Coolmore Coronation Cup: runner-by-runner guide and tip

One-time Champagne Stakes winner who is now building up a very solid profile, having run a series of good races in defeat last season before storming clear in the Grosser Allianz Preis von Bayern at Munich on his first attempt at the top level. 

Ran at least as well when a neck second to Lambourn in the Huxley Stakes on his reappearance, and then improved again when two lengths second to Almaqam in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Currragh, faring easily best of the prominent racers. 

Step back up in trip no problem for this strong stayer so he looks overpriced on that effort, assuming it doesn’t come too quickly (just 13 days between races). 

Announced himself on the middle-distance scene when running away with the King Edward VII Stakes at the 2024 Royal Ascot, and though unable to add to that on his next two starts, lost little in defeat in two runner-up finishes at the top table (Juddmonte International at York and Champion Stakes at Ascot). 

Given enough to do but had time to get past when an underwhelming second to Jan Brueghel in this race 12 months ago, but has won all five Group One starts since, with his best performance coming when beating Ombudsman by over two lengths in the latest Champion Stakes. 

Similar prep to last term (though went one better in the Dubai Sheema Classic in March), and while likely to improve for the outing, he sets the standard. 

Front-running third behind Lambourn in last season’s Chester Vase before – having missed Royal Ascot due to fast ground – going close in the Deutsches Derby at Hamburg. 

Continued on his travels for Group Three win at Leopardstown and Group Two success at Longchamp, getting up in the shadows of the post on the latter occasion, before a very disappointing effort as 3-5 favourite in the Preis von Bayern won by Bay City Roller. 

Much more like it when successfully giving weight away in the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes at Newbury on his reappearance (gaps came in time; would have been an unlucky loser). Has earned this step up in grade, but will need to take another step forward. 

Appeared to appreciate the step up in trip when winning the Queen’s Vase in 2024, after which he performed with credit including when a neck-second to Jan Brueghel in the St Leger. 

Stamina again called up last season, following up Ormonde Stakes reappearance win with honest runner-up efforts in the Ascot Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup prior to disappointing closing effort (in first-time cheekpieces) in the Irish St. Leger. 

More promising signs when an outclassed front-running third in the latest Ormonde behind stablemate  Jan Brughel, but pacemaking duties look the order of the day here once again. 

Late starter who rounded off debut season with battling defeat of stablemate Illinois in the St Leger, after which an attempted Melbourne Cup bid had to be aborted at the last minute on veterinary advice. 

Showed benefit of a pipe-opener at the Curragh when beating Calandagan in this race 12 months ago, his jockey outmaneuvering his rival with a more positive ride. Cheekpieces applied for following start but no match for old foe in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. 

Not sighted for almost 10 months prior to reappearance win at Chester last month, left with little to beat following the late defection of Rahiebb, but pleasing with how he stayed on from off the pace at a course that may not have been ideal for this big, long-striding sort. 

Threw his hat into the ring for the Derby when chasing home stablemate Delacroix in the Ballysax Stakes and – following a Chester Vase success over Lazy Griff – duly landed the Blue Riband event with an even more comprehensive defeat of that same rival here the following month. 

Didn’t need to improve when following up in the Irish equivalent, and then not at his best under a penalty in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York. Ended his season with a whimper with a non-threatening fourth in the St Leger. 

Successful reappearance in first-time cheekpieces when able to fend off Bay City Roller in the 10-furlong Huxley, though worth noting he was getting 5 lb from the runner-up, and the third has since been well held in listed company.  

Still has something to prove, but longer trip/return to this venue appear in his favour. 

Bay City Roller is being underestimated once more, but this looks likely to boil down to a straight shoout-out between last year’s one-two JAN BRUEGHEL and Calandagan. 

The last-named has certainly found the winning formula since looking a little awkward in his finishing effort here 12 months ago, and is undoubtedly a better horse than he was, but Aidan O’Brien planned last year’s race to perfection and a similar scenario looks entirely possible here. 

1. JAN BRUEGHEL 2. CALANDAGAN 3. BAY CITY ROLLER