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  • Subjectivist Ruins Stradivarius Party

    Friday, 18th June 2021

    Racing is nothing if not a perfect venue for drama. On Day 3 of Royal Ascot, punters piled in to three-time Gr1 Gold Cup (20 furlongs) winner Stradivarius (Sea The Stars). Everything looked tailor-made for the undisputed distance king of Europe piloted by Frankie Dettori who, unfortunately, was undone by traffic. Pundits will dissect the undoing of the king for years to come, but the odds-on favourite was beaten a long way from home when caught on the fence with slowing horses in front of him and also under lock and key from runners on his outside. Once clear Stradivarius still looked certain to finish second but again got slightly chopped out and lost his momentum to miss the placings. What shouldn’t be overlooked is just how smart the winner is. By Darley’s undefeated Champion 2YO Teofilo (Galileo), Gr1 Prix Royal Oak winner Subjectivist (Teofilo-Reckoning, by Danehill Dancer) was coming off a thumping victory in Meydan’s Gr2 Dubai Gold Cup. Parked on the speed, Joe Fanning hit the turbo button on the $8 chance 3 furlongs out and for Subjectivist supporters all that was then in doubt was the margin. Five lengths behind the Mark Johnston-trained winner came Princess Zoe (Jukebox Jury) ahead of Spanish Mission (Noble Mission). A possible rematch at Goodwood is an exciting prospect.