July Cup Day: Big race preview, three outsiders to follow and horses for courses

US Navy Flag wins the July Cup at Newmarket

Newmarket‘s July festival concludes on Saturday and the biggest race of the meeting, the July Cup, takes centre stage. We’ve previewed the big race and assessed the chances of the leading candidates and selected some outsiders to note from across the day’s ITV races. Previous course form can be a big advantage, so with that in mind, we’ve selected some Saturday runners with proven track records. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

CLAIM

July Cup – Three Royal Ascot winners lock horns

We’re being treated to an excellent renewal of the July Cup this year, with five Group or Grade 1 winners amongst the field. The winners of the King Charles III Stakes, Commonwealth Cup and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes are set to clash and Japanese raider Satono Reve is also in the line up.

There isn’t a lot between Almeraq and Satono Reve on the evidence of their run at Royal Ascot. A nose separated them and there’s no way of knowing who will come out on top between them this time around. Venetian Sun landed the Commonwealth Cup and there should be more to come from her.

Aidan O’Brien’s Mission Central earned him a first career success in the King Charles III Stakes and he looks set to improve for the return to 6f, as he only just about got up in the dying strides over the minimum trip. Big Mojo is also a Group 1 winner and it would be unwise to rule him out.

Mission Central

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ITV Outsiders

Physique (28/1, bet365) returned to winning ways with an impressive performance over course and distance last month. He’s still well treated on his old form and can outrun his odds.

Physique

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Pearl River (33/1, bet365) is the only three-year-old in the field and the 10lb allowance will certainly come in hand. He’s a course and distance winner and there could be more to come.

Pearl River

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Coppull (33/1, bet365) failed to fire in the Commonwealth Cup but he was a Group 3 winner at Ascot before that and produced some smart form as a two-year-old. Don’t be surprised if he runs well.

Coppull

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Horses for courses

Royal Zabeel is unbeaten in two starts on the July Course and was a comfortable winner over course and distance last week. He’s up in the weights now but Connor Whiteley takes 5lb off.

Royal Zabeel

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Dain Ma Nut In has won both of her previous starts here at York, both over this very trip, and she landed a valuable race at the Ebor festival. Her price looks huge on that evidence.

Dain Ma Nut In

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Quinalt probably has his work cut out for him in this very competitive Group 1 but his course record definitely bodes well for his chances. The six-year-old has won a handicap and a Listed contest here.