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The European sprinting circuit is eager for a new star, and Commonwealth Cup champion Inisherin will set his sights on the Gr.1 July Cup at Newmarket this Saturday. Following a brilliant Royal Ascot victory for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum and trainer Kevin Ryan, the promising 3YO aims to become the fifth 3YO in the last eight years to win this illustrious sprint. Here’s a look at the other contenders on the field for the July Cup.
He has finished fourth in this event in 2023 and 2021, making the running until late in both races. With only one top-level victory, achieved on soft ground at Ascot, it is thought that the Curragh or Berkshire may be his favoured tracks.
He achieved consecutive Gr.1 victories on his favoured fast ground at Ascot in his last outing and has demonstrated commendable form in this event in years past.
He finished just a length behind the winner in last year’s race. An encouraging return at Newcastle positions him as a serious contender if he gets the opportunity.
Less exposed than the majority, he had a standout performance with a close third behind Khaadem at Royal Ascot.
He was five lengths behind Khaadem at Ascot over 6f, reportedly due to the ground being too firm for him.
He has become a consistently strong sprinter with an excellent record over five and six furlongs at the highest level. His performance at Ascot, finishing just a length behind Asfoora, may have been his career best.
A gifted sprinter who overcame all challengers except Khaadem at Royal Ascot while dealing with competition for the lead, proving she has what it takes at the elite level.
Five furlongs is Vadream’s ideal distance, emphasising her speed and suitability for sprint races.
He showed significant potential in the 2000 Guineas, and connections’ clever decision to shorten his distance led to victories in the Sandy Lane (Haydock) and the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.
He made a significant impact last year by winning the Gr.2 July Stakes over this distance and arguably delivered a career-best effort at Ascot, finishing 2½ lengths behind Inisherin.
Despite showing glimpses of ability over seven races, he has been kept to lower-level competitions this season with several headgear changes and struggled at Royal Ascot, finishing in the last place.
Returning to sprinting in the hopes of replicating past stable successes, he drops back to 1200m after a season of longer races. He struggled in the Jersey Stakes, where he faded late, but this distance change might be the answer.
A top 2YO sprinter who ended last season with a flashy win in the Gr.1 Middle Park at Newmarket. Though he needed his return in the Sandy Lane at Haydock, he has the potential to close the 4-length gap to Inisherin.