LiveScore Racing News: Trueshan set for Long Distance Cup defence

Trainer Alan King expects ground conditions to be no issue on Saturday when Trueshan attempts to defend his Long Distance Cup title at Ascot.

The five-year-old romped home to success in the Ascot Group Two last year, beating nearest rival Search For A Song by seven-and-a-half lengths. 

Saddled by Hollie Doyle, his good form carried on into 2021 winning the Goodwood Cup Stakes in July to secure a maiden win at Group One level. 

He was then victorious in the Prix du Cadran at Longchamp, seeing off the challenge of old rival Stradivarius. 

It was a very good victory as well in France with the son of Planteur beating the Ascot Gold Cup winning machine by four-and-a-half lengths.

But that was his first run since Goodwood with proposed engagements at Royal Ascot and York's Ebor Festival not going ahead. 

Unsuitable ground meant King did not want to risk his stable star and instead he is going for another win in Ascot.

With the ground being declared as soft and good to soft in places on Wednesday morning, King is happy to take his chances with heavy dews maintaining moisture in the ground. 

He said: "We didn't do much for the first week or so [after winning the Prix du Cadran at the start of the month] but he had a little breeze this morning and I was very happy, so we look as if we're on track for the weekend.

"It's only two weeks since he ran but there's not much we can do about that. It's going to be his last run of the season so I think we can roll the dice and hope for the best. 

"I thought he was better in France than Goodwood. I was pleased with the way he settled because I was concerned about the extra half-mile that day but he saw it out very well and travelled through the race like a class act." 

Rivals in the two-mile contest on Saturday include Stradivarius and last year's runner-up Search For A Song. 

Stradivarius, set to be ridden once more by regular jockey Frankie Dettori, was able to put the Ascot disappointment behind him with Group Two successes at York Doncaster, though will be keen to avenge Trueshan for the Cadran two weeks ago. 

He could only manage 12th in last year's race but John and Thady Gosden's seven-year-old will be eager to bring all his experience to the party. 

Search For A Song, the son of Galileo, comes into the race on the back of a win at Curragh last month in the Group Three Loughbrown Stakes.