Stradivarius 'recovering well' and could go for third victory in Doncaster Cup

Connections have issued an upbeat bulletin on staying icon Stradivarius, who remains in training at John and Thady Gosden's Clarehaven Stables after missing last Friday's Lonsdale Cup at York with a bruised foot.

The eight-year-old, who could have brought the curtain down on his glittering career on the Knavesmire, could pitch up in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup next month if he makes a swift recovery.

Owner Bjorn Nielsen is set to make the final decision about whether his star runs again or retires to stud. Before York there had been talk of Stradivarius even racing on as a nine-year-old in 2023.

Thady Gosden said: "Of course it was very frustrating and disappointing that Stradivarius had to miss York with a bruised foot. It's not an uncommon problem but he seems to be recovering well and is very well in himself."

He added: "These things can take time to come right but we've been pleased with his progress and he's in light training. He keeps himself pretty fit, so the Doncaster Cup could be a possibility if all goes well and he comes right again."

Stradivarius has won the Doncaster Cup twice, defeating Cleonte at odds of 1-9 in 2019 and seeing off Alerta Roja last year as a 4-11 shot.

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