Ascot Gold Cup 2012 Results: Winner, Top Finishers and Analysis

On what is traditionally known as Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, one of the most prestigious races of the event will take place on Thursday in the form of The Gold Cup.

The race, which lasts for two miles and four furlongs, is a Group 1 competition and will feature some of the best endurance racers in the world, with returning winner Fame And Glory being a heavy favorite.

The Gold Cup is rare as it is one of the few races that allows winners to come back and defend their title. Yeats was able to win every year from 2006 through 2009, and many believe that Fame And Glory will be able to repeat that feat one day. It all starts with a win on Thursday, however, as the six-year-old former Irish Derby winner will go for history.

Here is everything you need to know about The Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, and don't forget to check back after the race for analysis and official results.

UPDATE: Thursday, June 21

Jockey Frankie Dettori rode Colour Vision to a thrilling victory, according to the Ascot's official website. 

Where: Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England

When: Thursday, June 21 at 10:45 a.m. ET

Betting Lines (via Bovada)

Fame And Glory (1/1)

Saddler's Rock (4/1)

Colour Vision (9/2)

Opinion Poll (5/1)

Gulf of Naples (33/1)

Nehaam (40/1)

Askar Tau (50/1)

Caucus (80/1)

Bridge Of Gold (125/1)

Horses to Watch

Fame And Glory

Fame And Glory is a heavy favorite in The Gold Cup and for good reason. He has a ton of experience running long distances as well as an excellent pedigree, and he was dominant in his victory last year. Fame And Glory torched the field by several lengths, and although he is another year older, he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.

Fame And Glory is led by one of the most successful trainers of all time in Aidan O'Brien, who will be looking to win his sixth Gold Cup in seven years. Fame And Glory has won nine of his past 12 races and enters The Gold Cup with a ton of momentum on his side, so it's fair to say that he will be the horse to beat.

Opinion Poll

He may only be fourth in terms of the betting favorites, but Opinion Poll may have the best chance of knocking off Fame And Glory. He ran second to the dominant horse in last year's Gold Cup and ran second to him again in a race back in October. Opinion Poll hasn't been able to supplant Fame And Glory quite yet, but he has what it takes to give him a run for his money.

Opinion Poll hasn't finished worse than second in his past eight races, and that means he is very likely to be in the mix at the very least. You never know when a horse might start to break down a little bit, and if that is the case for Fame And Glory, then I would wager that Opinion Poll will be the one to take advantage of it.

Askar Tau

Askar Tau is an interesting horse as he only has three career victories and has run just once since last year's Gold Cup, but he will try his luck on Thursday. Askar Tau is a long shot at 50/1, but based on his solid performance last year, he might be worth a bet. Askar Tau finished fifth in the 2011 edition of this race and he was certainly a factor.

There is no doubt that Fame And Glory is a far superior horse, but if he falters, then Askar Tau could be a horse to watch. Even if that doesn't happen, though, if you are betting a trifecta, I wouldn't hesitate to add Askar Tau in as your show horse. He has what it takes to compete and could really line your pockets if he comes through.

Prediction

There is no shortage of tough challengers in this race, but Fame And Glory is simply a cut above the rest and will prove that by winning The Gold Cup for the second consecutive year and establishing himself as one of the best distance horses ever.

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