'Everyone is happy with him' - rain arrives in time for Trueshan's Cup bid

Sunday: 2.45 DoncasterCoral Doncaster Cup Stakes (Group 2) | 3yo+ | 2m2f | ITV4/Sky

Can anyone recall a higher-profile ground-dependent horse than Doncaster Cup favourite Trueshan?

Alan King's star stayer has been withdrawn pre-race as many times as he has run in the last 13 months, but thankfully the stage is set for the six-year-old to sparkle with sufficient rain getting into the Town Moor turf.

Trueshan is 11lb clear on official figures and his winning run on easier ground dates back to the Goodwood Cup last July. He is deadly on this terrain.

In that time he has claimed a Prix du Cadran, a Long Distance Cup, a Further Flight and a Northumberland Plate.

The hot streak ended when Trueshan ran third to Kyprios and old foe Stradivarius in this season's good-ground Goodwood Cup, and King was correct in his post-race assessment that Trueshan can still operate at a high level on faster going but the surface nullifies his brilliance.

The horse the market deems most likely to make hay if Trueshan falters is Coltrane, who has three and a quarter lengths to find on the pair's meeting at Goodwood in August. However, the fact Coltrane is approaching the end of a taxing season is a concern for his supporters, along with the prospect of easier ground.

Get Shirty, next in the betting, has also been campaigned aggressively and may be best avoided on his first try at the distance.

If you have a penchant for backing odds-on favourites it is probable you will collect a profit for pledging your allegiance to Trueshan.

However, those seeking an alternative wager may wish to consider Stratum and Lismore in the 'without the favourite' market at much bigger prices.

Stratum wins his second Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot in JuneCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

The versatile dual-purpose stayer Stratum is the only horse with winning form over 2m2f and handles testing conditions. His impressive record features soft-ground successes in the Cesarewitch and Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot, a race he retained in June on fast ground.

That was the last time we caught a glimpse of Stratum and he has been raced sparingly this campaign, something which is no negative in the autumn.

Lismore is another who has been lightly raced this term and could outrun her odds. Jamie Spencer got an outstanding tune out of the five-year-old the last time she ran on soft ground at Sandown when she motored through the mud to run away with the 2021 Henry II Stakes. Lismore can make the running and, like fellow Irish raider Stratum, is clearly able to cope with travelling.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Andrew Balding, trainer of Coltrane
He's got a bit to find but he wasn't seen to best advantage in a funny race at York last time as he had to chase the winner earlier than we'd have liked. The slightly bigger field is a plus, and the longer trip should also help. If he runs his race he's a good prospect for the first three. The only worry is that he's been on the go all year and when you get to this stage of the season it can be a bit of a concern.

David O'Meara, trainer of Get Shirty
I've been very pleased with him all year. He's done absolutely nothing wrong and had won four out of five going into the Ebor, where I think he performed well despite being drawn wide and being held up off a slow pace. He's in good order and I’m looking forward to running him. He goes in most ground, but we're going right up in trip, so I'd prefer it not to be too testing.

Get Shirty ridden by Daniel Tudhope wins The Copper Horse Stakes at Royal AscotCredit: Alex Livesey (Getty Images)

Heather Main, trainer of Island Brave
If the ground gets too soft he won't run, but otherwise he could go well as he's versatile and in form.

Ian Williams, trainer of Reshoun
He's picked up some great prize-money this year and always seems to perform above his station. The step up to two miles two furlongs will be a big help. I don't see him beating an in-form Trueshan, but he's probably nailed on for a little more place money.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Stratum
This trip should suit him and I think he'll be fine on the ground. If rain arrived it probably wouldn't do him any harm either. He's been a great servant for Tony Bloom and hopefully we'll be able to get another good day out of him.

Alan King, trainer of Trueshan
Everyone is happy with him and he could do with a run. It should tee him up for the back end. The more rain we get the better and the track and trip will be fine.
Reporting by David Carr

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