Classic end to Double dream

John Cobb
Wednesday 19 June 1996 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

For Mark Johnston, victory with Double Trigger in today's Gold Cup would cap a remarkable week after his success with Bijou D'Inde in the first of Royal Ascot's three Group One races, the St James's Palace Stakes, on Tuesday.

Double Trigger has an outstanding chance of notching a second success at the highest level this week for his Middleham-based trainer. He was a comfortable five-lengths winner of this event last year and went on to become only the fourth horse this century to land the stayers' triple crown. And he has shown no sign of waning powers this year, putting up a top-notch performance in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown and scoring easily by seven lengths.

But while he dominates the stayers' division, the suspicion remains that he could be vulnerable to a top-class horse with proven middle-distance form. Step up Classic Cliche (3.45), last year's St Leger winner, whose Yorkshire Cup success last time has been made to look very useful by the subsequent Group One success of the runner-up, Strategic Choice.

Magnificient Style will be a short price for the Ribblesdale Stakes and the Nijinsky filly Ninotchka (2.30), from a stable with a fine record in this race, is preferred. Atraf (4.20) is another improving sort likely to start at double-figure odds who can upset calculations in the Cork and Orrery Stakes.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in