Trainers on their London Gold Cup hopes, including one with 'upside in his mark'

BetVictor London Gold Cup Handicap (Class 2) | 1m2f | 3yo | ITV/RTV

It can be argued some race titles are generously christened as Gold Cups but this is not the case with this early-season Newbury cracker as future stars are consistently unearthed.

While the London Gold Cup cannot match the glamour of its Ascot and Cheltenham counterparts, this is essentially a Gold Cup for Group performers disguised as handicappers and the stats back that up.

Six of the last seven winners scored off marks in the 80s and 90s but finished their three-year-old campaigns officially rated 109 or higher. 2021 scorer Bay Bridge climbed 22lb in the ratings, Headman 20lb, Communique 25lb, Defoe 25lb, Imperial Aviator 14lb, Time Test 25lb, and Cannock Chase 27lb.

Several household names have been beaten in the race recently too. Solid Stone finished ninth off a mark of 91 in 2019, Century Dream was fourth off 87 two years earlier, Prince Of Arran ran sixth off 84 in 2016, Hillstar came second off 92 in 2013 and Thomas Chippendale was fifth off 86 the previous year.

Future big-race entries illustrate where three-year-old handicappers may end up, but unusually none of this season's field boast any pending Group engagements.

That picture could differ once the entries for the Hampton Court Stakes emerge. Three London Gold Cup winners have subsequently landed that Royal Ascot contest since 2007, while three of the beaten horses captured the King Edward VII the following month in that timeframe.

Unpicking this season's running is as challenging as ever – 11 of the 13 runners have only run three or four times, five of whom are handicap debutants.

Muhaarar colt Israr is out of Oaks and King George winner Taghrooda and wins the pedigree battle. Well-bred Shadwell sorts, who have avoided the owners' dispersal operation, command instant respect, but the market has not missed him and he squandered a weaker opportunity in handicap company when third at Newmarket last time out.

Isra: finished third at Newmarket last time outCredit: Edward Whitaker

The eye is drawn to a couple at much bigger prices as long-term prospects. Highland Reel colt Inverness is the sole contender with Listed form, falling short behind Nahanni and Lingfield Derby Trial winner United Nations in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom. His maiden form also ties in with Israr on a line through the Queen's Educator.

Red Vineyard is another with great potential. William Muir and Chris Grassick are not famed for juvenile winners and Red Vineyard obliged on his debut in good style last term.

He disappointed next time in a hot Horris Hill Stakes, but that was on soft ground. Red Vineyard made a winning handicap return on good going at Sandown at odds of 18-1 and has been raised 5lb to 83. There is bundles of stamina in his pedigree and as a half-brother to three-time Melbourne Cup second Red Cadeaux, he can only improve with time and distance.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Is Gosden colt another star?

You do not have to wait for the Lockinge to see a star at Newbury on Saturday. The London Gold Cup may only be a handicap but it has been bursting with talent over the years.

It is never easy to tell when a progressive three-year-old will stop improving and many have gone to the top after winning here.

In the last dozen years Green Moon, Al Kazeem and Cannock Chase all scored in top-level company, while four of the last six winners have gone on to triumph at Group 2 level.

Israr has the potential for Pattern-race success, given his impressive pedigree, and he has hinted at progression following his recent appearance.

"He's a progressive type of horse who may well have found the ground a bit quick when third on his return at the Newmarket Craven meeting," said joint-trainer Thady Gosden.

"He's pleased at home since and if the ease in the ground remains it will help his chances as he likes to get his toe in."

What they say

Richard Hannon, trainer of Razzle Dazzle, Marsoul and Zoom
Zoom will be suited by the ground and the track and while it's a tidy race, I think they all go there with good chances. Marsoul didn't surprise me with the way he won at Nottingham and he could go close, even though the handicapper hasn't given him much of a chance. Razzle Dazzle may find it a bit tough off top weight.

Richard Hannon (right): has three chances in the London Gold CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

George Baker, trainer of Surrey Mist
He's an exciting young horse. We've been very pleased with his two wins on the all-weather and the form of his last win has been franked. Three-year-old handicaps are very competitive but he's progressive and we hope there's still some upside in his mark.

James Ferguson, trainer of Wineglass Bay
He'll appreciate the ground as it was slightly on the quick side at Goodwood. He's untried at a mile and a quarter, but I don't think that will be a problem and he's in good form.

William Muir, joint trainer of Red Vineyard
He's a lovely horse and his family all get better with age, just look at Red Cadeaux. It was a lovely win at Sandown last time, he's come on for that and he deserves to take his chance.

Richard Spencer, trainer of Mr Big Stuff
He ran well on his seasonal debut at Nottingham and he's taken a step forward from that. We've got a good jockey booked in Hollie Doyle and I'm looking forward to seeing him run.
Reporting by David Carr

Read Saturday's race previews:

1.35 Newbury: could Haggas have another Royal Ascot contender in Commonwealth Cup trial?

2.25 Newmarket: 'I think he's still well in' – who fancies their chances in a big-field sprint?

3.00 Newmarket: Harry Davies out to land more success on the Rowley Mile with Shine So Bright

3.20 Newbury: 'It's a big ask but he's in great nick' – can anyone beat Baaeed?

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