3 minute read
Frankie Dettori eases to Group Two success on Gosdens’ great stayer.
Superstar stayer Stradivarius produced another imperious display to bag his second Doncaster Cup.
John and Thady Gosden's seven-year-old has dominated the division in recent seasons, with his illustrious CV including three Gold Cups at Royal Ascot, four Goodwood Cups, three Lonsdale Cups and two Yorkshire Cups.
With his chief rival Trueshan missing this potential clash on account of unsuitable ground, Stradivarius was the 4-11 favourite to regain his crown on Town Moor – and the result was scarcely ever in doubt.
Given a confident ride by Frankie Dettori, the son of Sea The Stars cruised into contention in the home straight, with the popular Italian looking round for non-existent dangers as he moved alongside the front-running Nayef Road.
Once given his head, Stradivarius readily extended clear – passing the post with two and a half lengths in hand over Alerta Roja, who beat Nayef Road to the runner-up spot.
Gosden said: "He's a wonderful horse. He's been great at home. He's enjoyed all his training. He loves his racing and likes coming racing.
"He's a phenomenon.
"I had no qualms about coming here. He senses a horse coming to him and plays cat and mouse with them now.
"I couldn't have been more thrilled with him. I'm sorry the other horse (Trueshan) didn't run but maybe we'll meet one day.
"He's had a great season. He's won three out of four. Frankie's ride in the Gold Cup wasn't his greatest. The winner was mighty impressive and the sad thing for me in the year is that we couldn't run at Goodwood, because he adores Goodwood.
"His enthusiasm is there 100 per cent and I can assure everyone who loves him, the moment it's not there he will be retired. Until that day comes, which he will tell us, he will race."
Gosden is now considering the autumn options in France and Britain for Stradivarius.
He said: "There are two races in the autumn – the Cadran and Ascot (Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup). Ascot last year was heavy and he hated it. Those are the options. It will be one not both.
"He'll go on summer soft but not when it goes autumn deep. He cannot take it. It was a mistake to run him in it last year and in the Arc.
"He lives a bit on the edge. He lets us know what he wants. I've always adored stayers and to train him is a dream come true."
Dettori added: "That was great. It's probably the easiest race he's had since last year when he was here.
"He made it look easy again. He still loves his racing."
