Cross Counter is backed to deny Stradivarius a place in the history books and add a first Group 1 triumph to his CV.
That resumé already includes an item unique to a horse trained Britain - victory in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington last November.
Following his one-length margin over Marmelo in ‘the race that stops a nation’, Cross Counter, who beat Dee Ex Bee by four and a half lengths in the Group 3 Gordon Stakes here last August, reappeared to capture the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup from Charlie Appleby stablemate Ispolini at Meydan in March.
The four-year-old son of Teofilo then took in the Gold Cup over two and a half miles at Royal Ascot in June, coming home in fourth as Stradivarius repeated his win of 12 months earlier, containing Dee Ex Bee’s stubborn challenge by one length.
But Cross Counter, who crossed the line three-quarters of a length further back, did best of the horses attempting to come from the back in a race run at no more than a tepid gallop.
With Aidan O’Brien's Harpo Marx likely to make the running for stable-companions Southern France and South Pacific , a more consistent pace looks assured - and that will work to the benefit of James Doyle's mount as he bids for revenge.
The outstanding Stradivarius, seeking to become the first Goodwood Cup hat-trick hero, is not passed over likely back at two miles, a trip that should suit Queen’s Vase scorer Dashing Willoughby and Wells Farhh Go .
1.50 Unibet Handicap
1. Mountain Hunter
2. Master The World
3. Soto Sizzler
2.25 Qatar Vintage Stakes
1. Visinari
2. Pinatubo
3. Mystery Power
3.00 Qatar Lennox Stakes
1. Sir Dancealot
2. Zaaki
3. Flaming Spear
3.35 Qatar Goodwood Cup Stakes
1. Cross Counter
2. Stradivarius
3. Dashing Willoughby
4.10 EBF Maiden Stakes
Newsboy Tip - Copra Eye
4.45 Chelsea Barracks Handicap
Newsboy Tip - Maygold
5.15 Unibet Fillies' Handicap
Newsboy Tip - Hateya
