THE ANTEPOST ANGLE - JULY CUP

John Arnold looks ahead to the July Cup and pinpoints all the important facts, stats, trends and more as he gives his best antepost bets. History:

The July Cup, held annually at Newmarket Racecourse, is one of the most prestigious sprint races in the British thoroughbred calendar. Usually taking place in early July, this Group 1 flat race is contested over a distance of six furlongs on the straight track, attracting the crème de la crème of sprinting horses from both the UK and abroad. Established in 1876, the July Cup has become synonymous with high-calibre racing, showcasing speed, agility, and the sheer competitive spirit of the participants.

Over the years, legendary horses such as Nunthorpe, The Tin Man, and Oasis Dream have etched their names into the annals of the race's storied lineage. 

Trends:

Age- 11 of last 12 winners aged 3 or 4

Price 4/12 past winners were favourites. 8/12 were in top three of the betting

Last Run 6/12 won on last run. 10/12 had last run within 36 days.

4/12 winners ran in the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot, 4/12 winners ran in the QEII Jubliee Stakes at Ascot

Course Form 8/12 had one previous run at Newmarket. 5/12 had one previous win at Newmarket.

Rating - 12/12 winners rated 112 or higher

Group 1 Wins - 7/12 had one previous Group 1 win

Season Form - 9/12 winners had at least 2 previous runs that season, 8/12 winners had at least 1 win that season

Contenders:

Traditionally and as stats highlight action from the Royal Meeting has a bearing on the outcome in Suffolk in mid July. Three contenders have positives in the trends and also possess superb breeding and speed required to overcome the maximum field of twenty runners.Firstly ARIZONA BLAZE sired by Sergei Prokofiev was only touched off a neck in the Commonwealth Cup, he led a group of fifteen home at Ascot under David Egan and with the dam sire Acclamation a top class sprinter at Ascot I believe Adrian Murray’s charge will go close again in this Group 1. 

A fine colt who bypassed last month’s Royal Meeting is Godolphins SYMBOL OF HONOUR. I expect William Buick to again partner Charlie Appleby’s colt who has been in fine form in the past year both in the UK and Meydan. By Havana Grey the speedy and top sire in Europe I believe this is the plan for the Group 1 required to cement the expectant stud career. Lastly FLORA OF BERMUDA ran well behind Lazzat in the QEII Stakes but was no match for the front pair. Wathanan Racing had a brilliant festival and the Andrew Balding trained Dark Angel colt should not lack pace here. I would envisage James Doyle taking the seat as first choice for the stable.

Selections:

SYMBOL OF HONOUR (WIN) 

ARIZONA BLAZE (E/W) written by John Arnold