Stradivarius Cup run promises much for next year

There was a strong headwind at Ascot for British Champions Day and all the front-runners found it very hard to hold on inside the closing stages.

Stradivarius
Third, Long Distance Cup, 2m, Ascot, Saturday, October 21
This highly progressive colt looked in superb nick. Held up in midfield, it was clear he was struggling with the soft ground as he tried to challenge, but to his credit he stuck to his guns all the way to the line. He will come into his own next year and I am sure he will develop into a leading Cup horse.

Order Of St George, looking well given he ran in the Arc 20 days earlier, showed his qualities to come out on top because it briefly looked like he didn’t fancy the battle two furlongs out. However, he dug in and answered all that was asked of him. I am sure he always keeps a bit back for himself and that may be the reason for his longevity.

Torcedor nearly caused a shock, but the headwind took its toll in the last 75 yards. This was probably a career-best performance.

Mount Moriah looked fine and bounced back to his best to run an excellent fourth.

The lightly raced Duretto looked well beforehand and was a major player coming around the final bend, but it looked as if his stamina failed him in the closing stages.

Big Orange, Dartmouth and Desert Skyline all looked past their best.

Harry Angel
Fourth, Champions Sprint, 6f, Ascot, Saturday
Clive Cox’s champion sprinter suffered his fourth defeat in four runs at Ascot, but I’m sure it was more down to the time of year than the course because he looked slightly over the top and his coat was starting to go. He then reared up, which caused him to be on the back foot early, and those exertions took their toll late on, although he still would have been placed but for being hampered. You can put a line through this defeat and next year he will again have all the top sprints on his agenda and can put his Ascot hoodoo to bed.

Librisa Breeze produced a career- best performance. This proved he can cut it at the top level over 6f, although the strong pace undoubtedly helped.

Tasleet looked fantastic for the time of year and has been a consistent Group 1 performer. Perhaps he can win one next year.
Caravaggio was just starting to go in his coat. He was awkward leaving the stalls and it took a stride or two for him to hit top gear. It was still a decent run, but I don’t think he was at his best.

Last year’s winner The Tin Man looked grand beforehand but was unable to land a blow in the closing stages.

Danzeno, Donjuan Triumphant and Intelligence Cross also looked well.