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Marathon marvel Stradivarius is back for more in Yorkshire Cup

Frankie Dettori flies off the back of Stradivarius after the pair's victory in last year's Yorkshire Cup
Frankie Dettori flies off the back of Stradivarius after the pair's victory in last year's Yorkshire CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

3.00 York
Matchbook Yorkshire Cup | 1m6f | 4yo+ | Group 2 | ITV4/RTV

As a four-year-old Stradivarius was the supreme star of the staying scene. Now, with new and younger rivals to beat, he returns to a familiar haunt, seeking to prove there's still many a good tune to be played on a slightly older fiddle.

For Flat racing's leading marathon man, a glorious 2018 campaign began with victory on this day in the Yorkshire Cup.

Thereafter he landed the Ascot Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Cup, and by doing so scooped connections the inaugural £1 million Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers' Million bonus.

With that money in the coffers, Stradivarius sealed a perfect season on Qipco British Champions Day. Championship honours, and perhaps another £1m payout, are once again obvious ambitions for Bjorn Nielsen's white-faced warrior.

For although John Gosden has made fancy middle-distance entries in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and Epsom's Investec Coronation Cup, Stradivarius is very much being aimed towards a second assault on the Gold Cup, for which he is generally 2-1 favourite, with Godolphin's Melbourne Cup hero Cross Counter next best at 11-2.

Cross Counter's trainer Charlie Appleby on this occasion takes on Stradivarius with Ispolini, while Aidan O'Brien – whose principal Gold Cup hope Capri runs at Leopardstown later in the day – saddles Southern France.

Nevertheless, on the form book Frankie Dettori's mount is plainly the one to beat in the Matchbook-backed Group 2, even with a 3lb penalty to shoulder.

Stradivarius at the launch of the stayers million
Stradivarius at the launch of the stayers million

"Coming back to the Yorkshire Cup has always been the plan," said Gosden.

"He's a happy horse and in good form. I haven't taken him away for a racecourse gallop and have just worked him at home. I've been happy with both that work and his progress, so I would be hopeful of a big run.

"He would actually have no problem dropping back to a mile and a half. I know we're bringing him back over a mile and six furlongs but he's still in the Coronation Cup, which tells you something of how I view the horse.

"Against that, he saw the trip out well in that extraordinary finish to the Gold Cup, and if things go the right way on Friday we'll be going back to Ascot."

Asked how Stradivarius had progressed physically from four to five, Gosden added: "We have to face the fact he isn't a big, scopey stayer. He's a very neat horse and, in that sense, slightly unusual for a stayer. He has strengthened and thickened a little bit but he hasn't grown."

Palmer hopes Stradivarius balloon can be burst

Taking on Stradivarius is not necessarily for the faint-hearted but Hugo Palmer, who runs prolific winner Mootasadir in the Matchbook Yorkshire Cup, believes if the odds-on favourite is to be beaten it will be by a rival he has yet to meet. He hopes that will be his own.

Mootasadir has won his last four starts but all of them were on all-weather tracks, the most recent being Kempton's Magnolia Stakes in late March.

As well as switching surface, Dansili's son also now moves up in trip but Palmer feels both those challenges can be overcome.

Mootasadir - Ben Curtis wins from Extra Elusive - Jason WatsonThe Matchbook Magnolia Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1)  Kempton Park 30.3.19©mark cranhamphoto.com
Mootasadir continues his winning spree in Kempton's Magnolia StakesCredit: Mark Cranham
Palmer said: "The big question is how good he'll be going on grass. He's certainly done very well on sand, but his mother won a Group 1 on turf and his father nearly did as well, so I'm hopeful. I also think he'll stay.

"Trying to prick a hole in the Stradivarius balloon is a big ask but if it's going to be done I think it'll most likely be with a horse who didn't take him on last year."

Another such horse is Godolphin's Ispolini, who most recently chased home stable companion Cross Counter at Meydan.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: "Ispolini produced a good, solid run over two miles to finish second behind Cross Counter and I feel the drop back in trip will suit.

"Running over staying trips and having him gelded have definitely helped see an improvement in form this year. His preparation has gone well and a repeat of his Dubai Gold Cup effort will make him a major player."

Also a potential player is Southern France, who tries to give Aidan O'Brien a first win in the Yorkshire Cup.

"We were very happy with his run when he finished third in the Vintage Crop at Navan last month," said O'Brien. "We've been happy with him since and we think he'll improve from that first run of the year."

For last year's second Desert Skyline, this is the first run of 2019, while the Mark Johnston-trained Mildenberger is attempting to build on his third in the Jockey Club Stakes.

Johnston's son Charlie said: "I don't know whether the extra two furlongs is important to him or not but at least he confirmed at Newmarket he has the stamina for a mile and a half.

"This is a very tough test but one we're looking forward to, as we have everything to gain and nothing to lose."

A similar attitude is likely being employed by John Ryan, who saddles outsiders Sevenna Star and Aircraft Carrier.


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Lee MottersheadSenior writer

Published on 16 May 2019inPreviews

Last updated 18:31, 16 May 2019

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