The Long Distance Cup enters its second year as a Group 1 and has attracted a competitive double-figure field.
Column inches in the build-up have been dominated by horses who won't be here; Ascot Gold Cup winner Scandinavia missing after finishing runner-up in the Prix du Cadran a fortnight ago and two-time Long Distance Cup champion Trawlerman absent after running his final race at Goodwood in July.
Scandinavia's defection at the declaration stage could be a big blow to Aidan O'Brien's pursuit of the Trainers' Championship, however, he is still doubly-represented in the race.
£500,000 is guaranteed in this contest and Ballydoyle have both Queenstown and Amelia Earhart in the mix as the stable aims to overtake Andrew Balding at the top of the trainers' standings. Queenstown looks the far likelier of the two to trouble the judge on Saturday afternoon, arriving in here in good shape after finishing third in the Cadran.
Victorious over in France that day was Caballo De Mar, who turns up here well ahead of his rivals on official figures. Trainer George Scott has done an excellent job getting back to top form after a fairly difficult patch in the middle of the summer. Beaten in both the Ascot Gold Cup and Lonsdale Cup, the five-year-old bounced back to win the Doncaster Cup before notching a second career Group 1 over the channel.
Another top-level winner in the field is Joseph O'Brien's Highwayman. 9th, 15th, 11th and 8th on his first four starts, his rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable and culminated in Classic success in the St Leger under Saffie Osborne at Doncaster last time out. The Persian King colt is one of two three-year-olds in the field and his rapidly improving profile could make him a danger to the more established stayers.
Speaking of rapidly improving types, Alan King saddles Daiquiri Bay who is on a four-timer for the yard. He has increased his rating by 14lbs through the season, culminating in success in the Ebor Handicap, where he added £300,000 to his career earnings. King won this three times on the bounce with Trueshan not too long ago and is a master at bringing along these staying types.
Long Distance Cup confirmed runners
- Amiloc
- Caballo De Mar
- Daiquiri Bay
- Gregory
- Mount Atlas
- Opportunity
- Queenstown
- Qucikthorn
- Highwayman
- Amelia Earhart
Long Distance Cup betting odds
(Odds will display when market is available)
Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
