By Andrew Atkinson
Trueshan (evens) tipped by fromthehorsesmouth.info landed the Group 2 Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup for the second year running under Hollie Doyle at Ascot on Saturday.
Trueshan trainer Alan King said: “That was a tough race, wasn’t it? He had to battle for that one. It was a long last couple of furlongs but he just keeps finding.
“I don’t think he was quite at his best – but he’s got the job done. He was keen early in the race and was quite a handful to saddle. He’s a wonderful horse.
“Stradivarius (third) has run another mighty race. They’ve had a few battles this year. I’m delighted. Relieved more than anything.”
Stradivarius jockey Frankie Dettori was critical of Dylan Browne McMonagle, up on ninth-placed Baron Samedi.
“The kid in front did everything he could to get me beat – it was a disgrace,” slammed Dettori.
“There aren’t many more superlatives I can make up for this horse,” said winning jockey Doyle.
“He shows how good he is in the way that he races – he’s just unbelievable – a once in a lifetime horse.
“I got a good early position and he settled well but, at halfway, they steadied it up. That’s when he does his best work, when he hits the rising ground, the further the better.
“I could feel Frankie breathing down my neck – trying to get first run on us. I didn’t want to be that wide turning in – but I had to go when I did.”
Brian Ellison-trained Tashkhan finished second at 50-1. Trueshan is priced 4-1 favourite for the 2021 Ascot Gold Cup.
