Royal Ascot’s Diamond Jubilee Stakes winner faces the three-year-old generation headed by Aidan O’Brien’s all-conquering Caravaggio in The Darley July Cup Stakes, which is one of the most prestigious 6 furlong races in the world. The 15 declared runners also include rising stars Harry Angel & Tasleet and last year's winner Limato, who chased home The Tin Man in the Diamond Jubilee.
The contenders list for The Darley July Cup Stakes 2017:
Age: 5; Sex: Chestnut Gelding; Breeding: Pivotal - Argent du Bois (USA) (Silver Hawk (USA)); Trainer: K A Ryan; Owner: Mrs Angie Bailey
Broke a blood vessel when last of 12 in a Gr.2 at York on last start in May. This could be his career best, if he wins. He comes in this race with third, first & twelfth positions in the last three outings respectively.
Age: 5; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Oasis Dream - Desert Tigress (USA) (Storm Cat (USA)); Trainer: R A Fahey; Owner: Dr Marwan Koukash
A listed win at Doncaster last November is Growl's only success in his last 10 races. He's not expected to be found in the top five. He comes in this race with seventh & seventh positions in the last two outings respectively.
Age: 6; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Elnadim (USA) - Katoom (IRE) (Soviet Star (USA)); Trainer: D O'Meara; Owner: Mr Stuart Graham
Looks very ambitious to now attempt an ultra-competitive Group One with only a 10-day break. Intisaab comes in this race with second, twenty third & fifth positions in the last three outings respectively.
Age: 5; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Tagula (IRE) - Come April (Singspiel (IRE)); Trainer: H Candy; Owner: Mr Paul G Jacobs
Harry Bentley returns to the saddle but last year's winner is beginning to look too vulnerable to be a strong fancy. Limato comes in this race with third, tenth & sixth positions in the last three outings respectively.
Age: 4; Sex: Chestnut Gelding; Breeding: Elnadim (USA) - Chiloe Wigeon (IRE) (Docksider (USA)); Trainer: R A Fahey; Owner: Mr N D Kershaw & Partner
Doesn't have the form for this exalted group of horses and jockeys. Mr Lupton comes in this race with eighth, third & first positions in the last three outings respectively.
Age: 4; Sex: Bay Colt; Breeding: Showcasing - Bird Key (Cadeaux Genereux); Trainer: W J Haggas; Owner: Mr Hamdan Al Maktoum
Produced the most eye-catching run in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, having been sixth inside the final furlong to show the fastest late pace of all and closed to within a neck of The Tin Man. Had earlier shown benefit of first-time cheekpieces in his Group Two win at York. Expected to place in top 3 and perhaps even come into his own to win. Tasleet comes in this race with second, first & second positions in the last three outings respectively.
Age: 5; Sex: Bay Gelding; Breeding: Equiano (FR) - Persario (Bishop of Cashel); Trainer: J R Fanshawe; Owner: Fred Archer Racing - Ormonde
Has an interesting profile in that since July 2015 he has won and lost alternating races 11 times straight, suggesting he may suffer from bounce factor issues. This bay Equiano colt is showing tremendous form and most likely to give Caravaggio a run for his money.The Tin Man comes in this race with first, fifth & first positions in the last three outings respectively.
Age: 3; Sex: Grey Colt; Breeding: Scat Daddy (USA) - Mekko Hokte (USA) (Holy Bull (USA)); Trainer: A P O'Brien; Owner: Mrs John Magnier,Mr M Tabor & Mr D Smith
Unbeaten in 6 runs, he beat early leader Harry Angel by nearly a length in the Commonwealth Cup last month. The likely winner. Caravaggio comes in this race with first, first & first positions in the last three outings respectively.
Age: 3; Sex: Bay Colt; Breeding: Dark Angel (IRE) - Beatrix Potter (IRE); Trainer: C G Cox; Owner: Godolphin
Jockey Clive Cox is likely to coax him into the first 5 places. Harry Angel is capable of outstanding results from his classiest horses, particularly sprinters. Harry Angel is in too great a form for the older horses but he was beaten easily by Caravaggio that last time at Royal Ascot. Harry Angel comes in this race with second, first & second positions in the last three outings respectively.
Age: 3; Sex: Bay Colt; Breeding: War Front (USA) - Good Vibes (USA) (Unbridled's Song (USA)); Trainer: A P O'Brien; Owner: Mrs John Magnier,Mr M Tabor & Mr D Smith
With first-time blinkers at Royal Ascot his form is bound to improve but unlikely to beat the likes of Caravaggio or Tin Man. Intelligence Cross comes in this race with ninth, third & fourth positions in the last three outings respectively.
1) Tin Man 2) Caravaggio 3) Tasleet