Melbourne Cup? Ascot again? What next for Stradivarius after heroic Goodwood run

Following an epic Goodwood Cup which saw Kyprios prevail over Stradivarius and Trueshan, it was revealed it might not be the last clash between the star stayers. Bjorn Nielsen is keen to continue with Stradivarius, but what would our experts do with the brilliant eight-year-old?

'I would be very bold and go for the Melbourne Cup'

The safe thing to do would be go to York, three of the last four years he has gone to York and won. But it is what connections did in 2020, when they went for the Arc, that shows there's a willingness to be bold and, with an eight-year-old who has already won three Lonsdale Cups, I would be very bold and go for the Melbourne Cup.

Trueshan won the Northumberland Plate off 120, so it can be done, and he ran right up to his rating of 118 today. Fifth place at Flemington pays similar to winning at York so why not give it a shot? It'd be a hell of a lot more fun.
Stuart Riley, reporter

'There's obviously very little between him and Kyprios'

The Lonsdale Cup followed by the Doncaster Cup then put him away for next season. Don't bother with the Prix du Cadran or the Long Distance Cup and return in 2023 for the Yorkshire Cup before another crack at the Gold Cup. Why on earth would you even contemplate retirement now?

Only a neck separated Stradivarius and Kyprios at GoodwoodCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Stradivarius loves his racing and there is obviously very, very little between himself and Kyprios. Keep him going, Bjorn. You know it makes sense.
David Jennings, deputy Ireland editor

'I would not think beyond York and Doncaster'

Make hay while the sun is shining, why wouldn't you? In demeanour and performance, Stradivarius remains a potent force on the racecourse, which means the Lonsdale Cup and the Doncaster Cup should be destinations for him this year. Beyond that, I don't know really.

Can he defeat Trueshan on easier ground in the autumn? Past evidence would suggest not, while the Arc was tried and didn't go to plan either. So I would not think beyond York and Doncaster and then see how Stradivarius is – possibly having enjoyed two famous victories in the interim.
Peter Scargill, reporter

Goodwood Cup: watch the race here

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'We're not saying goodbye after that' - retirement ruled out for Stradivarius

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