Ground concerns for Stradivarius at Ascot
Ground states will determine if Stradivarius defends his Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup title at Ascot.
Trainer John Gosden has stressed the five-year-old will only lineup in the Group 2 competition on October 19 in the event the floor isn’t overly soft.
Sea The Stars’ boy procured a second Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers’ Million bonus out last time when adding at the Lonsdale Cup in York.
Gosden said:”I’d think that Champions Day is rather probable.
“If we have a great deal of rain and it did move heavy, that would be the 1 thing which would likely stop us working.
“He has got a excellent activity and he’s likely happiest along with the floor. The floor was managed by him, but I’d be worried about heavy ground.
Having noticed Stradivarius extend his winning series to nine Gosden reports that the stayer.
Gosden included:”He’s in tremendous form because the race. He using a shout he enjoys to do and is currently bucking and playing away.
“He always lets you know when he’s about. For a little guy he makes a lot of noise.”
Looking past Qipco British Champions’ Day, the Newmarket handler guarantees that a decision if remains in training next year will be earned by his owner Bjorn Nielsen.
Gosden added:”It is very much around Mr Nielsen whether he wants to keep him in training a year ago and that I shall leave that entirely to him.
“The horse will be vociferous to tell us what he believes.”