Aidan O’Brien’s strategy for the Gold Cup will be more apparent this Friday as both Kyprios and Tower Of London are set to compete.

Kyprios, a favorite for the Ascot event, had to miss his chance to build on his 2022 victory due to an injury last year. However, he has made a strong comeback, although narrowly defeated in both the Irish St Leger and the Long Distance Cup on Champions Day last season. He secured a decisive win at the Vintage Crop Stakes last month.

On the other hand, Tower Of London is emerging as a promising contender in the staying division. After finishing fourth to stablemate Continuous in the St Leger and experiencing a setback as the favorite in the Irish Cesarewitch, he has shown significant improvement by clinching victories overseas. His performance was notably sharp in the Red Sea Turf Handicap in Saudi Arabia and continued with a stylish win at the Dubai Gold Cup.

Kyprios is following O’Brien’s well-established path from the Vintage Crop to the Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes at Leopardstown. Meanwhile, Tower Of London is gearing up for the Boodles Yorkshire Cup at the Knavesmire.

O’Brien expressed satisfaction with Tower Of London’s recent form, noting his advancement and resilience. “He’s progressing well. He ran a nice race in the St Leger, but has shown in his last two races that he’s improving quickly. He did well to win in Saudi when he met some trouble, but then in Dubai, what he did was really pleasing.”

Tower Of London is set to face a strong field including Willie Mullins’ Vauban, who is coming off a disappointing run in the Melbourne Cup, alongside Royal Ascot winner Gregory, last year’s race winner Giavellotto, and the William Haggas-trained duo of Hamish and Naqeeb, as well as Al Qareem from Karl Burke’s stable.

Kyprios will compete against stablemate Queenstown, who was runner-up in the Vintage Crop, along with Dawn Rising, Sunchart, Serious Challenge, and Yashin.

O’Brien outlined the plan for Kyprios: “As for Kyprios, he’s going to the Saval Beg and then to the Gold Cup at Ascot. It’s a route we like to take. I’ve been very happy with him so far this year. He did really well to come back at all last year after his injury and to get two runs into him was a credit to the team. He won nicely first time out and we’re looking forward to him again.”