Eleven sprinters will go to post for the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket on Saturday 11th July at 4.35pm. We may not have a bumper field for the 6f showpiece, but it’s a who’s who of top class sprinters in what is one of the races of the season.
Steve Chambers previews the contest and looks at the latest odds, runners, trends and picks out his 1-2-3 for the event.
2026 July Cup Runners
Karl Burke’s Venetian Sun was a superb winner of the Commonwealth Cup and the top-notch three-year-old sprinter will look to follow up here. Having found a mile too far in the 2000 Guineas, he dropped back to six furlongs with sparkling wins in the Sandy Lane Stakes and Commonwealth Cup. Mission Central is another from the Classic generation looking to shine and he showed a sparkling late turn of foot to land the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. That was over five furlongs, but Aidan O’Brien’s charge shaped like he could well excel over six.
Almeraq fended off Satono Reve to land the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, which is the Group 1 over 6f for older horses. That pair take their chance here and are both top class sprinters. However, they need to give weight away to their younger rivals here in what is an intriguing meeting of the ages.
Double Rush is another with Royal Ascot winning form, but that came in handicap company in the Wokingham Stakes. Hugely progressive, he will now step into Pattern company and has to continue on an upward curve. Third in the Commonwealth Cup, Division will look to turn the form around with Venetian Sun, whilst Big Mojo and Commanche Brave add more depth to the race.
2026 July Cup Racecard
16:35 Newmarket (July)
Good To FirmAl Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup Stakes (Group 1)
- First Prize: £453680
- 0m 6f 0y
- Class 1
- 11 runners
Runners: 11 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Light rain
Terms and conditions
*Odds displayed on this page are sourced directly from online bookmakers. Please check all details before placing your bet(s). 18+ only.
Betting Forecast
9/2 Almeraq, 10/1 Big Mojo, 20/1 Comanche Brave, 9/1 Double Rush, 66/1 Prince Of India, 33/1 Quinault, 9/2 Satono Reve, 25/1 Coppull, 8/1 Division, 9/2 Mission Central, 11/4 Venetian Sun
Verdict
The form of several tight finishes at Royal Ascot largely dominates calculations in an open-looking July Cup and an intriguing clash of generations that has several plausible outcomes. Japanese raider SATONO REVE is the oldest contender but he retains full ability aged seven and this switch to Newmarket may enable him to reverse Jubilee placings with Almeraq, who nevertheless commands respect assuming the cards again drop perfectly. Talented filly Venetian Sun has a good chance and remains unbeaten over sprint trips, while Division (second choice) is showing signs that he could turn the tables with that rival in another rematch and Mission Central is another big player among the 3yos.[Steve Boow]
Selections
2026 July Cup Trends
Check out the key trends and stats for the July Cup.
2026 July Cup Tips
It’s a real battle between the three-year-olds and the older horses in this year’s July Cup. And it can be the younger generation that sparkle. Venetian Sun is the proven class over six, but Mission Central stormed home to win over five furlongs at Ascot, and with Ryan Moore sure to unleash his challenge late on then he can bound clear in the closing stages. Double Rush is on the upgrade and is another class act, who can pick up third.
FAQ
When and where is the July Cup run?
The July Cup will take place at Newmarket racecourse on Saturday 11th July, 2026 at 4.35pm.
How can I watch the July Cup on Friday?
The July Cup is live on ITV at 4.35pm on Saturday afternoon.
When were the July Cup tips published?
The tips for the July Cup were published at 11.20am on Friday 9th July.
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