Stradivarius on course for another £1m bonus after Yorkshire Cup success

Stradivarius, who won the £1 million Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers' Million bonus after four victories last season that included the Matchbook Yorkshire Cup, got his five-year-old campaign off to the best possible start by grinding out another victory in the Group 2 contest under Frankie Dettori.

Sent off as the 4-5 favourite, Stradivarius, who was having his first start for 209 days, stayed on to good effect under a strong drive from Dettori to beat the Aidan O'Brien-trained Southern France, with the first two clear.

This victory took Stradivarius's winning streak to six and connections are sure to target the £1m prize once again, with his next race set to be the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on June 20.

Trainer John Gosden said: "It was a lovely performance. He looked a little ring-rusty early in the straight but he can do that now as he is aware he is still a full stallion, which he was letting us know while saddling.

"Frankie had to slightly concentrate his mind but he finished out very well and this is the minimum distance for him I think.

"It was a very steady pace and a bit of a dash. It was a bit sharp for him but I'm thrilled he got there. He has not been trained hard for this."

Paddy Power cut Stradivarius to 6-4 (from 2) for the Gold Cup, while he is now a 4-1 shot (from 11-2) for back-to-back £1m bonuses.

Result, replay and analysis

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