Who wants to beat the millionaire? Stradivarius faces four in Lonsdale Cup

Stradivarius will take on just four rivals as he bids for a second Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers' Million prize in the Lonsdale Cup at York on Friday.

The £1 million bonus is awarded if a horse can win the Yorkshire Cup, Ascot Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup before landing this Group 2 event over two miles, and John Gosden's star has landed the first three legs in fine style this season.

He landed the bonus in this race 12 months ago with an impressive three-length win and the bookmakers make him a general 4-9 chance to defend his title.

Dee Ex Bee: takes on Stradivarius once againCredit: Mark Cranham

His main market rival is Dee Ex Bee, who finished second on both occasions when the pair clashed at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, while Dermot Weld runs the unexposed Falcon Eight, a winner of three of his five starts.

Former Chester Cup hero Magic Circle and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Il Paradiso complete the line-up.

Stradivarius is looking to become the first back-to-back winner of the Weatherbys Hamilton-sponsored race since Opinion Poll in 2011.

The Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes will feature 12 runners, headed by top sprinters Ten Sovereigns, Battaash and Mabs Cross.

The first-named heads the betting at 6-4 for the Group 1 event, staged over five furlongs, and will be joined by his Ballydoyle stablemates Fairyland and So Perfect. Group-winning juveniles Soldier's Call and Rumble Inthejungle also feature.

The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes has attracted 14 runners, meaning it is set to be the biggest field size in the decade.

But the Group 2 has quantity and quality with Coventry and Richmond runner-up Threat looking to go one better for Richard Hannon, while smart prospects Repartee, Spartan Fighter and Dubai Station also run.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app