THE ANTEPOST ANGLE - JULY CUP

John Arnold returns with his advanced look to the July Cup as he aims to decipher the Group 1 sprint contest. 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, Star Spangled Banner and Oasis Dream have etched their names into the annals of the race's storied lineage. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b0pgo5HJck

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 winners from last week at the Royal Ascot Meeting have a bearing on the outcome of this superb sprint contest in Suffolk in mid July. Three contenders have positives in the trends and also possess superb breeding and speed required to overcome a competitive field. Firstly VENETIAN SUN sired by Starman has excelled this season winning The Commonwealth Cup at Ascot and the Sandy Lane Group 2 at Haydock after bagging the Group 1 Prix Morny in France last season. She receives a nice weight allowance too so will be a warm order for Karl Burke. DIVISION was half a length behind her at Ascot in the same contest last week and William Haggas will have the Kingman colt tuned up again nicely for a challenge.MISSION CENTRAL swooped from the stars in the King Charles III Stakes beating eighteen rivals and could well repeat the feat for Aiden O’Brien. The No Nay Never gelding has the speed but the uphill finish on the July Course may not suit. 

Selections:

VENETIAN SUN (WIN) 

DIVISION (E/W) MISSION CENTRAL (E/W) written by John Arnold