Yorkshire Cup Guide

1. Stradivarius

Trainer - John Gosden

Jockey - Frankie Dettori

The clear favourite is last years winner of this race Stradivarius and this five year old truly made the staying division his own landing the A£1 million bonus and finishing unbeaten throughout the season with five wins in a row.

With this division not being the strongest some trainers this year have took it more seriously and it will be much tougher for him but he is still the one to beat and should pick up from where he left off last season with a win.

2. Aircraft Carrier

Trainer - John Ryan

Jockey - Richard Kingscote

The outsider of the field at huge odds is Aircraft Carrier who will need a career best to go close in this contest after two poor performances recently on the all weather.

Before that he did land a hat-trick over 1 mile 6f - 2 miles in Class 2 races but a huge step up is needed even if finding the form he had for those winning performances.

3. Desert Skyline

Trainer - David Elsworth

Jockey - Gerald Mosse

Ran a stormer in this race last year when three lengths behind Stradivarius in second but lost his way after that and if returning in the same form as he was in at the back end of last season he will struggle.

Has the stamina to stay the trip but will need a career best to get back to the standard that saw him finish strongly in this contest.

4. Ispolini

Trainer - Charlie Appleby

Jockey - James Doyle

The favourites main competition looks to be this Goldphin trained four year old who has some decent form heading into this contest finishing a decent second last time out behind Cross Counter in the Dubai Gold Cup.

Return to this trip should see no issue and should be respected at a nice price behind the favourite, Doyler rides in William Buick's absense and should be in the placings if not going close for the top spot.

5. Mildenberger

Trainer - Mark Johnston

Jockey - Silvestre De Sousa

This Mark Johnston trained four year old put in a smart performance last time out at the start of May when finishing a good third in a Group 2 at Newmarket over 1 mile 4f.

More is needed again in this step up in trip but it would not be a surprise to see improve and finish in the placings with Johnston getting his horses very fit at the start of the season.

6. Mootsadir

Trainer - Hugo Palmer

Jockey - Ben Curtis

This Hugo Palmer trained four year old has been very progressive this season, being smart on the all weather and then converting that form on to the turf.

He has won his last four races in a row which has to be respected but being upped in trip and Class makes him slightly vulnerable and he will need a career best.

7. Sevenna Star

Trainer - John Ryan

Jockey - Andrea Atzeni

The second of John Ryan's runners and arguably the best chance of the two to get into the placings is Sevenna Star who won a nice Group 3 over 1 mile 2f last term but has it all to do on Friday.

Stepping up in trip for his stable and seasonal debut might see him be outclassed and can be opposed on that basis from us.

8. Southern France

Trainer - Aidan O'Brien

Jockey - Ryan Moore

The final runner in he field is the Aidan O'Brien trained Southern France who looks to be a really progressive four year old especially with how well the yard is doing this season.

Does need to take a step up but stamina will not be an issue but finished third in the Group 1 St Leger last year and Lah Ti Dar franked that form on her seasonal return on Thursday.

Big each way chance.