Stradivarius will face 12 rivals as he attempts to regain the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot.
Bjorn Nielsen's brilliant stayer won the two-mile Group Two in 2018 but was touched off by Kew Gardens in a thrilling finish 12 months ago.
The six-year-old, trained by John Gosden, returns to a more familiar distance on Saturday after two attempts at a mile and a half in the Prix Foy and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
What a race! 😲
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) October 19, 2019
Kew Gardens became the first horse in two years to get the better of Stradivarius in a classic QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup.#ChampionsDay pic.twitter.com/jdKp6zjolb
Kew Gardens’ trainer Aidan O’Brien has a team of three taking Stradivarius on, headed by last year’s Irish Derby winner Sovereign, alongside Broome and Dawn Patrol.
Supplementing the Irish challenge is Dermot Weld’s dual Irish St Leger heroine Search For A Song.
Doncaster Cup victor Spanish Mission, Fujaira Prince and Trueshan also feature in a fascinating opener on Qipco British Champions Day.
Haydock Sprint Cup scorer Dream Of Dreams is among a field of 17 declared for the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.
Michael Stoute’s six-year-old is reopposed by runner-up Glen Shiel and the fourth home, Art Power.
Dream Of Dreams lands a third @Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes for Sir Michael Stoute!
— Haydock Park Races (@haydockraces) September 5, 2020
It's more Group 1 glory for Champion Jockey @oismurphy 👏 pic.twitter.com/jsbwYs8Hvc
Others in the mix include July Cup winner Oxted, triple Prix de la Foret victor One Master and the unbeaten Starman.
Wonderful Tonight will attempt to back up her Prix de Royallieu success for trainer David Menuisier in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.
The Gosden-trained pair of Mehdaayih and Frankly Darling, Irish Oaks winner Even So and O’Brien’s duo of Laburnum and Passion are among others in a 12-strong field.
