Trip To Paris added to Ascot Gold Cup field
Also a winner at Lingfield and Ripon this season, his progress showed no signs of stopping when second to Vent De Force in the Henry II after a troubled passage.
With slight doubts about the participation of the market leader Forgotten Rules on the account of fast ground, Dunlop and the owners, the La Grange Partnership, felt it was worth chancing their arm.
The trainer said “Following hours of deliberation, the decision has been made to supplement Trip To Paris for the Gold Cup on Thursday.
“This hasn’t been an easy call, with £35,000 a hefty sum of money, but he’s a young, progressive stayer who enjoys quick ground. If all of the principals turn up then we have plenty to find, but in all likelihood there will be a few significant defections with the ground good to firm and the forecast dry.
“His owners are keen to run and it’s impossible to knock such a sporting decision – here’s hoping it proves a fruitful one.”
With the addition of Trip To Paris there are now 19 possible runners, including Dermot Weld’s Forgotten Rules.
However, like that one, several of the market leaders prefer more cut in the ground than seems likely at present.
Peter Niven’s progressive Clever Cookie, James Fanshawe’s High Jinx, Marco Botti’s Tac De Boistron and the German raider Alex My Boy, formerly with Mark Johnston, are all at their best when the mud is flying.
Brown Panther is back for another go having run well in the race last year, while Aidan O’Brien’s Kingfisher recently emerged as a lively player.
Luca Cumani’s Mizzou, winner of the Sagaro Stakes, and Hughie Morrison’s Vent De Force will both be among the stronger fancies. Pia Brandt’s Bathyrhon, David Lanigan’s Biographer and the Andrew Balding duo of Havana Beat and Scotland all stand their ground.
