Stradivarius and Cross Counter do battle in Royal Ascot’s Gold Cup on Thursday, with the former prised as the favourite at 13/8, and the latter at 7/2.
Irish-bred, British-trained Stradivarius is seeking to secure back-to-back wins in this race for the first time since the legendary Yeats won it for the fourth time in succession in 2009.
Cross Counter, meanwhile, set records of his own in 2018, as the gelding became the first British horse in history to go down under and win the Melbourne Cup.
And punters have fallen in line with the market, Stradivarius accounting for a dominant 34% of total bets placed this week, compared to just 16% for his rival.
In fact, Cross Counter actually sits third amongst the betting public, with 11/2 Dee Ex Bee sneaking ahead with a 17% share.
Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson: “Stradivarius has already proved that he’s a winner on this very turf and with Frankie Dettori on board, it’s not surprising that he’s being heavily backed.
“That said, Cross Counter loves the big occasion and Charlie Appleby’s mount cannot be underestimated.
“Whatever happens, we are in for cracking contest befitting of the biggest race of the week.”
Check out the best signup offers and bonuses on our free bets page
