Stradivarius going for gold one more time

Stradivarius will be a horse to remember, regardless of what happens tomorrow at Ascot.

The mighty Yeats won a record four consecutive Ascot Gold Cups between 2006 and 2009. Stradivarius is no doubt one of the best stayers in the world, bids to match that record having already won three Gold Cups (2018, 2019 & 2020).

A fourth Gold Cup in a row looked likely in last year’s renewal, with Stradivarius setting off 5/6 favourite. However, things didn’t quite go to plan for the now eight-year-old, who endured a luckless trip in running.

Staying power

The staying division has been dominated by Stradivarius for the last five seasons, and in his swansong year, could he perhaps etch his name further into history with another win at the Royal meeting? His seasonal reappearance showed there’s still life in this astonishing horse. He breezed home to win the Paddy Power Yorkshire Cup in May and his turn of foot showed he still honours a sharp turn of foot.

He’s an old pro now

Joint trainer John Gosden said; “Stradivarius has trained well since the Yorkshire Cup. We just hope for a clean race and may the best horse win. He’s an old pro now. He had bad luck with ground last year and a couple of tactical issues but we know he goes well on summer ground.”

Victory in the Yorkshire Cup gave Stradivarius an incredible 16th win in the QIPCO British Champions Series. No horse has won more series races, with the legendary Frankel the second most winning horse in the series with nine.

He faces a strong field of nine rivals in the race on what could be spectacular day at Ascot. Stradivarius will be partnered by the charismatic Frankie Dettori for the 24th time. A win in the race would give the Italian jockey a ninth success in the Gold Cup.