*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Newmarket stages one of the biggest sprint races of the season as the July Festival comes to a close on Saturday.
The Group 1 July Cup over six furlongs is a clash of the generations as the three-year-olds take on their elders, which means a number of form lines are brought to the track.
Shaquille heads the younger cavalry after landing the Commonwealth Cup, Khadeem has been supplemented after a shock win in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, while Azure Blue has risen through the ranks from an official rating of 77.
The latest July Cup odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
July Cup tips
Azure Blue
Trainer: Michael Dods Jockey: Paul Mulrennan Age: 4 Weight: 9st 5lbs Draw: 6
Timeform: AZURE BLUE has been kept fresh for this since winning the Duke of York Stakes and this most likeable filly (travels strongly and responds well) looks a Group 1 performer in the making. Shaquille produced a remarkable performance when overcoming a terrible start in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but his issues with the stall remains a slight concern (refused to enter them on intended reappearance and blanketed/led in riderless last 2 outings). Kinross is another to consider.
July Cup runners
Art Power
Trainer: Tim Easterby Jockey: David Allan Age: 6 Weight: 9st 8lbs Draw: 1
Very smart gelding whose last 3 wins have come at the Curragh, including when producing a career best performance in Greenlands Stakes (6f, good) in May by 4¾ lengths. Not seen to advantage in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee since and not taken lightly having finished an excellent fourth in this in 2021.
Emaraaty Ana
Trainer: Kevin Ryan Jockey: Neil Callan Age: 7 Weight: 9st 8lbs Draw: 2
Group 1 winner over 6f in 2021 and placed in the last 2 renewals of the Nunthorpe. Probably needed his comeback run at York but was 6 lengths eleventh of 16 to Khaadem in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee at Royal Ascot and no better than sixth in last 2 runnings of this. Cheekpieces refitted.
Khadeem
Trainer: Charles Hills Jockey: Rob Hornby Age: 7 Weight: 9st 8lbs Draw: 3
Produced a career-best performance when winning 16-runner Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (80/1) at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) 21 days ago by neck from Sacred but was given the perfect ride that day and hold-up tactics harder to pull off here. Opposable.
Kinross
Trainer: Ralph Beckett Jockey: William Buick Age: 6 Weight: 9st 8lbs Draw: 4
Thrived last season, completing 4-timer in Champions Sprint at Ascot (good to soft) in October. Shaped as if better for the run when 5 lengths seventh of 16 to Khaadem in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee at Royal Ascot on return 3 weeks ago and much more expected now, especially if there’s rain.
Run To Freedom
Trainer: Henry Candy Jockey: Trevor Whelan Age: 5 Weight: 9st 8lbs Draw: 5
Smart horse who proved all the better for his return when a narrow winner of listed race at Salisbury. However, limitations exposed at this level before, including when 5¼ lengths ninth of 16 to Khaadem in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) 21 days ago.
Azure Blue
Trainer: Michael Dods Jockey: Paul Mulrennan Age: 4 Weight: 9st 5lbs Draw: 6
AZURE BLUE has been kept fresh for this since winning the Duke of York Stakes and this most likeable filly (travels strongly and responds well) looks a Group 1 performer in the making. Shaquille produced a remarkable performance when overcoming a terrible start in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but his issues with the stall remains a slight concern (refused to enter them on intended reappearance and blanketed/led in riderless last 2 outings). Kinross is another to consider.
Vadream
Trainer: Charles Fellowes Jockey: Kieran Shoemark Age: 5 Weight: 9st 5lbs Draw: 7
Drew a blank in 2022 but back to her best on soft ground this spring, winning a 6f Doncaster listed and Group 3 Palace House at the Rowley Mile (first run at 5f). Not so good back on a quicker surface when down the field at Chantilly/Royal Ascot but frame claims if the rain arrives.
Little Big Bear
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Ryan Moore Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 8
Produced outstanding juvenile performance when a devastating 7-length winner of Group 1 Phoenix at the Curragh. Missed rest of the season but confirmed sprinting is his game with a taking Group 2 victory at Haydock. Found Shaquille 1¼ lengths too strong in Commonwealth Cup since, however.
Shaquille
Trainer: Julie Camacho Jockey: Rossa Ryan Age: 3 Weight: 9st 2lbs Draw: 9
Very talented colt who has won his last 5 starts, notably when producing a remarkable performance in Commonwealth Cup at Ascot 3 weeks ago, overcoming a terrible start to beat Little Big Bear by 1¼ lengths. Obvious claims, though issues with the stall remains a slight concern.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Saturday’s Racing Tips
- Paddy’s epic Saturday ITV Racing cheat sheet
- Paddy trader Ryan McCue’s fine fancies for Saturday’s ITV Racing
- Matt Chapman’s super Saturday ITV Racing picks
- Rory Delargy’s 10 super Saturday flutters on ITV Racing
- Paul Jacobs’ 4 fab value plays for Saturday’s racing
Read These Next
- Gallop over to Paddy Power News for all the latest horse racing tips
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- Horse Racing Tips: Paul Jacobs’ Value Plays on Saturday at Ascot, York & Chester
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