Illinois

O'Brien has explicitly described Illinois as versatile, and the horse's recent form bears this out. He loves fast, dry ground—winning two of five races when conditions suit him—and shows particular mastery at Ascot, where he has won twice from just three attempts. His partnership with regular rider Ryan Moore works too: they have won together twice in six races, a 33% win rate that outpaces his career average. Last raced just a day ago, Illinois remains actively campaigned. The trainer has hinted that the horse could drop back in distance for something like the Coronation Cup, or step up into longer-distance cup races. He is, O'Brien said, the kind of animal that will do whatever you ask of him. That adaptability, combined with proven form at the sport's top table, keeps doors open. He may never be a Gold Cup certainty, but on the right day, at the right track, with the ground just so, Illinois has already shown he belongs there.