Expert prediction
Ascot Gold Cup Picks – Horse Racing Odds, Betting Preview, and Predictions (Jun 18)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- When: Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 11:15 AM ET
- Where: Ascot Racecourse, England
- How to Watch: NBC
High-quality horse racing action is set for Royal Ascot, beginning on Day One on June 16. However, the feature for the week is the G1 Ascot Gold Cup, run over the marathon distance of two miles and four furlongs. You can find a preview and our picks for the Ascot Gold Cup here.
Ascot Gold Cup Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Scandinavia | +137 |
| Rahiebb | +400 |
| Trawlerman | +600 |
| Caballo De Mar | +800 |
| Sweet William | +800 |
| Al Riffa | +2000 |
| Carmers | +2000 |
| Other Selections | +2500 & Bigger |
Latest odds are from an offshore sportsbook
Race Information & Records
| Stat | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Distance | 2 Miles 3 Furlongs |
| Purse | $650,000 |
| Most Successful Trainer | Aidan O’Brien (9) |
| Most Successful Jockey | Lester Piggott (11) |
ALSO SEE: World Cup 2026: Our Experts Share Their World Cup Picks
Ascot Gold Cup: Recent Winners
- 2025– Trawlerman (William Buick/John & Thady Gosden)
- 2024– Kyprios (Ryan Moore/Aidan O’Brien)
- 2023– Courage Mon Ami (Frankie Dettori/John & Thady Gosden)
- 2022– Kyprios (Ryan Moore/Aidan O’Brien)
- 2021– Subjectivist (Joe Fanning/Mark Johnston)
Ascot Gold Cup: Betting Preview
The Ascot Gold Cup is the standout race of the Royal Ascot week, with the Group One having been contested annually since 1807. The race covers a distance of two miles and three furlongs, and it is the most prestigious race on the international calendar for stayers.
The betting will be headlined by Scandinavia for Aidan O’Brien, with the trainer chasing a tenth win in the race. Scandinavia, a son of Justify, looks like a potential superstar in this division. The four-year-old has won five from six starts in stakes company, and was dazzling when winning last year’s G1 St Leger. Has since returned to action with two faultless displays in Ireland.
Rahiebb was only beaten a neck by Scandinavia in last year’s St Leger, and he will be a fascinating contender now up in trip. The Frankel colt is trained by Roger Varian, and he looked better than ever on seasonal return when winning the G2 Yorkshire Cup by a two-length margin.
There is a sense that Trawlerman could be slightly overlooked this year after winning the Gold Cup 12 months ago. The eight-year-old has racked up four wins in succession, and was an excellent winner of the G1 British Champions Long Distance Cup last October.
At bigger prices, Caballo De Mar could be an interesting contender. The five-year-old was only beaten a short head over two miles at Ascot in May, and he was impressive last time in France when landing a Group One. His chances will likely rely on softer ground, which appears unlikely.
Ascot Gold Cup Picks
Last year’s first two in the St Leger look set to have this race between them. At the prices, Rahiebb could be open to improvement on this step up in trip, and he could be better suited by ground conditions based on his return effort in the Yorkshire Cup in the middle of last month.
Free Pick:
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