Duncan handles Cup trip in style

DUNCAN served up an encouraging triumph in the Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup at York yesterday and offered enough evidence to suggest a feasible contender for the Ascot Gold Cup has finally arrived.

The John Gosden-trained six-year-old (11-4) always looked in quiet command once William Buick set out to make all of the running.

There were, admittedly, one or two hard-luck stories – Henry Cecil’s Native Ruler, for instance, was hamstrung by what emerged as a sprint to the line – but Gosden’s representative clearly revelled in the ascent to a mile and three-quarters.