Stradivarius saunters to second Doncaster Cup win

It was the simplest of assignments for a modern day great on Town Moor, as John Gosden’s star stayer made light of the Doncaster Cup field.

Stradivarius backed up his hard-fought victory at York with another win, although today he barely had to break into 4th gear.

He began the day a heavy-favourite, with Trueshan, his arch rival in the staying division, declared a non-runner with the rain coming too late for him to take his chance. The short odds were justified as he turned the Group 2 into a procession.

The Grand Visir took them round at a medium gallop, with Frankie Dettori happy to sit in fourth off the lead for much of the first circuit. The field content to maintain their positions for much of the way round turning into the straight.

With the leader beginning to tire, all eyes were on Frankie and Stradivarius, the former motionless as he bided his time. Jamie Spencer loomed to his right, looking to cover any potential move. Bute still Dettori waited.

As they came to three furlongs out, there was a casual look around from the pilot for dangers, before he engaging his mount for a challenge. Stradivarius then sauntered to the lead and when Frankie said go, the response was instant.

Stradivarius utilised his trademark turn of foot and in a matter of strides the race was won. He glided across the Doncaster turf to the joy of the crowd. All was left to take care of was Dettori’s customary flying dismount and more cheers ensued. The simplest of wins.