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Star stayer lines up in Long Distance Cup

Stradivarius  will face nine rivals as he bids to extend his winning run to 11 in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot on Saturday.

John Gosden's top-notch stayer has been in a league of his own since he last tasted defeat in this race two years ago.

He won this contest 12 months ago and is set to go again, as long as Gosden is happy with track conditions when he walks the course.

Gosden said: "I have made it clear that I will be walking the inner Flat track in the morning (of raceday), which I did last year for him. I shall then discuss everything with Mr (Bjorn) Nielsen (owner).

"Last year we discussed it and decided to run and I hope that it's the same this year."

Gosden has a second string to his bow in September Stakes scorer Royal Line, while Bin Battuta, Cleonte, Mekong and Withhold complete the home contingent, in a race that is live on Sky Sports Racing.

Aidan O'Brien is staging a three-pronged assault with Capri, Kew Gardens and South Pacific. Max Dynamite, trained by Willie Mullins, completes the field.

Dee Ex Bee, runner-up to Stradivarius three times this season, was one of the four withdrawals at the 48-hour final declaration stage along with Pilaster, Delphinia and South Sea Pearl.