Saturday sees the running of arguably Britain’s premier sprint race, the Gr1 Darley July Cup.

First run in 1876, the July Cup (which forms part of the British Champions Series & Global Sprint Challenge) has been won by some of the legends of the turf, including Abernant, Thatch, Moorestyle, Habibti, Green Desert, Royal Academy, Oasis Dream, and Sharpo.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien, who has won the July Cup three times so far, will saddle the unbeaten favourite Caravaggio (Scat Daddy). The latter is a perfect six for six and was most impressive when defeating Harry Angel (Dark Angel) by three parts of a length in the Gr1 Commonwealth Cup last time out.

He is again re-opposed by Harry Angel and could well have the latter’s measure again here.

Last year’s July Cup winner Limato (Tagula) was a close up third in the Gr1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and looks a big runner in the 1207 contest, while  The Tin Man (Equiano) and Tasleet (Showcasing),  first and second respectively in the Diamond Jubilee, should also be respected here.

Brando (Pivotal) won last year’s Ayr Gold Cup and impressed when victorious in the Gr3 Abernant Stakes but was last on his only subsequent outing, when 12^th of twelve (behind Tasleet) in the Gr2 Duke Of York Stakes. He would be a factor if repeating his close third, to The Tin Man, in last year’s Gr1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.

Richard Fahey trained Mr Lupton (a son of former July Cup winner Elnadim) takes a big step up in class after having been well held in two Listed races at his most recent two racecourse appearances. His stable mate Growl (Oasis Dream) was second in the Gr1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes last year but has been disappointing since and unseated his rider last time out.
Intisaab (another by Elnadim) was beaten in a Gr3 contest last time out and looks up against it here, while Intelligence Cross (War Front) looks to be the pacemaker for stable mate Caravaggio.

Caravaggio does look hard to oppose, but he is likely to have a fight on his hands with Limato, The Tin Man and Harry Angel appearing his biggest threats.