Vazirabad skips Goodwood rematch with Stradivarius as Gold Cup effort takes toll

They produced one of the most rousing finishes to any of the 24 races at Royal Ascot but Gold Cup principals Stradivarius and Vazirabad will not face off in the Qatar-sponsored Goodwood version after connections ruled out a return visit to Britain for the French stayer.

Vazirabad will be rested in preparation for an autumn campaign, with the Prix du Cadran and the Prix Royal-Oak the likely targets for the six-year-old.

Trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre said on Friday: "Vazirabad returned home pretty weary from Ascot so he won't be going to Goodwood.

"It will come too quickly and instead we will try to get him back in top shape for the end of the season in France."

Stradivarius, who won the Goodwood Cup last year, is a general even-money shot to complete the Ascot-Goodwood double, which would put him within touching distance of the Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers' Million bonus.

Qatar Goodwood Cup card and betting

The Gold Cup was more than just an Anglo-French duel, with third-placed Torcedor trading at a best priced 8-1 for the Goodwood Cup, and fourth-placed Order Of St George – who has four lengths to find with Stradivarius – available at 6-1.

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