat. Her latest triumph in a Grade 1 race at Punchestown Festival showcased her ability over 2 miles and 3 furlongs. Trained by W P Mullins and ridden by Tom Marquand, Echoes In Rain is relatively unexposed in this sphere and may possess further untapped potential, provided she can overcome her tendency to race freely.

Among the other contenders, Big Call, Lone Eagle, and Subjectivist have displayed glimpses of their ability, but they face a tough task in this highly competitive field.

Conclusions:

The Ascot Gold Cup promises an intense battle of stamina and class. With top-rated contenders like Coltrane, Eldar Eldarov, and Emily Dickinson, this race is set to captivate racing enthusiasts. Broome, boasting the highest Racing Post rating in the field, emerges as a strong contender. Courage Mon Ami and Echoes In Rain bring an element of intrigue to the race, with the former showcasing exceptional potential and the latter transitioning from hurdling success.

Ultimately, the Ascot Gold Cup is a challenging test where anything can happen. The outcome will depend on the form on the day, jockey tactics, and how each horse handles the stamina-sapping distance. It is a race that epitomizes the spirit of elite staying contests, promising a thrilling spectacle for all racing aficionados.

Here is the ranking of the horses from highest to lowest based on the Racing Post ratings:

1. Broome – 131
2. Trueshan – 129
3. Eldar Eldarov – 129
4. Coltrane – 129
5. Subjectivist – 126
6. Big Call – 125
7. Yibir – 125
8. Lone Eagle – 123
9. Tashkhan – 124
10. Emily Dickinson – 128
11. Nate The Great – 120
12. Courage Mon Ami – 120
13. Wise Eagle – 119
14. Echoes In Rain – 117

Please note that these rankings are based solely on the provided Racing Post ratings and do not take into account other factors such as recent form, race conditions, or jockey and trainer preferences.