Tag Archive for: July Cup

Vandeek camp buoyed by performance of ‘great credit’

Simon Crisford is confident there is still “lots to play for” with Vandeek this season after his star speedster confirmed the fire still burns bright with a third-place finish in the July Cup at Newmarket.

The Havana Grey colt looked every inch a top-class sprinter in the making following an unbeaten juvenile year which included back-to-back Group One wins in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes, but his three-year-old campaign has so far been stop-start.

He suffered his first defeat at the hands of Inisherin in the Sandy Lane at Haydock on his May reappearance, and while the same horse blitzed his rivals in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, Vandeek was stuck on the sidelines after unsatisfactory blood results scuppered his participation.

The Crisfords’ pride and joy was therefore on something of a retrieval mission on the July Course, and while he had to again make do with minor honours despite turning the tables on Inisherin, who could finish only fifth, connections are taking the positives out of his performance.

Simon Crisford, who trains Vandeek in partnership with his son Ed, said: “That was almost his first run of the season and it’s just caught him out really.

“Missing Ascot was a huge problem for us because he’s had to run in a championship race without a warm-up, so I think he’s acquitted himself with great credit.

“He’ll get busy now. He’s definitely trained on, which was the question. I think it was a big effort, it’s been a struggle to get him here, as when they have an abnormal blood count, you have to give them enough time to get back into top training for this race.

“He missed a bit of time and it hasn’t been straightforward. I’m sure this will bring him forward.”

Simon Crisford was pleased with the performance of Vandeek in defeat
Simon Crisford was pleased with the performance of Vandeek in defeat (Simon Cooper/PA)

Considering future options, Crisford added: “We’ll talk about the Prix Maurice de Gheest and the seven-furlong race at York possibly (City of York Stakes), if we decide to go down that route, but I’m not sure about that.

“There’s the Sprint Cup at Haydock and Champions Day (Qipco British Champions Sprint) as well, so there’s lots to play for.

“We know he’s trained on and we think he’s going to move forward for that run today.”

Splitting the winner Mill Stream and Vandeek in second was the Karl Burke-trained Swingalong, who stuck to her guns admirably under a positive ride from Clifford Lee and was only beaten by a neck.

Burke views the Sprint Cup at Haydock in September as the ideal target for a filly who has now finished in the first four in Group One races on six occasions.

Swingalong (navy blue) chases home Mill Stream at Newmarket
Swingalong (navy blue) chases home Mill Stream at Newmarket (Nigel French/PA)

“Two things may have made the difference – if it hadn’t have rained, which obviously suited the winner, and if Art Power hadn’t taken us on, but they are things out of our control,” said the Spigot Lodge handler.

“I couldn’t be happier without winning. She so deserves a Group One. I think we’ll go to Haydock next and just pray it isn’t heavy ground there.

“She won’t go to France (for the Prix Maurice de Gheest), she’s not entered for a start and she had a hard race today and at Ascot, so she deserves a break, especially as that’s six-and-a-half, she’s always vulnerable in that last furlong. Haydock will be brilliant.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Mill Stream edges out Swingalong to grab July Cup glory

Hot favourite Inisherin could finish only fifth as Mill Stream emerged triumphant in the My Pension Expert July Cup at Newmarket.

Following a stunning display in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last month, the Kevin Ryan-trained Inisherin was all the rage to beat his elders for the first time as the 11-8 market leader, but things did not go to script.

Art Power took the 11-strong field along for much of the six-furlong contest, closely pursued by Swingalong, and the latter had poked her head in front by the time she reached the final furlong.

In a race that turned into something of a scrap, Jane Chapple-Hyam’s 11-1 shot Mill Stream – third in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at the royal meeting – was produced with a well-timed challenge on the far side of the track by William Buick, swooping late to deny Swingalong by a neck.

Vandeek, who suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Inisherin in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock in May before missing the rematch in the Commonwealth Cup owing to an unsatisfactory scope, shaped with plenty of encouragement in third.

Art Power boxed on to finish fourth ahead of the slightly disappointing Inisherin in fifth.

Chapple-Hyam said: “We were doing cartwheels when it rained, as it just took the sting out of the ground midweek. I think that is all he needs. He came here for a little bit of practice the other day.

“He’s never sparkling in his work, he just gets there but that’s him and as long as we know that, and William knows that, it’s fine, but he’s done it now, he’s got the Group One.

“You knew there was going to be a lot of speed and when they were doing 10 and change at halfway and he was sat in behind, I just knew he’d pick up and I’m thrilled.

Mill Stream just got the better of Swingalong
Mill Stream just got the better of Swingalong (Nigel French/PA)

“He likes it here, he’s been second here, so it’s nice to turn it round and get the win and he ran well at Ascot in third on very quick ground there.

“It’s nice to win here with it being my home track and my favourite track.

“I’m a very lucky lady to have Peter Harris as an owner, he knows the game and he believes in the horse too, so it’s good. It’s nice to join him and Gai (Waterhouse, who Chapple-Hyam had a winner for earlier in the day with Asian Daze) as a Group One-winning trainer.

“Peter has a good team in the yard, he supports them and he supports me, so to go and win a Group One for him, that’s what he wants and what the yard needs, so it’s good.

“He likes three weeks between races if you look back, so we’ll go to Deauville next for the Prix Maurice de Gheest, he’ll love the six and a half furlongs there – as a young horse, he got six there very well, so six-and-a-half, bring it on!”

Buick was completing a four-timer on the day after he previously enjoyed a treble for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby courtesy of Desert Flower, First Conquest and Ancient Truth.

The dual champion jockey was also securing the 100th Group One win of his stellar riding career.

He said: “He has been such a good horse for me this season. He is a Duke of York winner and ran well at Royal Ascot. We felt he had a bit more to give and Jane and the team convinced me he was a much better horse today – he duly was.

“That bit of rain really suited him and I was always so comfortable. He is really genuine and puts his head out. It was well deserved.

“This is my first July Cup and I’m absolutely thrilled.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Sat TV Trends: Ascot & York (13th July 2024)

Plenty going on again this Saturday with a monster 11 LIVE ITV races to take in.

We’ve the final day of the Newmarket July Meeting (covered separately), with the Group One July Cup , plus the Group Two Superlative Stakes and the competitive Bunbury Cup Handicap.

Then at Ascot, we’ve two more LIVE races to enjoy from the Berkshire track that include the Group Two Summer Mile, while the ITV cameras are also at York to take in four races that include the competitive John Smith’s Cup Handicap.

As always, we’ve got all the races covered with key trends and stats – use these to find the best past profile of winning horses.

Ascot Horse Racing Trends

1.45 – A1R Services Heritage Handicap Cl2 (3yo+) 5f ITV

9/10 – Ran in the last 3 weeks
9/10 – Had won over 5f before
8/10 – Carried 8-10 or more
8/10 – Had won between 2-6 times
7/10 – Didn’t win last time out
7/10 – Returned between 7/1 and 14/1
7/10 – Aged between 4 and 6 years-old
6/10 – Came from a double-figure stall
4/10 – Aged 5 or 6 years-old
5/10 – Ran at Ascot last time out
2/10 – Ridden by Adam Kirby
The average winning SP in the last 10 runnings is 9/1

2.20 – Anne Cowley Memorial Summer Mile Stakes (Group 2) Cl2 (4yo+) 1m ITV

16/16 - Aged 4, 5 or 6 years-old
14/16 – Had won over at least a mile before
14/16 – Came from the top 3 in the betting
13/16 – Placed favourites
12/16 – Had raced at Ascot before (3 won)
11/16 – Aged either 4 or 6 years-old
11/16 – Previous Group race winner
9/16 – Winning favourites (8 of the last 10 have won)
9/16 – Had won at least 4 times before
7/16 – Aged 4 years-old
7/16 – Raced at Ascot last time out
6/16 – Won last time out
3/16 – Had won a Group 1 before
11 of the last 14 winners were draw in stalls 5 or lower
Trainer William Haggas has won 2 of the last 7 runnings
Trainer Andrew Balding has won 2 of the last 6 runnings
The average winning SP in the last 10 years is 11/4

York Horse Racing Trends

2.00 - John Smith’s Racing Handicap Cl2 (3yo+ 0-100) 1m ITV

12/12 - Aged between 3-6 years-old
11/12 - Ran in the last 4 weeks
11/12 - Won over at least 1m before
11/12 - Won between 2-4 times before
10/12 - Carried 9st 1lb or more in weight
10/12 - Aged 4 or 5 years-old
9/12 - Drawn in stall 7 or lower
9/12 - Returned 8/1 or shorter in the betting
8/12 - Finished 4th or better last time out
8/12 - Irish bred
7/12 - Had run at the track before (York)
6/12 - Placed favourites
4/12 - Trained by David O’Meara
2/12 - Winning favourites
The average winning SP in the last 10 runs is 15/2
Blue For You (7/2) won the race in 2023

2.35 - John Smith's City Walls Stakes (Listed Race) Cl1 (3yo+) 5f ITV

13/13 – Won over 5f before
12/13 – Raced in the last 4 weeks
11/13 – Placed favourites
9/13 – Rated between 101 and 111
9/13 – Unplaced last time out
9/13 – Won at York before
7/13 – Had only won at Handicap class before
6/13 – Aged between 5-7 years-old
6/13 – Won by a neck or less
4/13 – Ran at Ascot last time out
Trainer Tim Easterby has won the race in 2019 & 2021
The average winning SP in the last 10 runnings is 5/1

3.10 - John Smith's Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap) Cl2 (3yo+) 1m2½f ITV

20/22 – Returned 20/1 or shorter in the betting
20/22 – Had won over 1m1f or further before
18/22 – Aged 5 or younger
14/22 – Had between 3-5 previous runs already that season
14/22 – Came from stall 9 or higher
14/22 – Returned 14/1 or shorter in the betting
13/22 – Carried 9-3 or less
12/22 – Top 4 finish in their previous race
12/22 – Aged 4 years-old
12/22 – Officially rated between 99-105
10/22 – Had run at York before
6/22 – Ran at Royal Ascot last time out
3/22 – Won by trainer Richard Fahey
3/22 – Trained by William Haggas
3/22 – Winning favourites (2 joint)
2/22 - Trained by Andrew Balding (2 of the last 5)
2/22 – Ridden by Andrea Atzeni (2 of last 11)
Since 1960 just one winner older than 6
10 of the last 13 winners aged 4 or 5
8 of the last 10 winners carried 9st 3lbs or more
The average winning SP in the last 22 years is 12/1

3.45 - John Smith's Silver Cup Stakes (Group 3) Cl1 (4yo+) 1m6f ITV

17/18 – Had between 1 and 3 previous runs that season
17/18 – Won from stall 10 or lower
15/18 – Aged 5 or younger
13/18 – Didn’t win their previous race
13/18 – Placed favourites
9/18 – Aged 4 years-old
9/18 – Had run at York before
7/18 – Ran at Ascot last time out
6/18 – Horses from stall 2 that finished second
6/18 – Winning favourites
Hamish (4/9 fav) won the race in 2023
The average winning SP in the last 10 years is 9/1

 

================================================

TRAINERS-QUOTES.COM

GET THE BEST DAILY TRAINER INFO FROM 17 TOP STABLES - Sent direct to your in-box!

**SPECIAL OFFER** TRY US FOR JUST £1.99!!

FIND OUT MORE HERE

==================================================



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Vandeek camp ‘couldn’t be happier’ ahead of July Cup bid

Ed Crisford is confident Vandeek is back firing on all cylinders as he looks to reignite his season in the My Pension Expert July Cup at Newmarket.

The Havana Grey colt looked set to take high rank in the sprinting division following an unbeaten juvenile year which featured Group One wins in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes, but his three-year-old campaign has so far been stop-start.

Vandeek suffered an odds-on defeat at the hands of Inisherin on his reappearance in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock in late May, and had to watch on the sidelines as the same horse blitzed his rivals in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last month.

With Inisherin again in opposition on Saturday, Crisford is well aware his stable star faces a far from straightforward task in his bid to get back on the winning trail, but the Newmarket handler is hoping a positive showing on the July Course will set him up for a profitable second half of 2024.

Crisford, who trains Vandeek in partnership with his father Simon, said: “It was unfortunate we couldn’t run at Ascot because of the abnormal bloods, but he’s been in great form since and has bounced back to health.

“I’m looking forward to running him, to be honest. It’s been a testing first half of the year, but he’s just got to get racing now.

“He’s had that run at Haydock on that bad ground, this is his second run and we couldn’t be happier with him going into Saturday.

“Inisherin looked very good at Ascot and our fellow has got to come out and get racing, so we’ll see how we get on.”

Tom Eaves celebrates winning the Commonwealth Cup at Inisherin
Tom Eaves celebrates winning the Commonwealth Cup on Inisherin (David Davies/PA)

Inisherin’s jockey Tom Eaves hailed the Kevin Ryan-trained colt “the best I’ve sat on” ahead of his bid for back-to-back Group One wins.

Eaves has won top-level sprints on the likes of Glass Slippers, who was successful at the Breeders’ Cup, Brando and Tangerine Trees, but is in no doubt Inisherin possesses more class than those three.

“Inisherin is a very good horse. He’s the best I’ve sat on, so I’m looking forward to Saturday. He’s got a very good mind and a lot of pure ability,” said the rider.

“I was placed twice (in the July Cup) on Brando at biggish prices, so you’d hope that Inisherin would have an even better chance as favourite, but it’s a very strong Group One.

“Kevin is a very good trainer of all types of horses, not only sprinters. Look what he did with The Grey Gatsby for example. He treats them all individually and he leaves no stone unturned, but it’s fair to say his record with sprinters is exceptional.”

The two other three-year-olds in the field are Clive Cox’s Commonwealth Cup third Jasour and Aidan O’Brien’s River Tiber, who was a little disappointing when eighth in the Jersey at the royal meeting.

Jasour won the July Stakes over the course and distance 12 months ago and Cox feels as long as conditions do not deteriorate, another bold bid is on the cards.

“I’m very pleased with him and I was very happy to walk the track (on Thursday) and see even with the rain we’ve had the track looks in great nick. If we get no more rain, I will be very happy,” said the Lambourn-based trainer.

“It’s a strong race and the three-year-olds normally have a good opportunity in this race to take on their elders. I’m looking forward to it and just hope we don’t get too much rain – there is no doubt he is a better horse on quicker ground.”

River Tiber was third in the Irish Guineas
River Tiber was third in the Irish Guineas (Damien Eagers/PA)

River Tiber finished a creditable third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas prior to his underwhelming performance at Royal Ascot and rider Ryan Moore is looking forward to seeing how he fares back over six furlongs.

“Given the promise of his reappearance run in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, you have to say he was well below par in the Jersey Stakes last time but he is a horse who has always shown a lot of pace, and hopefully this test will suit him,” Moore told Betfair.

“A Coventry winner, he went on to be placed in the Morny and Middle Park, and he has to have a fair chance in here if bringing his Classic form to the table.

“He certainly has the Group One class to go close.”

One of the older horses in the line-up with a Group One win to his name is Ed Bethell’s Regional, having struck gold in last year’s Sprint Cup at Haydock.

A bargain basement buy out of Richard Fahey’s stable for just 3,500 guineas, the six-year-old showed his versatility back over five furlongs at Ascot when second to Asfoora in the King Charles III Stakes.

Bethell said: “Regional has been absolutely brilliant for us. Having a horse like him for the big days is what we all do it for. He’s a legend to have around.

“He ran a blinder at Ascot, and coming back to six furlongs at Newmarket will suit him down to the ground.”

Other contenders include dual Group One winner and last year’s July Cup third Kinross, who blew away a few cobwebs when second in the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle a fortnight ago.

The Charlie Hills-trained Khaadem, who bids for a third top-level triumph having successfully defended his crown in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes last month, has been fifth and fourth in past renewals of this contest.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Inisherin heads 12 chasing July Cup crown

Inisherin will face 11 rivals as he tackles older horses for the first time in Saturday’s My Pension Expert July Cup at Newmarket.

Kevin Ryan’s speedster ran with credit in the 2000 Guineas earlier in the season but has proved a revelation since reverting to sprinting.

He inflicted a first career defeat on Vandeek in the Sandy Lane at Haydock before putting up an imperious display in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and he is now aiming to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner Shaquille, who won the same Ascot race before July Cup glory.

Vandeek will take him on again with connections expecting a bold show, despite being forced to miss Ascot with a minor setback.

River Tiber, last year’s Coventry Stakes winner, was third in the Irish Guineas before finishing down the field in the Jersey Stakes at Ascot but Aidan O’Brien now returns him to a sprint trip.

Regional (noseband) has gone close twice this season
Regional (noseband) has gone close twice this season (Tim Goode/PA)

Clive Cox’s Jasour, a winner at this meeting last year in the July Stakes and third in the Commonwealth Cup, is the fourth and final three-year-old lining up.

The older brigade is led by Ed Bethell’s Regional, winner of Haydock’s Sprint Cup last season and beaten no more than a length in both his outings to date this year.

Kinross will have his supporters after a fine comeback at Newcastle, while Charlie Hills runs two in dual Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes winner Khaadem and Mitbaahy.

Swingalong, beaten half a length by Khaadem at Ascot, will aim to go one better for Karl Burke.

Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Mill Stream, Tim Easterby’s durable Art Power and the Charlie Fellowes-trained Vadream complete the list.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Jasour camp want no more juice in July Cup ground

Clive Cox is hoping for a drier end to the week ahead of Jasour’s My Pension Expert July Cup bid at Newmarket on Saturday.

The grey has come out in good form this term, winning the Group Three Commonwealth Cup Trial at Ascot, also known as the Pavilion Stakes, on his seasonal debut in May.

He then returned to the track to contest the Commonwealth Cup itself at Royal Ascot, where he was a 4-1 chance under Jim Crowley in a field of 14 competing for Group One honours.

Jasour finished third on that occasion, beaten two and a half lengths by Inisherin, who is also due to line up in this weekend’s sprint highlight.

Ascot Races – Wednesday May 1st
Jasour winning the Commonwealth Cup Trial (Adam Davy/PA)

The going at Newmarket was soft, good to soft in places as of Wednesday morning following 29 millimetres of rain in the space of 24 hours, but the forecast is presently dry closer to the race and Cox is keeping his fingers crossed that remains the case.

“I hope it stops raining, hopefully the forecast looks a little bit drier for the weekend,” he said.

“He showed a liking for the track last year in the July Stakes, which bodes well ahead of this race.

“We’ve been very pleased with his progress this year, with his success in the Pavilion before being third in the Commonwealth Cup.

“This looks to be the right race for him, so hopefully things dry up before the weekend.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Inisherin faces maximum 12 rivals in July Cup

Inisherin is one of 13 confirmations for Saturday’s My Pension Expert July Cup at Newmarket.

Kevin Ryan’s three-year-old has excelled since returning to sprinting, having run with credit over a mile in the 2000 Guineas.

He first lowered the colours of the previously unbeaten Vandeek in the Sandy Lane at Haydock before a similarly easy victory in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Vandeek is in line to take him on again, with Simon and Ed Crisford’s charge set to return after being forced to miss Ascot due a minor setback.

Another three-year-old in the mix is Clive Cox’s Jasour, a fine third behind Inisherin in the Commonwealth Cup, with Aidan O’Brien’s Military and River Tiber also representing the Classic crop.

Charlie Hills has left in both dual Royal Ascot winner Khaadem and Mitbaahy, both owned by Fitri Hay.

Khaadem won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes for the second year in succession last month, a race in which his stablemate Mitbaahy finished seventh.

Khaadem and Oisin Murphy after winning at Royal Ascot last month
Khaadem and Oisin Murphy after winning at Royal Ascot last month (John Walton/PA)

Hills said: “We’ll see what the weather does through the week. Khaadem wants quick ground definitely, whereas the other fellow wouldn’t mind a bit of give in the ground.

“I think there’s probably a good chance of getting good ground, so hopefully both horses will run.”

Ralph Beckett’s Kinross, third in the race to Shaquille 12 months ago, may have another crack while Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Mill Stream, third to Khaadem at Ascot, will aim to win a first Group One.

Tim Easterby’s Art Power and Ed Bethell’s Regional add strength to the northern challenge, while Karl Burke’s Swingalong and the Charlie Fellowes-trained Vadream complete the list.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Hills lining up Loughnane for Khaadem July Cup ride

Charlie Hills will utilise teenage sensation Billy Loughnane in the My Pension Expert July Cup on Saturday.

Hills has both Mitbaahy and Khaadem engaged in the Group One and with Jamie Spencer suspended, the ride on the latter is expected to be up for grabs.

The eight-year-old bounced back to form to win the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes for the second successive year recently.

Loughnane himself tasted Royal Ascot glory when winning the Coventry Stakes on Rashabar for Brian Meehan and the Sandringham Stakes on George Boughey’s Soprano.

Hills and Loughnane teamed up at Sandown on Saturday to win with the promising Cicero’s Gift.

“Billy the kid – he’s amazing isn’t he and is great for the future of our sport,” said Hills.

“It’s great to have a young jockey like that, he’s very articulate, is a brilliant rider and has great hands and is very astute in a race. I’m really looking forward to watching his career going forward.

“He’s going to ride for me in the July Cup and will maybe take the ride on Khaadem. Jamie is unfortunately banned, so absolutely he will take a ride there.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Vandeek back ‘in good health’ ahead of July Cup bid

Vandeek remains “very much” on course for the My Pension Expert July Cup at Newmarket after being forced to miss Royal Ascot.

The son of Havana Grey, unbeaten during a superb juvenile campaign, did not take his place in the Commonwealth Cup due to an abnormal blood count.

He won his maiden at Nottingham last July before stepping up to Group Two level to claim victory in the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood and then completed a hat-trick in the Prix Morny in France.

Vandeek rounded out his season with further Group One glory in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

Trained by the father and son duo of Simon and Ed Crisford, he was beaten on his three-year-old debut at Haydock but connections were expecting an improved display at the Royal meeting, only for a minor setback to ruin those plans.

However, Chris Wall, racing manager to owners KHK Racing, is happy with his work heading into the July Cup.

Reflecting on missing the Royal meeting, Wall said: “The Crisfords weren’t happy with how he was and his blood wasn’t right, so he didn’t go there.

“He’s been training nicely. He looks to be in good health, he looks very fresh and well and full of himself.

“The plan very much is to run him in the July Cup next week.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Khaadem on course for July Cup date

Khaadem will head for the My Pension Expert July Cup after notching up his second Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes success at Royal Ascot.

Charlie Hills’ eight-year-old was a shock 80-1 winner of Jubilee 12 months ago, but he was a much shorter price at 14-1 when triumphing in the hands of Oisin Murphy last month.

He went from Ascot to Newmarket 12 months ago, finishing an honourable fifth to Shaquille – and having shown to be at the peak of his powers during the Royal meeting, will tread the same path provided conditions on the July course remain suitable for the evergreen speedster.

“He’s come out of Ascot very well and it was a great day we all had,” said Hills.

“He loves that track and the race at York really brought him along – he did well to win that as an eight-year-old but he’s looking as well as he’s ever been in his career.

“He’s obviously not done a lot since that race, he’s had a few canters, but he seems in good shape and the ground looks like it is going to stay right for him.

“He will go to Newmarket as long as the ground is right for him. The three-year-olds look good this year, but we will see how we get on against them.”

Meanwhile, Hills is looking forward to returning Cicero’s Gift to the track after over a year on the sidelines.

Cicero’s Gift (right) in a gallop on the Rowley Mile
Cicero’s Gift (right) in a gallop on the Rowley Mile (Tim Goode/PA)

An impressive winner of his first three starts, he was somewhat unfortunate to finish down the field in a messy St James’s Palace Stakes when having his sights raised at last year’s Royal Ascot.

That was the last time he raced but he holds an entry for Sandown’s Coral Challenge over a mile this Saturday, with Goodwood’s Regent Seven Seas Cruises Bentinck Conditions Stakes on August 2 another option on Hills’ radar.

“We’re keeping a close eye on the ground (at Sandown) and I wouldn’t want to run him on anything too firm at this stage of his career,” continued Hills.

“There’s a race at Goodwood at the Glorious meeting that looks interesting for him. It’s a conditions race over one-mile-one for horses that have never won a Listed or Group race, so that looks a nice race for him.

“He’s had a long time off, but he’s been training nicely. Physically he has done very well and I think he’s a pretty good horse on his day.

“It’s great to have him back and we have been very patient with him over the winter – he was turned out in the field for a good four months. He’s been a very good patient and given himself every chance to get back.

“Things didn’t go quite right for him last year at Royal Ascot, he got stuck in some traffic and I think he could easily have finished a bit closer.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Bucanero Fuerte facing fitness race ahead of July Cup

Connections are aiming to get Bucanero Fuerte back on track in the My Pension Expert July Cup, with this weekend’s Prix Jean Prat coming too soon after the setback which ruled the colt out of Royal Ascot.

Adrian Murray’s son of Wootton Bassett entered Amo Racing folklore as a two-year-old when amongst last term’s three victories, he provided Kia Joorabchian’s operation with a first Group One success.

His team abandoned the temptation to stretch out to a mile in search of Classic honours earlier this year, putting their eggs firmly in the sprint basket, a decision which looked a shrewd move when the brother to the Abbaye-winning Wooded made virtually all on his return in the Lacken Stakes at Naas.

That victory put Bucanero Fuerte amongst the favourites for the Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting, but along with Simon and Ed Crisford’s Vandeek and Karl Burke’s Elite Status, he missed out on Ascot as Kevin Ryan’s Inisherin stormed to glory.

Sticking to a sprint schedule and on the road to a full recovery, Bucanero Fuerte could now get the chance to belatedly lock horns with Inisherin if deemed fit to make the trip over to Newmarket for the six-furlong event.

“We’re thinking of the July Cup at Newmarket,” said Murray.

“He won’t be ready for France (Prix Jean Prat). We’re aiming for Newmarket but whether we will have him ready in time, I don’t know.

“He will have lost a good bit of weight and we’re having to build him back up. We’re hoping to have him there, but there’s no guarantee.

David Egan with Bucanero Fuerte after winning at Naas
David Egan with Bucanero Fuerte after winning at Naas (Damien Eagers/PA)

“We have a lot of options for him if we don’t get him to Newmarket.”

He went on: “It was unbelievable to see three of the favourites come out so close to the race (at Ascot), you couldn’t believe that would happen.

“Hopefully we can go to Newmarket, but we will just have to monitor how quickly he comes back to himself.

“He’s been back home a week and looks well, but it’s just he lost a bit of weight and it will be how quickly we can get that back on and get back into serious training with him.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Bethell wary of Inisherin threat to Regional in July Cup

Ed Bethell fears Inisherin could prove a tough nut to crack for Regional in the Darley July Cup on Saturday week.

Bethell’s stable star made his Group One breakthrough last autumn in the Haydock Sprint Cup and in two outings this season has run with great credit.

He was only worn down close home by Mitbaahy in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh carrying a Group One penalty, while he went out on his shield in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, staying on strongly but just unable to catch Australian challenger Asfoora.

Regional (near side) just failed to catch Asfoora at Ascot
Regional (near side) just failed to catch Asfoora at Ascot (John Walton/PA)

With Kevin Ryan’s Inisherin now entering the fray, having raced only against three-year-olds to date, Bethell is very respectful of the new challenge.

“He’s an almighty horse, no words can really describe him and I’m very lucky to be part of him,” said Bethell of Regional.

“Fingers crossed he’ll go well in the July Cup, but Inisherin is going to be pretty tough to beat, I’d say.

“Every trainer needs a horse like him and I’m just lucky to have found him.  Obviously there was a bit fortune involved given his price (3,500 guineas), but we’re very proud of him.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Cox keen on Inisherin rematch with Jasour

Clive Cox is excited to head to Newmarket with his Royal Ascot third Jasour, where he could face a Commonwealth Cup rematch with Inisherin in the My Pension Expert July Cup.

Winner of the July Stakes as a juvenile, the son of Havana Grey has already advertised his suitability for the July Course at Headquarters.

Although he somewhat lost his way after securing Group Two honours at two, he has rediscovered his best this term and after winning at Ascot on Trials day in the Pavilion Stakes, was a highly respectable third on his return to Group One action at the Royal meeting.

Jasour (left) fought hard to try to catch Inisherin
Jasour (left) fought hard to try to catch Inisherin (David Davies/PA)

Slowly away and then keen in the early stages, Jasour made eye-catching progress in the second half of the six-furlong event.

Having moved stylishly into contention, he did not quite have enough in reserve to chase down the impressive Kevin Ryan-trained winner, but Cox was pleased with the run and believes his colt can mix it with the cream of the sprinting crop.

“He ran a really nice race and there is still a bit of fine-tuning and work to do, but we are very much positive about the performance,” said Cox.

“I’m encouraged by the way he has come out of the race; the winner was very impressive, but I feel we can improve on our performance.

“He was very keen early, there’s no two ways about it, he was very fresh and well in himself and we have work to do. But you have to take encouragement – and the way he finished, despite his keenness, makes me very positive about finding the required improvement.”

He went on: “He’s shown an understanding with the track at Newmarket when winning the July Stakes last year and I’m very happy summer ground is what he appreciates.

“With three-year-olds having a very strong record in the July Cup, I’m very keen we follow that path.”

Cox was also pleased with the performance of Kerdos, who was a creditable fifth in the King Charles III Stakes on the opening day of the Royal meeting.

Kerdos was a winner at Haydock in May
Kerdos was a winner at Haydock in May (Nigel French/PA)

It was a display which backed up his previous win in Haydock’s Temple Stakes on easier ground and connections will continue to aim high with the improving four-year-old.

“He ran a really nice race and the quicker surface was probably the difference between the outcome there and the Temple,” continued Cox.

“It was a very solid performance and he has come out of the race really well. I think he can continue running in these good races and Kerdos and Jasour are two exciting horses going forwards – and I’m really happy with how they have come out of Ascot.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

‘It means the world – everything I’ve worked for’ – Rossa Ryan

Rossa Ryan had just one thing on his mind after riding his first Group One winner with Shaquille – his parents.

After all the interviews were done in a windswept Newmarket winner’s enclosure following the Pertemps-sponsored July Cup and the horses had long since departed, the young rider still had plenty of emotion in his voice, almost overwhelmed by a victory that meant so much in so many ways.

Ryan had been at something of a crossroads when parting company with the burgeoning Amo Racing operation, a move announced last August.

To his credit, one of the first to congratulate him amid the throng of well-wishers was Amo’s founder Kia Joorabchian, who wrapped an arm around the jockey with hearty words of congratulation.

Jockey Rossa Ryan with the trophy after winning the Pertemps Network July Cup at Newmarket
Jockey Rossa Ryan with the trophy after winning the Pertemps Network July Cup at Newmarket (David Davies for the Jockey Club/PA)

The parting may have been amicable, yet Ryan can be forgiven if he ever doubted himself. No need. He has been riding as well as anyone over the past few months, and the length-and-a-half success aboard Shaquille – not for a big yard, but that of an underdog form Norton, North Yorkshire – was testament to his immense ability.

He had only come in for the ride after Oisin Murphy, who was aboard when the colt had been victorious against his own age group in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, had been suspended.

And against the older horses not everything had gone to plan, with Shaquille falling out of the stalls and then lit up.

Ryan said: “I had to make a move in the middle part of the race – that was him. I had no option. I just let him blow out and grab his wind and he just went away.

“He doesn’t have to do anything right – he has got the ability.”

He added: “I didn’t have much of a choice. I tried to settle him in behind, but he wasn’t having it.

“So once he put his head in front three out, he filled up for me and I just managed to grab hold of him and pull him back a bit.

“Two out, he kicked and he stayed going. I saw someone out of the corner of my eye and he kicked again for me at the half-furlong pole. It was just an incredible performance.

“It is not like he’s shown up a bad field. And he’s doing it in a fashion.”

Ryan was full of praise for the Julie Camacho-trained three-year-old, who showed plenty of guts to fend off Run To Freedom.

But he had just one thing really on his mind, and he was abundant in his acknowledgement of his parents.

“It means the world – everything I’ve worked for,” Ryan said.

“Mum and dad starting me off at home, everything they have put into me, I can’t thank them enough.

Shaquille and jockey Rossa Ryan after winning the Pertemps Network July Cup
Shaquille and jockey Rossa Ryan after winning the Pertemps Network July Cup (David Davies for the Jockey Club/PA)

“They are the backbone behind it all. They have kept me on the straight and narrow for so long.

“I am so grateful to them. It will mean a lot to them as well.

“It has been a big year. It is down to my agent and I couldn’t do it without him.

“I am looking to build on it every season and it is going the right way so far. I just hope we can keep it going.”

Injury and suspension aside, it would be a brave man to back against him doing that.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Shaquille shooting for July Cup crown

There is room at the top for a champion sprinter this season and should Julie Camacho’s three-year-old Shaquille land the Pertemps Network July Cup, the odds are he would go a long way to claiming the title.

Winner of six of his seven races to date, he came from a hugely unpromising position to win the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, beating last year’s star juvenile Little Big Bear, despite losing plenty of ground at the start.

That is not the first time he has shown a quirk or two, although it certainly does not slow him down, but he will need to be on his best behaviour when taking on older horses for the first time as he attempts to emulate Muhaarar in winning the Commonwealth and July Cups back to back.

“Shaquille seems to be in great form and has come out of Royal Ascot well. We turned him out for three or four days and he started to get a bit fresh. He cantered on the Wednesday after Royal Ascot and he did a nice piece of work last Saturday and everything seems to be good,” said Camacho, who celebrated her first Group One win at Ascot.

Shaquille (left) sweeps by Little Big Bear at Ascot
Shaquille (left) sweeps by Little Big Bear at Ascot (David Davies/PA)

“He’s lovely at home. Everybody sees him at the races and they think he’s this big, ignorant, horrible animal but he’s not! Paige Harrison, who looks after him at home and rides him at home, says he’d be quite happy to just walk up the six-furlong gallop, he just lobs along.”

Steve Brown, Camacho’s husband and assistant, said: “He is a horse who prefers to lead in his work. If you ask him to join a decent horse, he might not get there. He is relaxed and laid back.

“Each time he has raced, he’s got better. We were concerned how he would handle Royal Ascot, but when he first stepped on the track he hadn’t put a foot wrong and he hadn’t broken sweat which I was really pleased about to the point that when Oisin (Murphy) hacked away, I was actually worried he was too quiet but that didn’t reflect in his performance.

“We just hope he is maturing as we are going along. It has been a steady progression in the right direction with him and hopefully that will continue on Saturday.”

Murphy is suspended on Saturday while James Doyle, who rode him to two victories earlier in the season, is at Ascot, so Rossa Ryan comes in for the ride.

“Ascot was the first time he has started slowly in his life. He was first to load and had been sitting there a long time, so got a little bit impatient,” said Brown.

Ryan Moore was briefly in the frame for the ride after Aidan O’Brien raised some doubt about Little Big Bear’s participation. However, the rematch was confirmed on Thursday morning at declaration time.

O’Brien stated at the time everything would have to continue to go in the right direction after he suffered a stone bruise last week, causing him to miss six days of exercise.

Speaking early on Friday afternoon O’Brien said: “At the moment everything is going well with him.

“It hasn’t been ideal, obviously, but we’re happy enough.

“He just missed five or six days last week and we won’t know until he runs how much it has affected him.”

Kinross was intended to be Frankie Dettori's final ride in the July Cup
Kinross was intended to be Frankie Dettori’s final ride in the July Cup (John Walton/PA)

The July Cup was the one Group One in the UK that Frankie Dettori was missing on his CV and in his final year, Ralph Beckett’s Kinross had been identified as his last chance to win it.

Unfortunately for him, the suspension picked up at Royal Ascot means he is unable to retire with a full set of top-level races and he has been replaced by William Buick.

Owner Marc Chan’s racing manager Jamie McCalmont said: “William (Buick) is a more than capable substitute, but it was something we were really looking forward to (with Dettori) and sadly it just wasn’t meant to be.

“If we can get some rain that would increase his chance for sure, it would make a bit of a difference, I think.

“It’s a solid race, there’s three-year-olds racing against six-year-olds and there are a number Group One winners in the race. It’s a solid field.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns