Stradivarius states Leger claims with improved performance

Stradivarius continued his progressive run of form with success in the Qatar Goodwood Cup, returning an improved Racing Post Rating of 116 that understandably sees him challenging for William Hill St Leger favouritism.

Only Irish Derby winner Capri (119) ranks above him in the St Leger ratings after Tuesday’s defeat of the hat-trick seeking Big Orange, and given his profile there may well be more to come from Stradivarius.

The doubt over his new figure is that it was achieved in receipt of a hefty 13lb weight-for-age allowance. The scale has been adjusted by 2lb for this year in favour of the older horses, but limited evidence from the Goodwood Cup in recent years suggests that might not go far enough, with sole three-year-old representatives Sword Fighter last year and Vive Ma Fille in 2015 both recording clear career bests in the race.