STRAD TO LAND TREBLE

STRADIVARIUS might not have lived up to his owner’s expectations of becoming a Derby horse but he can again show he is one of the all-time giants in staying contests by winning a third successive Ascot Gold Cup.

Only two horses have captured this headliner on three or more occasions.

Sagaro became the first three-time winner but was superseded by Yeats who made it an historic four successive victories.

He might not be much bigger than a kid’s pony, but STRADIVARIUS (3.35, treble) has proved he has a heart of a lion.

Of his past triumphs in this race, this appears to be his easiest task. Cross Counter, the Melbourne Cup winner, has failed to lay a glove on him on the two occasions they have met.

Nayef Road, who beat Technician at Goodwood last year, is the one for the forecast.

Alan King can celebrate another win at the meeting with TRITONIC (1.15) in the Golden Gates Handicap.

King, right, on the mark with Coeur De Lion on Tuesday, has found an ideal opportunity for his colt.

He was an impressive winner at Newbury last year and is well-treated at the weights

Hopefully, a gelding operation will have the desired effect on REGAL REALITY (1.50).

He ran some promising races last year, notably when third behind Enable in the Eclipse at Sandown in

July. MOLATHAM (2.25, nap) is worth another chance after disappointing on his latest outing. He had earlier slammed 2,000 Guineas runner-up Wichita at Doncaster in September.

Expect improvement from Aidan O’Brien’s well-bred BATTLEGROUND (3.00) in the Chesham Stakes.

STARCAT (4.10) defied odds of 80-1 when seventh behind Kameko in the 2,000 Guineas. He may well have finished closer if he had not been short of room.

On handicap ratings. AFRICAN DREAM (4.40,nb) has been presented with victory.

In future races, John Gosden’s runner is set to race off a 16lb higher mark.