2026 Grand Cup Stakes Tips - O'Meara's stayer set for Epic challenge
The 2026 Grand Cup Stakes at York offers not only a first prize of £40,000 but also a guaranteed place in the Ebor Handicap. This year’s field is headlined by Al Qareem, last year’s winner, and chief rivals Mount Atlas, Gregory, Epic Poet, Tabletalk, and Roaring Legend. Despite Al Qareem’s past success, the article recommends backing Epic Poet at 5/1. With Ryan Moore expected to ride, Epic Poet's consistent performances and adaptability at York make him the top tip for this year's contest.
- Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Grand Cup Stakes
- This Listed race takes place at York on Saturday 13th June
- Epic Poet is our selection at 5/1
Saturday's card at York is headlined by the Grand Cup Stakes. Along with a first prize of around £40k, Saturday's winner will book themselves a guaranteed spot in the Ebor Handicap, which takes place over the same course and distance during the Ebor Festival.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Grand Cup Stakes, including our best betting tips.
2026 Grand Cup Stakes Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Al Qareem | 5/2 |
| Mount Atlas | 3/1 |
| Epic Poet | 5/1 |
| Gregory | 7/1 |
| Tabletalk | 10/1 |
| Roaring Legend | 33/1 |
2026 Grand Cup Stakes Runners
Al Qareem thrashed Absurde to win this race 12 months ago. Karl Burke's star returned to action with a hard-fought victory at Musselburgh, before a limp performance against Jan Brueghel in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester.
Mount Atlas pushed Al Qareem all the way to the line in the Goliath Cup, and renews rivalries with the favourite after an excellent second in the Ormonde Stakes. James Doyle has been confirmed in the saddle of former Queens Vase winner Gregory, who has only run once in the last 18 months.
Ryan Moore and David O'Meara will team up with the globetrotting Epic Poet. Former Melrose Handicap winner Tabletalk represents Tom Clover. Olly Murphy's Roaring Legend is the outsider of the party.
2026 Grand Cup Stakes Tips
I'm happy to side against Al Qareem on good-to-firm ground, and the booking of Ryan Moore is swaying me towards EPIC POET (5/1).
David O'Meara's star is yet to win here at York, but rarely runs a poor race on the Knavesmire. Epic Poet finished fourth in the 2024 Ebor, was beaten a head by the excellent Rebel's Romance in last season's Yorkshire Cup, and finished fourth behind Rahiebb in that same race this season.
Epic Poet travelled into the contest every bit as well as the winner, and looked set to challenge under Danny Tudhope. Rahiebb hung left, which pushed Al Nayyir into Epic Poet for much of the final two furlongs, but I thought O'Meara's charge was fighting back as the winner crossed the line.
In the Henry II Stakes at Sandown, Tudhope was searching for racing room throughout the home straight. Once he managed to find daylight, the race was effectively over, and Epic Poet could only stay on to challenge Lazy Griff for third place.
Despite a poor strike rate in the UK, Epic Poet has maintained a lofty mark during his spell with David O'Meara. A change of luck is needed for this consistent seven-year-old to claim victory, but there's more than enough ability under his bonnet, and hopefully Ryan Moore is the man to deliver a deserved victory for this admirable stayer.
Visit our 2026 Grand Cup Stakes Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Saturday's races at York via a mobile or tablet.
Live Stream
Visit our 2026 Grand Cup Stakes Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Saturday's races at York via a mobile or tablet.
Verdict
Epic Poet is our best bet in the 2026 Grand Cup Stakes.
Epic Poet
2026 Grand Cup Stakes Tips
@5/1 - 5 Units
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