The Darley July Cup

A group 1 contest ran over 6f’s on Newmarket’s July course is one of many highlights this weekend. Last year the Darley July Cup was contested by a 15 strong field with Muhaarar landing the spoils by a nose from Tropics. Muhaarar was arguably one of the best sprinters we have seen on British shores for some time. The fact he could only prevail by a nose is testament to the competitive nature of this race. This year’s race is shaping up in similar fashion. The market is currently headed by Twilight Son, winner of the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot closely followed by the re-opposing Magical Memory. An interesting entry has been given to Profitable, not often seen over this trip but connections feel confident he will get it. Limato is another notable runner who is a danger to all if on a going day with suitable conditions. It looks sure to be a fascinating contest and we take a look at some of the key contenders in more detail below:

Twilight Son (rated – 117) current best price 11-2

A smooth success in the Diamond Jubilee makes this horses chance look good. He is a horse that continues to surprise, when he wins he seems to win by a small margin but then when he loses he looks rather average. We tipped him up in the Diamond Jubilee and although it was a lovely winner he did get the run of the race and Ryan Moore had him well placed. Viewing that race as a spectator I would expect Magical Memory, given a better ride and luck, to reverse the form tomorrow.

Magical Memory (rated – 114) current best price 6-1

A horse I rate very highly is Magical Memory. A stunning horse to view and he backs up his appearance with classy performances. He was beaten into 4th in the Diamond Jubilee however was given an awful ride by Dettori and that really ruined his chance. I think Dettori will know the mistakes he made and he won’t make them again today. This course suits and he is surely one of the major win contenders.

Limato – (rated – 119) current best price 6-1

Limato is a quirky sort, on form and ratings he is the pick however he is yet to show his true colours this season. Last season he finished a bit out of sorts and I just worry that Candy may be struggling to get him right. On his day he possesses the best turn of foot in this field and if you are prepared to forgive him his last three runs over this trip them he surely has a big chance. For me however he has too much to prove and at such a short price there is better value elsewhere.

Quiet Reflection – (rated – 117) current best price 8-1

Quiet Reflection is quite clearly a good horse and I just can’t ignore the weight allowances he gets here. He is improving with every run and yes on time he has something to find with the likes of Twilight Son however the weight he receives will surely even that out. For me everything about this race is in this horses favour, the big field, the ground, the weight and at 8-1 I am happy to snap him up.

Profitable (rated – 117) current best price 8-1

Well I don’t really need to tell anyone about my love for this horse. He has won three times for me now and every time he has impressed and improved. What this horse possesses is the ability to travel at any pace a race is run. Quick or slow he can travel with it on the bridle and quicken, he won the King’s Stand Stakes last time out and I have to admit I came away that day thinking 6f’s was certainly within range. Connections obviously have the same opinion and an entry into this race just shows how confidently they feel. He and Adam Kirby are some match and again alike to Quiet Reflection everything about the race looks favorable for him tomorrow. 8-1 is a great price and I am happy to back him each way

Air Force Blue – (rated – 118) current best price 12-1

Air Force Blue has lost his way this year and I must admit it is slightly gutting to see. He was such a dominant force last year however doesn’t seem to be enjoying his racing this year. It will have taken a training miracle to have turned things round and I’m afraid I can’t back any horse in such awful form. For that reason I am leaving this horse alone.

Don’t Touch – (rated – 114) current best price 16-1

Don’t Touch is a similar horse to Twilight Son in the fact that he just does enough. That leaves me somewhat puzzled as to where his limitations lie. This race is tougher however and he may just have to settle for minor honours today. Fahey will have him spot on and you couldn’t exactly rule him out however at larger prices there is better value to be had.

Jungle Cat – (rated – 112) current best price 25-1

Jungle Cat is underestimated here I feel and if you wanted to back a horse at a bigger price Jungle Cat is sure to put in a big performance. I remember an interview with Buick before Ascot and he stated that this horse ‘would prefer 6f’s’ and that ‘an uphill finish will be appreciated’. He gets both today and if he turns up with his best form he is in with a chance.

Waady – (rated – 110) current best price 33-1

Waady is becoming a nearly horse and you have to think a similar story may lie ahead here. He is a good horse, gets this trip and can’t comfortably be ruled out however on two pieces of form he is held by Profitable and there is no reason why that should change today.

Other horses to note are the likes of Mongolian Saturday who didn’t give his true running last time, Goken who caught the eye last time out when given a more patient ride and Suedois who has been thereabouts of late.

How we bet: I have to side with my favourite horse in training Profitable, he has done nothing wrong for me all season and I expect another bold showing. Quiet Reflection also looks a good each way bet receiving so much weight.
Profitable – (0.5pts E/W) 8-1 is available PaddyPower.
Quiet Reflection – (0.5pts E/W) 8-1 is available at Totesport.com

Good Luck

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