Trawlerman facing stern test in defence of Gold Cup crown Trawlerman will have a fight on his hands when be bids to defend his Ascot Gold Cup crown, with a high-quality field of 11 declared for the Thursday showpiece at the Royal meeting. The John and Thady Gosden-trained eight-year-old — who will wear ski goggles down to the start to help with an eye infection — made every yard 12 months ago to come home a convincing seven-length winner. Sweet William will also represent the Gosdens, while Scandinavia brings a five-race winning run into the race as Aidan O’Brien seeks a 10th victory in the two-and-a-half-mile marathon. Formidable Challengers Eyeing Staying Crown The Roger Varian-trained Rahiebb — a neck second to Scandinavia in last year’s St Leger — comes in on the back of Yorkshire Cup glory and George Scott’s Caballo De Mar has picked up Group One honours since being beaten by Sweet William in the Sagaro Stakes. Joseph O’Brien’s Al Riffa and Paddy Twomey’s Carmers also travel from Ireland with Andrew Balding’s Furthur, Tom Clover’s Al Nayyir, Ed Walker’s Miss Alpilles and Saeed bin Surror’s Dubai Future completing the line-up. The Juddmonte-owned pair of Legacy Link and Gilded Prize will go head to head in a 12-strong line-up for the Ribblesdale Stakes. Oaks runner-up Legacy Link is the choice of retained rider Colin Keane as she looks to get back to winning ways, with the Gilded Prize, a three-time winner in France, due to be partnered by Oisin Murphy.
