Ascot Gold Cup odds: Trawlerman going off-piste to upset Scandinavia

Trawlerman is hoping to defy a long lay-off to defend his Ascot Gold Cup crown.

Last year's hero has faced an interrupted prep heading into the Royal meeting this time around, however, if he reproduces anything close to the performance that gave him a seven-length success last season; he will be tough to beat.

In an attempt to get him to perform to his best, connections have stated that their star stayer will don a unique piece of a equipment on his way to the start: ski goggles.

Trainer John Gosden revealed last week that a "weird problem" with Trawlerman's eyes has resulted in him developing a sensitivity to light and, in an attempt to offset its impact, he has been sporting a pair of ski goggles during exercise.

Whilst their use is not permitted during the race, Trawlerman will sport the eyewear during the prelims.

Ascot Gold Cup odds

(Odds will display when market is available)

Such was the striking nature of his victory last year, Trawlerman has been priced up at 7/2.

It's difficult to find a horse that will definitely see out the marathon flat trip but punters will be aware that he brings guaranteed stamina to the contest.

The 243-day break is a worry though and young pretender Scandinavia (13/8) brings Classic-winning form to the table.

Handled by the imperious Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore duo, he landed the St Leger last season during a five-race winning streak.

Runner-up at Doncaster that day was Rahiebb, who is definitely not without a chance heading into Thursday's feature contest. He actually finished ahead of Scandinavia at this meeting last year and backed up the form he showed at three with a taking success in the Yorkshire Cup on seasonal return.

Finally, Caballo De Mar also has to enter calculations. Another that is surely guaranteed to see out the trip, successive runner-up finishes at both Meydan and Ascot were thoroughly put behind him when landing the Group 1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier out in France last month.

Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.