He's coming home: why Stradivarius is harder to beat at Goodwood

Tuesday: 3.35 Goodwood
Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1) | 2m | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

If Flat stayers were like their chasing counterparts there would be a lot more ambiguity about those successful in the Goodwood Cup translating the form to Ascot, and vice versa. As it is, the only horse who really stands parallel with One Man, Florida Pearl, Beef Or Salmon and however many others is Persian Punch.

A fairly good guess can be had at the reasons why this is the case. The Gold Cup may come over half a mile further and at a stiffer track than most races in the staying programme, but the attributes being tested are much the same. Normally, a stayer must settle well and have the ability to quicken up. That does not change much whether the first part lasts for a mile and a half or nearer two miles.