Red-hot Prix du Cadran draws big hitters to Paris for staying race of the year

Saturday: 2.15 Longchamp
Qatar Prix du Cadran (Group 1) | 2m4f | 4yo+ | SKY

Seldom are ground conditions suitable for both Stradivarius and Trueshan, but the rain ought to stay away from Paris long enough for both star stayers to line up in the Prix du Cadran.

It was always Stradivarius who would have to come to meet his mudlark rival. It remains the case both horses have run the best races of their careers on soft ground. For Stradivarius, it came when winning the 2020 Gold Cup, while Trueshan did it in last year's Long Distance Cup.

The reason Trueshan is favourite is not really due to the ground, but the two horses' respective trajectories. He matched his best run in the Northumberland Plate, and shaped in winning the Goodwood Cup as though he could reproduce his 121 peak in the right race.

Stradivarius's peak of 125 might be a receding memory, as he has run to 117 on three of his four runs this year and 115 on the other occasion. Admittedly, he had more in the tank at Doncaster last time and this race ought to be close.

The complicating factor in this long-anticipated clash is Princess Zoe. She is the inverse of Stradivarius, in that she has been held back for soft ground but ran better than ever to finish second in this year's Gold Cup on good to firm. She won this race last year, but the Cadran is rarely this competitive. That much can be inferred from the remainder of this year's field.

If the rain comes early, Stradivarius may well defect. Should that happen, the race would take on an attractive each-way look and Stratum may be worth a second glance. This dual-purpose veteran has shown much of his best Flat form on soft ground and he remains as good as ever over hurdles on this year's evidence. If he were ever likely to be plotted at a Flat Group 1, it is probably the Cadran. He might just be unlucky to have chosen the one year the division's big hitters all descend on Paris.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

Stradivarius team well aware of task ahead

Local turfistes might see it as a battle of the old men, given that Call The Wind can match Stradivarius for miles on the clock and candles on the cake, while in Ireland it's a match-up with Princess Zoe and in Britain it's Trueshan who provides the main opposition.

There is no doubt the three-time Gold Cup winner's presence in Paris has added some real stardust to the occasion after his attempt at the Arc 12 months ago and the Gosden team are looking forward to the challenge.

Stradivarius and work-rider Bradley Bosley exercise up Newmarket's Warren HillCredit: Edward Whitaker

Joint-trainer Thady Gosden said: "He ran twice over a mile and a half at Longchamp last year so we know he likes the track and hopefully he can step up on that over his preferred distance.

"It looks to be the staying race of the year with Trueshan and Princess Zoe in there and he's pleased us since winning the Doncaster Cup. Hopefully the ground won't be too bad as it's forecast to rain after his race."

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Stratum
He didn't like the firm ground at York last time. He won the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Ascot when the ground was soft and if they get more rain he might get into the first four in a very hot race.

Pauline Cheboub, co-owner of Skazino
He loves passing other horses but if necessary he can make the running as well. He's very tough and he loves Longchamp and has shown great quality. He is such a good horse over 3,000 metres [1m7f] that even against this level of opposition, I think he has a real chance of winning.

Skazino returns to the Deauville winners' enclosure after winning the Prix KergolayCredit: Scott Burton

Alan King, trainer of Trueshan
He's not guaranteed to get two and a half miles. He's not been tested over it as he had to miss the Gold Cup and this is a different ball game.

Freddy Head, trainer of Call The Wind
It was a good comeback run and I'm very happy with him. I think he's come forward for the run. It won't be easy and it's a wonderful race. I'd prefer it wasn't really deep like last year. Some give won't bother him but I don't want it very heavy.

Tony Mullins, trainer of Princess Zoe
We came in a single journey this time, straight from Dublin to France, and didn't go through England. She travelled over perfectly. I'd say it's the best Cadran ever run. I'm confident she's better than she was last year, but she'll need to be. We'll never have a mare like her again so this is D-day.

Mikel Delzangles, trainer of Bubble Smart
She will have a tough task against Stradivarius but she'll love the 4,000 metres [two and a half miles] and she also handles soft ground without a problem. She's like her younger brother [Bubble Gift] in that they both stay well and can accelerate at the end of their races.
Reporting by Scott Burton

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