The historic 2 1/2-mile Gold Cup (G1) on Day 3 of Royal Ascot came down to a tremendous homestretch battle in which 2022 winner Kyprios continued an against-all-odds comeback to reclaim his title.

After handling a challenging assignment in the Red Sea Turf H. (G3) on Saudi Cup Day, Tower of London was backed into 2-1 favoritism in a presumably better scenario in Saturday’s $1 million Dubai Gold Cup (G2).

Before Panthalassa capped the day in the Saudi Cup (G1), Japan scored two lucrative wins on turf with Bathrat Leon and Silver Sonic, and British raider Mostahdaf romped in the Neom Turf Cup (G3).

Bob Baffert’s dynamic duo of Taiba and Country Grammer will try to have the angles covered between them in Saturday’s $20 million Saudi Cup (G1).

Champions Day concluded with major upsets. Hitherto unbeaten Baaeed could muster only fourth in his finale, as Bay Bridge returned with a vengeance in the Champion, and Bayside Boy sprang a surprise in the Queen Elizabeth II.