Stradivarius Set To Retain Gr.2 Lonsdale Cup
John Gosden's "cheeky" charge Stradivarius is all set to take the Gr.2 Lonsdale Cup. The 5YO defending champion is already being described as the favourite to scoop the seven-figure sum for owner-breeder Bjorn Nielsen again, having won at York, Ascot, and Goodwood already this season.
Gosden boasts an impressive 29% strike-rate at York in the past five years (25 winners from 87 runners), with only Ascot providing him with more prize-money in the same period, thanks largely to Enable's two Group One victories.
The wonder mare is slotted to win the upcoming Gr.1 Yorkshire Oaks for a second time.
Gosden added that Lah Ti Dar will likely line up alongside Enable as her owner-breeders, Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber, have been keen on a tilt at the 1 1/2-mile group 1 all year.
Gosden also revealed King of Comedy, who was beaten a neck in the Gr.1 St. James's Palace Stakes (Gr.1), will go for the £1 million Juddmonte International Stakes, with the step up to the 10 1/2-furlongs likely to suit.