Gold Cup: Runner-by-runner guide

Gold Cup

16:20 Royal Ascot, Thursday

1. Big Call (Christophe Ferland/ Stephane Pasquier)

Dual Group 3 winner in France, making a winning return to European action in the Prix de Barbeville in April. Took strong hold when only third in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at Longchamp last month and he'll likely need to improve for the longer trip to land a blow.

2. Broome (Aidan O'Brien/ Wayne Lordan)

Resumed winning ways in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan in March and wasn't disgraced when a length-and-a-half third in the Yorkshire Cup at York last month. This is his first try beyond two miles but he certainly has the ability to go close.

3. Coltrane (Andrew Balding/ Oisin Murphy)

Progressive last season, winning Ascot Stakes at this meeting before adding a Sandown listed event and the Group 2 Doncaster Cup to his tally. Even better form when readily winning the Sagaro Stakes here last month by four and three-quarter lengths from Wise Eagle, and he's a leading player.

4. Lone Eagle (Ralph Beckett/ Rossa Ryan)

Irish Derby runner-up in 2021 for Martyn Meade and shaped with some encouragement when second in the Ormonde Stakes last month. This rates as a difficult ask, though, for one untested over staying trips.

5. Nate The Great (Andrew Balding/ Harry Davies)

Newmarket listed winner on his final start last season and ran up to his best when a close second in the Group 3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown four weeks ago. Flying too high in this grade, however.

6. Subjectivist (Charlie Johnston/ Joe Fanning)

Top-class performer in 2021, successful in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan before following up with a decisive success in this race. Missed all of last season with injury but shaped as if retaining ability in Dubai in March and he can't be ruled out.

7. Tashkhan (Brian Ellison/ James Doyle)

Without a win since 2021 but he's a thorough stayer who has posted solid efforts to make the frame in a Nottingham listed event and the Prix de Barbeville at Longchamp this spring. Could make the placings at a big price.

8. Trueshan (Alan King/ Hollie Doyle)

One of the leading stayers of recent years, defying a mammoth weight to take the Northumberland Plate last summer before edging out Coltrane to land his third consecutive Long Distance Cup here. Not at his best so far this season, but has had a breathing operation.

9. Wise Eagle (Adam Nicol/ Daniel Tudhope)

Most progressive sort, winning five times in 2021 before adding another four victories to his tally in 2022. Picked up where he left off at Musselburgh on return before chasing Coltrane home in the Sagaro here last time. Hard to see him turning the tables.

10. Yibir (Charlie Appleby/ William Buick)

Very smart performer who signed off for 2022 with victory in the Group 2 Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket. Looked rusty when only fourth to Haskoy in the Aston Park Stakes over a mile and a half at Newbury last month, and while he has stamina to prove few in this contest possess his class.

11. Courage Mon Ami (John & Thady Gosden/ Frankie Dettori)

Highly promising son of Frankel who is three from three and looked a smart prospect when easily landing minor events over a mile and a half at Kempton and Newcastle in the autumn. Maintained his unbeaten record in a mile-and-three-quarter handicap at Goodwood last month and is a fascinating contender up in grade.

12. Eldar Eldarov (Roger Varian/ David Egan)

Queen's Vase winner at this meeting last year before landing the St Leger at Doncaster. Ran well when a close second in the Yorkshire Cup on his return, not the first time looking as if he'd appreciate a marathon trip, and this classy stayer ranks high on the shortlist.

13. Echoes In Rain (Willie Mullins/ Tom Marquand)

Talented performer on the Flat and over hurdles, winning a Galway handicap last summer before a fine second in the Irish Cesarewitch. Won the Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on her most recent outing but this is by far the toughest task she's faced on the level.

14. Emily Dickinson (Aidan O'Brien/ Ryan Moore)

Looked a stayer going places when winning the Group 3 Loughbrown Stakes at the Curragh late last season and resumed progress when winning the listed Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan on her return. Disappointing on quicker ground last time, but that may well prove a blip and she's respected.

Timeform's Analyst Verdict:

ELDAR ELDAROV relished the emphasis on stamina when winning the St Leger last season and again did his best work at the finish when a close second in the Yorkshire Cup last time. Still with fewer miles on the clock than most in this field, he's taken to gain a second Royal Ascot success at the chief expense of the much-improved Coltrane, who has to be viewed positively after a tidy success in the Sagaro. 2021 winner Subjectivist and relatively unexposed Emily Dickinson complete the shortlist.

1. Eldar Eldarov
2. Coltrane
3. Subjectivist