Big two head for Gold Cup rematch
Papineau and Westerner look set for a fascinating rematch after both were confirmed for next Thursday’s Gold Cup at Royal Ascot at York today.
The pair, first and second last year, were among 20 horses left in the two-and-a-half-mile race at the five-day confirmation stage.
The Godolphin-owned Papineau beat Westerner by one and a half lengths last season but has had an interrupted preparation after being troubled by a bruised foot, and was forced to miss an intended run in the Coronation Cup last week.
In contrast, the Elie Lellouche-trained Westerner has had a perfect run-up, notching two wins in two starts in France, and he is the general 2-1 favourite for the Group One race.
Papineau is not the only Godolphin contender as trainer Saeed Bin Suroor also has Henry II Stakes winner Fight Your Corner in the race, along with Razkalla and Duke Of Venice.
Mr Dinos, winner of the race in 2003, has not run since last year’s Gold Cup but he has been left in by trainer Paul Cole, while Yorkshire Cup winner Franklins Gardens could have a first try for trainer Mark Tompkins.
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien, who has yet to win the stayers’ championship event, could be represented by Wolfe Tone in this year’s renewal.
Other interesting possibles include the Howard Johnson-trained Percussionist, who finished second in the Yorkshire Cup last time, last year’s third Darasim from the Mark Johnston yard, and the Dermot Weld-trained Vinnie Roe, who was the Gold Cup second in 2002.
There were no supplementary entries for the race so Barolo, Corrib Eclipse, Distinction, First Ballot, Jardines Lookout, Shabernak, Sun Bird, Darsalam and Winged D’Argent complete the field.
