Stradivarius is set for a run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after claiming a fourth Goodwood Cup.
The son of Sea The Stars backed up last month’s Gold Cup win at Royal Ascot as Frankie Dettori guided him through a crowded field in the final two furlongs to win by a length on Tuesday afternoon for his record-extending victory.
Mark Johnston’s Nayef Road took second ahead of Aidan O’Brien‘s Santiago but despite being far from his best, Stradivarius’ class shone through.
Tuesday’s triumph was arguably the best of the six-year-old’s four Goodwood Cup successes and trainer John Gosden and owner Bjorn Neilsen are now looking to France for his next two runs.
The Prix Foy on September 13 is his immediate target before a return trip to Longchamp for the Arc on the first Sunday in October.
That would see him take on stablemate, Enable, but Gosden has no qualms about sending the six-year-old into battle against other horses of that calibre.
Gosden said: “He looked like he was boxed in but the key thing is if you’re tracking a horse like Santiago trying to concede 15 pounds you don’t look to attack two-and-a-half or three furlongs down and get into a real slog.
“It was a great performance under that weight. He has a great heart, is very cool and relaxed. Mr Neilsen and I have discussed it and he will run in the Prix Foy next and then be aimed at the Arc.”
