Despite showing signs of being in season, Venetian Sun heads an 11 strong-declared field for the July Cup as she bids to become the first three-year-old filly since Habibti in 1983.
The daughter of Starman was four from five as a two year old, culminating with a third in the Moyglare. Her final win came in the Prix Morny, beating the subsequent Irish 2000 Guineas winner Gstaad by a neck. After failing to stay in the 1000 Guineas, she dropped back in trip to win the Sandy Lane Stakes. She then took her record over six furlongs to 6-6 as she took the Commonwealth Cup. She faces a stiff task, only Shaquille has landed the Commonwealth and July Cup double in the last ten years.
Almeraq bids to become William Haggas’ first July Cup winner. The son of Dark Angel marked himself as one to follow when bolting up at Ayr last season. He returned with a neck success in the Cathedral Stakes. Though relatively un-fancied in the QEII, He beat Satono Reve by a neck at the Royal meeting. He had Joliestar in third there, suggesting it was certainly no fluke.
Another Royal Ascot winner in Mission Central shares Almeraq’s market position, bidding to give Aidan O’Brien a record sixth win. He shares the record with Charles Morton and notably, his father Vincent O’Brien. The son of No Nay Never is a rare gelding for the yard, after finishing fifth on debut at Dundalk. He was three from six last season, including the valuable inaugural two-year-old conditions stakes on Champions Day. He improved drastically to win the King Charles III Stakes, beating French challenger Rayevka and favourite Overpass.
Satono Reve is the sole international raider and bids to break his European duck. Having finished twice to Ka Yin Rising in his native, he’s been runner up twice at the Royal meeting.
Division has placed behind Venetian Sun twice already this season, and her hold up style mightn’t suit the July course.
Big Mojo has disappointed this season after landing the Haydock Sprint Cup last term. He was second in this race last season, and bettered his effort at Ascot en-route this time around.
Wokingham winner Double Rush hasn’t looked back since switching to Andrew Balding, and is a three time winner on the Rowley Mile. His latest RPR of 117 suggests he isn’t far off this level.
Commanche Brave, Coppull, Quinault and Prince of India make up the 11 strong field in what looks set to be a thrilling July Cup.