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It’s almost time for the annual Royal Ascot festival, the crown jewel in Britain’s horse racing calendar. All eyes are on the Ascot Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious races of the meet, and this year boasts a particularly competitive line-up of horses and trainers.
The event is as much about the betting as it is about the pageantry, and understanding the odds can provide an edge in this exhilarating contest. This article explores the favorites for the 2023 Ascot Gold Cup.
Royal Ascot Odds: Front-Runners and Dark Horses
Contents
At 3/1, Andrew Balding’s charge, Coltrane, is leading the betting charts. The six-year-old is well-favored after victories in the Group 2 Coral Doncaster Cup Stakes and the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot last month. Considering the horse’s familiarity with Ascot and its anticipated further progression, Coltrane is indeed a strong contender.
Roger Varian’s Eldar Eldarov, another promising contender, is also in the race, albeit yet to win beyond two miles and six furlongs. With a Group 1 win at the Cazoo St Leger Stakes under his belt and an impressive start to the season, this four-year-old has shown potential for further improvement. His chances will depend on his stamina, a factor yet to be determined at the two-mile Ascot Gold Cup distance.
Next in the line-up is Emily Dickinson, from the formidable stable of Aiden O’Brien, who holds a record eight victories in this race. This experienced filly has shown proficiency on heavy ground but may struggle if the conditions are good. Her performance will likely hinge on weather conditions on the day.
Another promising entrée is Haskoy, trained by Ralph Beckett. With three wins from four career starts, this filly has shown significant potential, but her readiness for the Ascot trip and level of competition is yet to be tested.
Frankel gelding Courage Mon Ami is an exciting entrant with an impressive unbeaten record. Despite a slight concern regarding his lack of experience in Group company and an unknown performance at the two-mile distance, he has been catching the attention of punters.
Seasoned campaigners like Broome, with an admirable record in Group 2 races, and Subjectivist, the 2021 Gold Cup victor, cannot be ignored. However, facing younger and potentially more progressive rivals, they may struggle to regain the crown.
The Godolphin-owned Yibir, a winner of seven from 17 starts, also brings significant ability to the table. However, he will have to show improvement from his seasonal bow to compete at this level.
Outside chances include Echoes In Rain, a Grade 1 winning hurdler trained by Willie Mullins, and Point Lonsdale, a promising four-year-old trained by Aidan O’Brien. Both are capable of surprising the field, given their strong form and proven stamina.
The Dark Horse: Eldar Eldarov
However, one standout prospect is Eldar Eldarov. Despite his inexperience at this distance, his victories at Ascot and St Leger demonstrate his ability to compete at the top level. He is already a Group 1 winner, and with a steady start to the season, he might be the dark horse to bet on. Trainer Roger Varian’s knack for preparing his horses for specific races might make all the difference.
Factors Influencing the Race
The Ascot Gold Cup is as unpredictable as it is exciting, with factors such as weather and the condition of the track having a significant impact. For example, Emily Dickinson has shown a preference for heavy ground, and her chances may dwindle if the track is on the firmer side. On the other hand, horses like Coltrane, which have already proven themselves on the Ascot track, may have a slight edge.
Another crucial factor is the race strategy. Each horse has its preferred style of running, and the race dynamics can significantly influence the outcome. For instance, horses like Eldar Eldarov, known for their strong finishes, might be at a disadvantage if the pace is too slow, while front-runners like Courage Mon Ami could benefit from a fast start.
Promising Contenders and Underdogs
Among the younger horses, Haskoy is showing significant promise. Despite being lightly raced, she has won three out of her four career starts. However, her ability to handle the Ascot Gold Cup’s longer distance and elevated competition level is yet to be seen.
Courage Mon Ami is another young contender. Despite rising ratings and concerns about the two-mile trip, this Frankel gelding’s unbeaten record in three previous outings presents an enticing prospect. He may surprise the field if he copes with the added distance and heightened competition.
Broome, a Ballydoyle contender, brings a wealth of experience to the race. He demonstrated his capabilities last year by finishing second in the Hardwicke Stakes and has shown consistent form on global stages.
However, despite winning the Gold Cup in 2021, Subjectivist may struggle this year. After missing the entire 2022 season due to injury and facing younger, potentially more progressive rivals, this stayer will need to summon his very best to regain the crown.
The Verdict
All factors considered, Eldar Eldarov emerges as a strong bet for the Ascot Gold Cup 2023. He has already shown his ability to win at the top level, and his recent performance suggests he is in excellent form. Given his trainer’s skill in preparing horses for specific races, Eldar Eldarov might just clinch the Gold Cup.
However, Royal Ascot is renowned for its unpredictability, and nothing is certain until the horses cross the finish line. The 2023 Gold Cup looks set to be another enthralling race, filled with suspense and top-class horse racing. Whether it’s the favorites, the underdogs, or the dark horses that take the trophy, the Ascot Gold Cup will undoubtedly be the highlight of the British racing calendar.
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