Trueshan to face Kyprios in testing defence of Long Distance Cup crown

Trueshan could be facing his toughest opponent yet when he bids for an extraordinary fourth successive win in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup, the £500,000 Group 2 which opens proceedings.

Alan King’s seven-year-old has looked right back to his best with recent wins in the Doncaster Cup and the Prix Du Cadran, but his three Long Distance Cups have been gained by a much reduced margin each time and on this occasion he is likely to meet not only Coltrane, who made such a race of it a year ago, but also the outstanding 2022 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot winner Kyprios.

Kyprios missed most of the season, but he is the subject of pleasing reports from Aidan O’Brien, who has also confirmed Dubai Gold Cup winner Broome and three-year-old Tower Of London.

The John & Thady Gosden stable will be represented by Trawlerman, who was third here last year after winning the Sky Bet Ebor, and Sweet William, who finished runner-up in both the Ebor and the Doncaster Cup on his last two starts.