Newmarket July Cup Day Preview

July Cup day opens at 2.05 with a competitive three-year-old handicap over a mile. Frankie Dettori teams up with his old governor, Luca Cumani, to partner Mafakeh. He is closely weighted with Godolphin’s Muharrib on Doncaster running but the bookmakers have chalked up Prince’s Trust as the early favourite.

There are five unbeaten colts in the field for the Group 2 Superlative Stakes at 2.40. Outstrip created a good impression when winning here on his debut and Washaar also has plenty of potential. Royal Ascot form has taken a few knocks this week but Somewhat should go well here after finishing fourth behind the impressive Berkshire.

The Bunbury Cup at 3.15 will take a lot of solving with 20 familiar handicappers spread across the course. Brae Hill ploughed a loan furrow up the stands rail last year to win and Christophe Soumillon partners him on Saturday.

Frankie Dettori rides shock Royal Hunt Cup winner Belgian Bill who looks to have it all to do under top weight. Field Of Dream could be on a recovery mission after a massive plunge came unstuck in that race whilst Irish raider Burn The Boats will also carry plenty of support.

The Darley July Cup at 3.50 is the feature event of the three-day meeting and the money has all been for Ireland’s Sole Power in the last couple of days. He has never won over six furlongs but was a brilliant winner over Shea Shea at Ascot and has been backed from 14-1 earlier in the week.

Lethal Force and Society Rock finished first and second in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and renew rivalry here whilst Gale Force Ten drops back from seven furlongs after winning the Jersey Stakes. Shamexpress, Havelock and Krypton Factor help to make this a truly international event.

Only three turn out for the Conditions Stakes at 4.25 with Emirates Flyer strongly fancied to regain winning ways after finishing fifth at Ascot. Sacha Park also ran well at the Royal meeting but Green Door disappointed.

There are five runners in the nursery at 5.00 with Malachim Mist carrying top weight for the Hannon and Hughes combination. He may have most to fear from Richard Fahey’s Dutch Courage.

The meeting ends at 5.35 with another competitive handicap. Havana Cooler could be interesting here for Cumani and Fallon off a low weight whilst Pether’s Moon is better than his Ascot form suggests. He was hampered at a crucial stage in the race won by Elidor and should give a better performance here.