Stradivarius hunts Gold Cup revenge
StradivariuS will seek ‘redemption’ for his controversial Gold Cup defeat when he reignites his rivalry with royal ascot hero Kyprios in today’s al Shaqab Goodwood Cup. an unprecedented fifth victory in the marquee Group One event awaits one of the greatest stayers of the modern era, who may well make his final race course appearance this afternoon. and owner Bjorn Nielsen, publicly critical of Frankie dettori for his ride on the eight-yearold in the ascot showpiece, believes his record-breaking veteran should enjoy a return to the Sussex downs. Nielsen, who was part of the decision to replace dettori with andrea atzeni, said: ‘the way the races have been run, really since October 2018, the tactics have been to put Stradivarius in a pocket, and that’s a lot easier to do at ascot as it’s a short straight. ‘it happened the last time he won the Goodwood Cup too, as he was held in a pocket there until Frankie got out just in time. ‘that’s been the strategy and that’s the way it is, but andrea knows the score. ‘He’s ridden him three times and won every time.
‘i couldn’t have visualised he would go on as long as he has, but he’s been an amazingly sound and charismatic horse.
‘if he could win the race for a fifth time it would be some redemption for what’s happened at ascot the last three times he’s run there.’ Stradivarius must reverse ascot placings with Kyprios, and the looming presence of last year’s winner trueshan adds further spice to an enthralling contest, providing trainer alan King is satisfied the ground is safe for his star stayer. the upwardly mobile COLTRANE (Goodwood, 3.35) has a little to find with the main protagonists, but a year on the sidelines really appears to have helped the five-year-old blossom into a force over staying trips this summer. admittedly, his form to date is yet to reach the level of Stradivarius, trueshan or Kyprios, but a sparkling Sandown listed win in an extremely swift time earlier this month suggests he can bridge the gap and may prove the surprise package in a terrific renewal with rob Hornby aboard. ntHe eagerly-awaited clash between Baaeed and Qipco 2,000 Guineas winner Coroebus in tomorrow’s Qatar Sussex Stakes has been shelved after the lastnamed was found to be lame, with an abscess in his left hind pastern, yesterday morning. Coroebus will now be targeted at the Prix Jacques Le Marois at deauville next month.