Stradivarius the value to land Gold Cup for John Gosden

There should be more to come from the lightly raced Stradivarius when tackling marathon trips and the Ascot Gold Cup could be ideal for him.

The Sea The Stars colt won at the royal meeting last year in what proved to be a really strong Queen's Vase, with the winners of the Melrose Stakes, the Mallard Stakes and the Doncaster Cup behind.

He then stepped up on that form when seeing off Gold Cup winner Big Orange in the Goodwood Cup.

The ground turned against John Gosden's four-year-old after that, but narrow defeats in the St Leger and the Long Distance Cup underlined his ability.

Order Of St George was just a length in front of him on the latter occasion and, granted quicker ground, he would be fancied to turn around that form.

With Stradivarius set to enjoy a fruitful campaign in the top staying events, it's worth taking the 8-1 about him triumphing at Royal Ascot.

Extract taken from the RFO Flat Racing Guide 2018 - out now