The six-day entries for Royal Ascot day three are out, and at the races the Gold Cup conversation has narrowed to Scandinavia, Trawlerman and Rahiebb. The early betting has Scandinavia around 5/4, but the value debate now sits on whether that price is too tight before final declarations.
Scandinavia and Trawlerman
Matt Brocklebank said: "Scandinavia looks a bit short in the betting to me around 5/4" and added, "I’d prefer to side with either Trawlerman or the improving Rahieeb." He also said, "it’s the Gosden horse who remains the one to beat," while calling that runner a shade overpriced at 9/2 despite no prep run this time.
David Ord took the same line on price, saying: "At the prices I must be against him." He added, "At 5/4 I’m happy to look elsewhere," and described Scandinavia as the new kid on the block, a talented stayer, but one with no guarantee of seeing out the two-and-a-half mile trip.
Rahiebb and the Gold Cup
Rahiebb keeps surfacing because the opinions are stronger than the number beside him. Brocklebank said the Roger Varian-trained horse looked the real deal in the Yorkshire Cup, while Nic Doggett said he was the only one who made any appeal at around 9/2 and that he would love the test of stamina.
Doggett also said the Gold Cup had become something of a tussle between Aidan O’Brien and the Gosdens, and that Scandinavia, Trawlerman and Rahiebb could prove a cut above. That leaves the race framed by three different betting angles: the market leader in Scandinavia, the established standard in Trawlerman and the improving Rahiebb at a price that still draws interest.
Price calls from the panel
Doggett put Carmers into the argument at 20s, calling him the best bet each way and saying the longer trip would help him find the four or so lengths he needs to make up from their St Leger and Navan runs. He also said he would not be hugely surprised to see cheekpieces used.
Legacy Link was another horse to draw attention, with Brocklebank saying she would be tough to beat if the Oaks had not left its mark, while Doggett said he would not be confident enough to back her if she showed up despite the renewal looking modest on paper. Brocklebank also said Composing could be interesting raised to 12 furlongs, and that Golden Orbit could be interesting too.
The picture now is simple enough for anyone weighing the Gold Cup markets: Scandinavia is drawing respect but little enthusiasm at around 5/4, Trawlerman remains the seasoned line, and Rahiebb is the runner getting the strongest value case. Once the final declarations land, the market will tell bettors whether that early split holds or sharpens further.
