July Cup Preview

Saturday (July 14th) sees a bumper day of racing with a number of top races taking place from both Newmarket and York. The pick of the races, on a day dubbed ’Super Saturday’, is the July Cup with the fate of favourite Bated Breath likely to have huge impact on the race.

Bookmakers and pundits alike will be waiting for news on favourite Bated Breath with, well, Bated Breath. Trainer Roger Charlton will make a decision early on Saturday Morning after assessing the conditions. Charlton is thought to be keen on running the horse despite the reent rain, but owner Khalid Abdullah is not thought to be so keen. If kept in the race Bated Breath is a deserved favourite, the five-year-old was a runner-up here last year and was narrowly beaten by Little Bridge in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot. The Horse though has not yet won a race at the highest level (group one) and is not expected to be a fan of the conditions. Bookmakers go 4/1 (general) a price that looks opposable.

Those looking to take on the market-leader may do so with Society Rock, the second favourite. The James Fanshawe runner came fifth at Ascot in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes finishing only two lengths behind race winner Black Caviar. The presence of Ryan Moore on board must also be considered a bonus. This son of Rock of Gibraltar tends to save his best work for Ascot though and at 5/1 looks short enough.

Next in the market comes Australian sprinter Ortensia. The Mare disappointed when coming ninth at Ascot in the King’s Stand Stakes, but the trainer Paul Messara has reported her in much better shape this time around. A good middle draw should also help. It would still take a leap of faith though to trust the horse at odds of 9/1 (general). Fellow Australian Sepoy (10/1-general) looks to be the pick of the rest. The horse was once talked about as being one of the best ever down under winning four group one sprints over there, with many of these victories coming on similar conditions that the track is likely to be in on Saturday.

Strong Suit (10/1-general) and Dandy Boy 12/1 (Skybet) are also expeced to be in the mix in a renewal of the July Cup that might not have any superstar horses, but looks an open race and should be an entertaining spectacular.

Newmarket also hosts the Bunbury Cup where 7/1 is the price of Jamesie (bet365/Coral) and Excellent Guest (general). Both horses arrive here on the back of good second places finishes at Ascot last time out. The David Marnane trained Jamesie came second to Eton Forever in the Buckingham Palace stakes, while Excellent Guest finished second in the Royal Hunt Cup. Both horses will hope to go one better here, but face competition from a stiff field.

Also part of ’Super Saturday’ is the John Smith’s Cup from York. The market is headed by Mijhaar at 7/2 (general). The Roger Varian runner finished third last time out at Ascot behind Black Spirit and Gatewood and if running close to that form should be in the mix here. The market-leader will have a hood on for the first time, but should still have enough to land this. The nearest challenges are expected to come from Media Hype at 9/1 (ladbrokes/Coral) and Area Fifty One also at 9/1 (paddy Power).

It promises to be a great day of action (weather permitting) and hopefully one that is full of winners for you.

Go To bet365

#Ad

13/07/2012     © Frixo 2024