Stradivarius Vs Cross Counter

Stadivarius: +150                 

Cross Counter: +350               

Dee Ex Bee: +550

Flag Of Honour: +1200        

Called To The Bar: +1800       

Capri: +2200

Thomas Hobson: +2200       

Magic Circle: +2500                

Raymond Tusk: +5000

Master of Reality: +10000  

Cypress Creek: +15000    

*Odds correct as of 11.25GMT 20/06/19

Stradivarius and Cross Counter have been deemed the likeliest winners of Royal Ascot’s Gold Cup on Thursday, at +150 and +350 respectively.

Consequently, despite the field being comprised of 14 horses, oddsmakers believe that there is a 65% chance that either Stradivarius or Cross Counter will triumph.

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 the bettors have fallen in line with the books, with 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 +550 Dee Ex Bee sneaking ahead with a 17% share.

Oddschecker spokesperson Pete Watt: “Stradivarius has already proved that he’s a winner on this very turf and with Frankie Dettori on board, it’s not surprise that he’s being heavily backed.

“With 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.”