Trawlerman Debuts New Headgear Ahead of Ascot Gold Cup

Trawlerman (IRE) is set to win his race against time to be ready for the Gold Cup Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot and will be sporting some unusual headgear at the meeting to counter a problem with his eyes. John and Thady Gosden's 8-year-old won the staying feature by 7 lengths last year and was last seen taking the Long Distance Cup Stakes (G1) at the same Berkshire track in October. He has developed a rare eye problem in the meantime and was spotted wearing a pair of dark goggles in Newmarket under regular pilot William Buick. Trawlerman has become sensitive to sunlight and bright light, so he is now housed in the darkest box available at Clarehaven Stables to help with his condition. If it is bright and sunny Thursday, Trawlerman will be sporting his new equipment in the preliminaries of the 2 1/2-mile contest that he won for the first time last year at the expense of his stablemate Sweet William (IRE). Trawlerman is the 6-1 third-favorite behind Scandinavia for a repeat victory but lacks a prep run this year, with the Godolphin star coming into the race on the back of a gallop at Newmarket's July course last weekend. John Gosden said: "We have a few chances in the group 1s next week including Trawlerman who goes in the Gold Cup. It's a big ask first time out for an 8-year-old but he seems in good shape. "He now wears these goggles at home to help with his eyes and we will be taking them to Ascot, although not to wear in the race. I'm just sorting it out with the BHA at the moment." The Gosdens were champion trainers at Royal Ascot last year with a five-winner haul that included Ombudsman (IRE), who is also set to bid to retain his group 1 crown in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1). The 5-year-old faces a stiff task with the likes of Daryz (FR) and Almaqam (GB) in opposition, but he arrives on the back of an impressive win under a 7-pound penalty in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes (G3) at Sandown Park. John Gosden added: "Ombudsman is in good form but it looks a very high-class renewal of the race this year, even better than last year. We've been pleased with him and he's had a good run into it." Elsewhere on the Gosdens' Ascot roster, Damysus (GB) is entered in the June 16 Queen Anne Stakes (G1), and Friendly Soul (GB) could contest the following day's Duke of Cambridge Stakes (G2). Gosden said: "Friendly Soul is going for the mile race and she seems unscathed after putting her foot in that hole at Haydock, which is remarkable." Epsom Derby (G1) absentee Water to Wine (FR) is another Gosden contender in the King Edward VII Stakes (G2) and the yard will also be well represented in the handicaps by the likes of Warrant Holder (IRE).