16:35 Newmarket

Saturday 15 July 2023

All13:4014:1514:5015:2516:0016:3517:10

Pertemps Network July Cup Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

Off time: 16:35 | Winning time: 1m 11.68s

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Selected odds by:

(5)

Art Power²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 114| D

14/1

Very smart gelding whose last 3 wins have come at the Curragh, including when producing a career best performance in Greenlands Stakes (6f, good) in May by 4¾ lengths. Not seen to advantage in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee since and not taken lightly having finished an excellent fourth in this in 2021.

Form: 366-810

(2)

Khaadem²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-8| J: Rob Hornby| T: C Hills| OR: 117| CD

25/1

Produced a career-best performance when winning 16-runner Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (80/1) at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) 21 days ago by neck from Sacred but was given the perfect ride that day and hold-up tactics harder to pull off here. Opposable.

Form: 9-06031

(7)

Kinross²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: W Buick| T: R M Beckett| OR: 119| D

4/1

Thrived last season, completing 4-timer in Champions Sprint at Ascot (good to soft) in October. Shaped as if better for the run when 5 lengths seventh of 16 to Khaadem in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee at Royal Ascot on return 3 weeks ago and much more expected now, especially if there's rain.

Form: 11113-7

(3)

Run To Freedom^p²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: T E Whelan| T: H Candy| OR: 112| C| D

28/1

Smart horse who proved all the better for his return when a narrow winner of listed race at Salisbury. However, limitations exposed at this level before, including when 5¼ lengths ninth of 16 to Khaadem in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) 21 days ago.

Form: 942-419

(1)

Azure Blue⁵⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: P Mulrennan| T: M Dods| OR: 114| CD

5/1

Went from strength to strength last year having graduated through the handicap ranks and picked up where she left off when a taking winner in listed company at Rowley Mile on return. Took form to another level when beating Highfield Princess by ½ length in Group 2 at York and kept fresh for this.

Form: 1411-11

(6)

Vadream^p²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: K Shoemark| T: C Fellowes| OR: 108| D

33/1

Drew a blank in 2022 but back to her best on soft ground this spring, winning a 6f Doncaster listed and Group 3 Palace House at the Rowley Mile (first run at 5f). Not so good back on a quicker surface when down the field at Chantilly/Royal Ascot but frame claims if the rain arrives.

Form: 616100

(4)

Little Big Bear²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 119| BF| D

5/2

Produced outstanding juvenile performance when a devastating 7-length winner of Group 1 Phoenix at the Curragh. Missed rest of the season but confirmed sprinting is his game with a taking Group 2 victory at Haydock. Found Shaquille 1¼ lengths too strong in Commonwealth Cup since, however.

Form: 111-012

(9)

Shaquille^h²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Rossa Ryan| T: Miss J A Camacho| OR: 117| D

5/2

Very talented colt who has won his last 5 starts, notably when producing a remarkable performance in Commonwealth Cup at Ascot 3 weeks ago, overcoming a terrible start to beat Little Big Bear by 1¼ lengths. Obvious claims, though issues with the stall remains a slight concern.

Form: 911-111

Non-Runners

(8)

Emaraaty Ana²¹

Weight: 9-8| Age: 7

T: K A Ryan J: N Callan

Forecasts

Shaquille (5/2), Little Big Bear (5/2), Kinross (4/1), Azure Blue (5/1), Art Power (14/1), Khaadem (25/1), Run To Freedom (28/1), Vadream (33/1), Emaraaty Ana (33/1)

AZURE BLUE has been kept fresh for this since winning the Duke of York Stakes and this most likeable filly (travels strongly and responds well) looks a Group 1 performer in the making. Shaquille produced a remarkable performance when overcoming a terrible start in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but his issues with the stall remains a slight concern (refused to enter them on intended reappearance and blanketed/led in riderless last 2 outings). Kinross is another to consider.