Stradivarius Steps Out For Return Over 2400 Metres

UK superstayer Stradivarius makes his racing return this Friday night (Australian time) when he steps out for the Coronation Cup over 2400m. The race will be an interesting test for Stradivarius as he has not competed over such a ‘short distance’ for more than two years.

Stradivarius will be steered by regular jockey Frankie Dettori but the switch to a mile and a half distance will be a huge question mark. It was May of 2017 when Stradivarius competed over 2500m in a handicap for 3 year olds. He finished 2nd that day, but since then he has raced 15 times for 12 wins over distances more often 2 miles or more. The striking chestnut had a 10 race winning streak from his return to racing in 2018 until October of 2019. His major Group 1 wins include, 3x Goodwood Cup (3200m), 2x Ascot Gold Cup (4014m), while he has also claimed two Group 2 Lonsdale Cup (3300m) wins.

In a small seven horse field the six year old entire by Sea The Stars will actually run out as 3rd favourite with Ghaiyyath the short priced fave (6/4) and Defoe slightly shorter than Stradivarius at 3/1. The race which is usually held at the Epsom Racecourse has been transferred to Newmarket due to the Chinese Communist Party virus. Stradivarius is quoted in Melbourne Cup betting at Bet365 as $51, Sportsbet has him at $51 and while Ned’s does not even bother to list him. It’s highly unlikely Stradivarius would travel considering the current issues with the CCP virus and also the mindset of connections.