Dee Ex Bee is set to take on Stradivarius in a rematch contest in the Goodwood Cup at the start of August and connections of the Mark Johnston trained runner have said they might look to switch up their tactics in a attempt to beat the superstar stayer.
The four year old this season has been superb since his trainer stepped him up to being a stayer, seeing him run at distances in and around 2 miles and he has took to it like a professional.
Last year's Epsom Derby second has ran three times this season over his this new and improved trip for the colt and it all started at Ascot in the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes over 2 miles where he romped to victory beating some nice horses in the process.
He then went to Sandown in the Henry II Stakes and this contest was seen to be the perfect prep run for the four year old before his run in the Ascot Gold Cup and again he landed the contest with ease.
In the Gold Cup, now stepping up an extra four furlongs for the two and a half mile Group 1 and the son of Farhh tried to make every yard of the running but in the end was just outclassed by the John Gosden trained Stradivarius and could only manage second.
However, his trainer has confirmed that even though the defeat at Ascot ended any chance of Dee Ex Bee landing the £1 million stayers’ bonus sponsored by Weatherbys Hamilton, he will still head to Goodwood.
(Credit At The Races) Charlie Johnston, assistant to his father, said: “Dee Ex Bee has come out of the Gold Cup well and, although we are no longer in the running for the WH Stayers’ Million, the Qatar Goodwood Cup looks a fairly obvious next target.
“We were very pleased with the horse last week – I don’t think there was any reason not to be.
“It was a great run in defeat and again he showed what a fantastic attitude he has, coming from looking like he would finish third or fourth at the furlong marker to getting back up for second in the final stride.
“The winner is a true champion who has shown now over the last 18 months that regardless of what conditions are thrown at him, he finds a way to win. And on that particular day, Frankie (Dettori) at one stage seemed almost invincible.
"Going forward, we are thinking that it is probably not ideal for our horse to make his own running. Having something to aim at might help him, as he enjoys a battle.
“We came off second-best and are under no illusions that the winner will start favourite again, but we are looking forward to having another crack at him.”