July Cup Preview

Won so brilliantly by Julie Camacho’s Shaquille 12 months ago, this year we may see another superstar with a star-studded field going to post.

Inisherin – Kevin Ryan
Whilst it wasn’t to be in the 2000 Guineas, Kevin Ryan’s speedy colt has made amends in his following two races including a monstrous display last time out in the Commonwealth Cup. When beating the well-touted Vandeek in the Sandy Lane stakes at Sandown, many were questioning the form but after positive market vibes at Royal Ascot, Ryan’s colt put in one of the best performances across the whole week. He will certainly be a tough nut to crack on Saturday and fully deserves his position at the top of the market.

Vandeek – Simon & Ed Crisford
After finishing last season’s two-year-old campaign as the best British-trained juvenile, there were high expectations on his return to Haydock this season. However, his comeback appearance didn’t go to plan exactly and his winning streak was given up following Inisherin’s dominant performance. He is entitled to come on for that run, though, and there’s every reason to expect a big performance on Saturday given his antics last year.

River Tiber – Aidan O’Brien
Ballydoyle charge who enjoyed a productive campaign as a juvenile following his Coventry Stakes win but ran into Vandeek on two occasions and struggled to live with him. His reappearance in the Irish 2000 Guineas was a monstrous effort given the strength of the form but failed to fire at Royal Ascot this year, finishing eighth in the Jersey Stakes. O’Brien has always said this is the plan, however, so must enter calculations.

Kinross – Ralph Beckett
An incredible servant for Ralph Beckett and connections and a horse who seemingly loves his racing. He finished last season adding two more Group 1s to his CV and on his comeback run this year, he ran well to finish a close second to a vast improver in the Chipchase Stakes. Connections will be hoping the rain starts to bucket down and if it did, it will certainly put him into the mix.

Regional – Ed Bethell
Produced a career best to take the spoils in last year’s Sprint Cup at Haydock and in doing so, landed his first Group 1. Since then, his performances have been excellent and only got caught on the line in the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh in May. His tendency to be quick out the gates and stay galloping is a massive asset and he won’t go down without a fight.

Verdict
The rain could play its part in Saturday’s feature but with the weather forecast looking more promising, none should have excuses. Inisherin was superb in the Commonwealth Cup and will be tough to beat but a chance goes on last year’s highest-rated British Juvenile, VANDEEK. Simon & Ed Crisford’s colt put some very good horses in their place last year and whilst he must overturn the form with the favourite following their tussle at Haydock this year, he should come on bundles for that run. Regional is likely to be one of the pace angles in the race and should it turn into a proper battle, he has solid each-way claims.