Magners Rose Doncaster Cup Stakes (Group 2) (British Champions Series)

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 3m 59.28s

(4)

Stradivarius²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 121

1/9

Outstanding stayer who arrives here bidding for his tenth straight win in Group company. Again got the better of Dee Ex Bee in the Lonsdale Cup at York last time, and always gives the impression he has a little more to spare than his winning margin.

Form: 11-1111

(6)

Barsanti^b²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-5| J: Andrea Atzeni| T: R Varian| OR: 108

10/1

Hard to win with despite his ability, but seemed to respond to blinkers when a fine fifth in the Ebor at York last month. Not sure to repeat that in a tactical affair, but has place claims if doing so.

Form: 42-3335

(2)

Cleonte²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 103

16/1

Relished the test of stamina when winning 2m5½f Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot, but was 8½L behind Barsanti in the Ebor and is now 2lb worse off, so makes little appeal for all the stiffer test will suit.

Form: 3-36130

(3)

Max Dynamite²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 9-5| J: R L Moore| T: W P Mullins| OR: 107

14/1

Better off with the pair who finished in front of him in the Ebor last time, so could turn the tables up in trip, but he faces a stiff task against the principals, and arguably isn't the force of old.

Form: 268-310

(1)

Sneaky Getaway²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: J P Spencer| T: E Mullins| OR: 101

12/1

Dual bumper winner, and has also won twice from three Flat starts, but needs to improve again on latest handicap win at Tramore if she's to pick up black type here.

Form: 121

Non-Runners

(5)

Dee Ex Bee²¹

Weight: 9-5| Age: 4

T: C & M Johnston J: W Buick

Forecasts

Stradivarius (1/9), Dee Ex Bee (5/2), Barsanti (10/1), Sneaky Getaway (12/1), Max Dynamite (14/1), Cleonte (16/1)

STRADIVARIUS has beaten Dee Ex Bee in the Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Stakes on their last three meetings, and while the track and trip give the latter a chance to finally beat his old rival, John Gosden's star seems to keep a bit back for himself, and will probably find more when needed. Barsanti fared best of a trio who clashed in the Ebor, and may come out on top again, but still looks to be playing for third at best.