Trueshan looks like being denied Gold Cup chance again

The chances of veteran stayer Trueshan finally getting the chance to bid for Gold Cup glory at Royal Ascot next week appear remote, with trainer Alan King yet again left praying for rain.

King’s stable stalwart has won a whole host of top-class races over the years, including the Goodwood Cup, three Long Distance Cups at Ascot and two editions of the Prix du Cadran at ParisLongchamp.

However, he has missed the Gold Cup in each of the past four seasons due to unsuitable ground and with dry weather forecast, an appearance at the Royal meeting at the fifth time of asking seems unlikely.

Reflecting on his creditable comeback fourth behind leading Gold Cup contender Candelari in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier in Paris last month, King said: “He ran very well. The ground was a lot quicker than they were calling it and he came back a little bit jarry after that, but he worked yesterday and will work again at the weekend.

“The forecast is not looking terribly encouraging for me really, as usual. I’d like to see a change in the forecast, but I don’t think it’s going to be too likely.

“He’s never got to run at Royal Ascot and the old boy seems in good order, so I’ll certainly put him in the Gold Cup and see.”

The Barbury Castle handler has made a number of entries at Royal Ascot, and added: “I’ll run the two in the mile-and-six race on Tuesday (Copper Horse Handicap), but Tritonic won’t get in the Ascot Stakes.

“I’ve got Daiquiri Bay in the King George V Handicap and the mile-and-a-quarter race and Paradias could go for the mile-and-a-half handicap on the Friday, so I’ve got a few to run and it’s just a question of what gets in.”