We take a look back at recent winners of the Coronation Cup and highlight the key trends to look out for.
INVESTEC CORONATION CUP (Group 1) Cl1 (4yo+) 1m4f ITV
Coronation Cup Past Winners
2019 – Defoe (11/1) 2018 – Cracksman (2/7 fav) 2017 – Highland Reel (9/4 fav) 2016 – Postponed (8/11 fav) 2015 – Pether’s Moon (11/1) 2014 – Cirrus des Aigles (10/11 fav) 2013 – St Nicholas Abbey (3/10 fav) 2012 – St Nicholas Abbey (8/11 fav) 2011 – St Nicholas Abbey (Evs fav) 2010 – Fame And Glory (5/6 fav) 2009 – Ask (5/1) 2008 – Soldier Of Fortune (9/4) 2007 – Scorpion (8/1) 2006 – Shirocco (8/11 fav) 2005 – Yeats (5/1)
Coronation Cup Trends
18/18 – Had previously won a Group 1 or 2 race 17/18 – Had won over 1m4f before 17/18 – Aged 6 or younger 16/18 – Finished in the top three last time out 15/18 – Aged either 4 or 5 years-old 13/18 – Raced within the last 5 weeks 12/18 – Ran at either Chester, York, Newmarket or the Curragh last time out 12/18 – Favourites placed 11/18 – Horses from stall 3 that were placed (four won) 8/18 – Won by trainer Aidan O’Brien (2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2017) 8/18 – Winning favourites 7/18 – Won their last race 6/18 – Had run at Epsom before 3/18 – Ridden by Ryan Moore (2009, 2011 & 2017) 1/18 – Winners from stall 1 The average winning SP in the last 15 years is 10/3
RACING AHEAD VERDICT: Normally run at Epsom, so the trends have to be taken on trust a tad. It’s a cracking renewal though with last year’s winner – Defoe – the 2019 Epsom Derby hero – Anthony Van Dyck – the prolific Cup horse – Stradivarius – plus the top-rated Godolphin runner – Ghaiyyath – in attendance. It would be a shock if the winner isn’t coming from one of that four. Anthony Van Dyck has a bit to prove as he’s not been able to follow-up that Derby win from 5 runs since. Ghaiyyath is the one to beat based on the ratings, but might not be much value in the betting. This Godolphin horse is a very smart middle-distance performer, who is also a course winner here, returned back in February to win a G3 in Dubai very easily. Stradivarius will have its supporters too with Frankie riding, but this drop back to 1m4f might not be in his favour – especially on what’s likely to be quick ground. He might just get tapped for toe at a crucial stage. If that’s not the case and he can keep tabs with them early on, then his proven stamina will be a big plus in the closing stages. So, the call is for last year’s winner – DEFOE – to follow-up. This 6 year-old is also a CD winner here at HQ and he might be fitter than most having only run 3 months ago in Dubai. With 9 wins from his 20 starts, plus 5 top-two finishes, then he’s got a cracking strike-rate (70%) of hitting the top two.