Can the mighty Kyprios complete another perfect season with a second Cadran demolition job?

This might seem a strange thing to say about a dual Gold Cup winner, but if there is a single performance that stands out in the career of the mighty Kyprios it is probably the demolition job that he handed out in this event two years ago, when he won by no fewer than 20 lengths.

Only Alson, who won a match for the 2019 Criterium International by the same distance, has won a Group 1 by so far in recent times and Kyprios’s achievement far outweighs that. His 11 rivals didn’t see which way he went and he ran them ragged, despite going badly left late on.

That momentary lapse of concentration probably cost Kyprios an even bigger winning margin because he lost momentum and must have given up a lot of ground as he came over to the stands’ rail to see the crowd. He was so far clear, though, that it didn’t make any odds.

That victory completed a perfect six-race campaign and was Kyprios at his peak, but if he wins here he will emulate that feat to complete a remarkable return to his best. It would be another feather in Aidan O’Brien’s cap as Kyprios missed most of last year through injury.

Trueshan took advantage of Kyprios’s absence 12 months ago to land this race for the second time in three years and might still be the biggest danger to his old rival. He has never beaten Kyprios, though, and needs the star to underperform to put that right even in ideal conditions.

Coltrane and Miss Cynthia complete the British challenge and appear to have a lot to find on recent form, so the only other horse who could conceivably give Kyprios a race is sole French runner Double Major. He is a Group 1 winner at this course and might still be improving aged only four.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

Trueshan 'in good form' as he goes for third Cadran

Trueshan, who bids to capture a third Prix du Cadran in four years following his wins in 2021 and 2023, appears to have plenty in his favour as he goes head to head with long odds-on favourite Kyprios.

The eight-year-old, one of the most popular Flat horses in training owing to his longevity and heart-on-the-sleeve performances, pleased connections with his final piece of work on Wednesday.

Trainer Alan King said: “Trueshan seems in good form at home and looks like getting the easy ground he loves.”

He added: “I’d be happier if Kyprios wasn’t running, but Trueshan has performed well all summer and we’ll give it our best shot.”

Trueshan: back for another crack at the Prix du CadranCredit: Edward Whitaker

Trueshan’s last seven wins – the most recent in a Sandown Listed race in July – have come under Hollie Doyle, but the stamina-packed warrior has also scored for James Doyle, William Buick and Martin Harley during a magnificent career that has yielded 16 successes from 31 starts.

Hollie Doyle has been claimed to ride Nashwa in the Group 1 Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket, so James Doyle will take over on Trueshan. 

“It’s a shame as Hollie knows Trueshan so well, but we were aware she might be claimed by Nashwa’s owners and we’ve had James on standby for some time,” King said. “Remember, James was aboard when Trueshan won his first Cadran in 2021 as Hollie was suspended.”

The British contingent in Paris would raise the Longchamp roof if Trueshan could topple Kyprios, and no doubt Hollie Doyle would also be cheering from Newmarket.

What they say

Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Kyprios
He seems very well. Everything has gone well since the Irish St Leger and we’re looking forward to seeing him running again. He was obviously very impressive in this race a few years ago. We’ve decided to run him in the Cadran as we just thought it might be a bit disrespectful to the horse to ask him to run in an Arc after what he’s done for us. He’s comfortable going those longer trips, and he’s going in an easier gear than he would be in an Arc.

Sir Mark Prescott, trainer of Miss Cynthia
It’s a good punt to run her in this five-runner race. She gets more than £7,000 if she finishes last and, if she beats two, she gets a Group 1 place. She's capable of finishing close to horses quite a bit better than her.
Reporting by Richard Birch

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