Golden shot

GOLDEN Horde is fancied to follow up his Commonwealth Cup triumph at Royal Ascot with victory in the July Cup this afternoon.

Clive Cox’s three-year-old was very impressive at Ascot and should take some stopping as he takes on older horses for the first time.

He seems to go on any ground according to his trainer, so the softer conditions at Newmarket today shouldn’t be a problem.

The softer going could be a problem for Sceptical, who has a lot more speed than stamina.

It would be an incredible story if Denis Hogan could land a Group 1 with him after he was picked up for just £2,800 last year.

He has since become the highest rated sprinter in Ireland and was third in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes behind Hello Youmzain at Royal Ascot three weeks ago.

If the ground is soft, he could struggle to reverse that form with the winner.

But if Golden Horde (below) runs to his best, the rest of them will be competing for the places.

landed the opening race of the week at Royal Ascot in the Buckingham Palace Handicap and should go close again in the Bunbury Cup this afternoon.

It looks a wide open contest, but this lad has won four of his six starts and is a good each-way bet with four pounds extra to carry after that Royal Ascot victory. Earlier on the card, the Group 2 Superlative Stakes looks another fiercely competitive contest, with five of the ten runners having won their only racecourse start to date.

scored over this 7f trip on the Rowley course last month and is the pick for local trainer Charlie Appleby, who has been among the winners this week.

It could be a very good day for Appleby and Godolphin as

and also have strong claims in the bet365 Mile Handicap and the British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Handicap.

is also fancied to carry the Godolphin colours to victory in the opening contest at Newmarket for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori.

He has two wins from his two runs to date and should run a big race in his first handicap for these powerful connections.

Meanwhile at Leopardstown (5.15), Bet of the Weekend

is a fascinating English raider in the Green Room Meld Stakes.

His last four runs have come at Group 1 level, including when winning the Prix d’ispahan at Longchamp, and he goes well fresh.

He is the nap of the weekend, with Colin Keane booked to

ride.