Personal-best performance shows Kew Gardens has more to give
Kew Gardens looks a real threat to Stradivarius' dominance of the staying division after getting the better of the champion stayer in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup, running a personal-best Racing Post Rating of 122 to edge the narrow verdict.
Last year's St Leger winner saw the longer trip out well with a game display, and although Stradivarius wasn't quite at his best (123) he wouldn't be far below form with the front pair pulling five lengths clear. With proven soft-ground performers Royal Line and Mekong running close to form in third and fourth the form looks sound.
Stablemate Magical capped another fine campaign with a deserved success in the Champion Stakes, not needing to be at her best to see off an inferior field, but running only a length below her peak with an RPR of 121. This was an eighth 120+ RPR in ten starts since winning the Fillies & Mares on last year's card, in which time, barring her Arc fifth when clearly better than the bare form, only Crystal Ocean and Enable have proved too strong.
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