Stradivarius again in the Gold Cup?

Ascot, Thursday, June 16: On the third day of the Royal Ascot Festival, the Gold Cup (4rd race/17.20/500,000 pounds/4010 m) stands out. The resilient Stradivarius (Frankie Dettori), from the stable of John & Thady Gosden, has won the fixture three times, but suffered a stinging defeat last year. In the first start of the season in the Yorkshire Cup (Group 2), he flashed his old class and came easily against Tashkhan (Ben Robinson), among others. His opponents include Trueshan (Hollie Doyle), who easily dispatched Stradivarius in the Prix du Cadran (Group 1), and the Aidan O`Brien-trained Kyprios (Ryan Moore), who recently won by a highly superior 14 lengths at Group level. Last year`s runner-up Princess Zoe (J. Sheridan) made a winning comeback in the Sagaro Stakes (Group 3). Mojo Star (Rossa Ryan) sold superbly when second in the English St. Leger (Group 1). Burning Victory (William Buick) ran over fences this year, but has also been successful on the flat course.