Fastnet Rock gelding Torcedor led for home but was challenged over the concluding
stages with Stradivarius under strong riding from Frankie Dettori scoring by
three-quarters of a length from Varizabad with a head further back to Torcedor."It was an extraordinary race. Frankie said they didn't go that quick, and his heels were definitely down early on, which meant the horse was taking him on," said winning trainer John Gosden.
"Frankie got himself out of a pocket, which was essential with the pacemaker coming back, and got himself in the perfect position. But as usual, Mr Soumillon was waiting like all good Frenchman to pounce late and frustrate us.
"What an exciting finish that was - and look at the line-up as they headed to the line. That's a pretty smart front four.
"It was a fascinating tactical race, because if Frankie had gone too soon there was the danger that Vazirabad would nail him - if he had committed to kill off a rival at the furlong pole the French could have come along to collect the prize so he had to be careful of that."
Bred and raced by Bjorn Nielsen, four year-old Stradivarius has six wins and three placings from 11 starts with this victory his second Group I having taken out the Group I Goodwood Cup last year.
He is a half-brother to Champion German 3YO Persian Storm and is from stakes-placed Private Life, who comes from the family of Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist and Arc winner Peintre Celebre.
The family has also had success in Australia through Group III winner Lunar Rise and stakes-winner Crafty.
Stradivarius is one of eight Group I winners for Galileo's half-brother Sea the Stars.
