Diamond Jubilee first three set for July Cup sprint showdown
Published:Slade Power, Due Diligence and Aljamaaheer have now been officially declared as entrants for this year’s July Cup.
Having finished in the first three of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot the trio’s latest assignment is one of the most hotly-anticipated racing contests this summer.
And should the winner come from the first three in the betting, which sprinter’s connections are most likely to be celebrating success at Newmarket?
Here’s our take on what’s shaping up to be an intriguing July Cup renewal.
Eddie Lynam’s Slade Power can become the fourth runner in the last 10 years to land a Diamond Jubilee-July Cup double.
Consecutive victories over 6f this season have been impressive with the five-year-old’s maiden Group 1 triumph last time out well-deserved.
However, despite that hot form it’s worth noting that the favourite has only won this race twice in the last 11 years (Starspangledbanner in 2010 and Marchand D’Or in 2008).
The next best in the betting, the money keeps pouring in for the Aidan O’Brien-trained Due Diligence.
Recently available at 5/1, Ladbrokes have trimmed the price about a charge who was narrowly edged out by Slade Power in Berkshire.
Still just three-years-old, Due Diligence is hugely progressive and could go on to successfully reverse the form with his rival.
Fast ground is unlikely to be a concern and with the benefit of a clear run he’ll be a serious player as the race unfolds.
Roger Varian’s son of Dubawi made a good fist of his Diamond Jubilee outing, staying on well to finish third.
And there have been signs in recent performances that being dropped in trip could soon reap rewards.
Varian’s decision to campaign one of his stable stars over 6f has seen Aljamaaheer narrowly miss out in the Abernant Stakes at Newmarket before his close call at Royal Ascot.
But another strong showing at HQ could well see the Hamdam Al Maktoum-owned charge take top honours this time around.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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