SPROUT WINGS, ANGEL!

ALBERT EINSTEIN once mused that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.

Trying to disprove the great man’s theory is probably insane in itself, but there are sound reasons for believing

HARRY ANGEL (Newmarket, 4.35) can beat the mighty Caravaggio in today’s fine renewal of the Darley July Cup.

Regular readers will recall I was sweet on Clive Cox’s sprinter in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, and a furlong from home all appeared to be proceeding swimmingly, even if the foreboding presence of Caravaggio was looming large in the wing mirrors of the selection.

Harry Angel did not have enough in the tank to withstand the late thrust of his Ballydoyle nemesis that day and I wonder, in hindsight, if rider Adam Kirby regrets becoming embroiled in a speed war at the head of affairs with Intelligence Cross, who was surely only there to act as a spoiler.

Given the furious gallop Harry Angel went early on, it was creditable that the son of Dark Angel managed to maintain his speed to the line.

Kirby may play his cards differently today, given Ballydoyle have again sought assistance from Intelligence Cross.

From stall three, it will be interesting to see which path jockey Padraig Beggy takes on Intelligence Cross. If he heads straight to the stands rail, that may compromise the chances of Caravaggio and Limato, drawn one and two respectively, allowing Harry Angel a free run from stall six.

However it plays out, Harry Angel is a very fair price this morning for a horse which set a course record at Haydock and was only narrowly beaten at Ascot. This could be his day.

A frenetic afternoon also features Classic action at the Curragh, where English Oaks heroine ENABLE (Curragh, 5.55) will be extremely difficult to beat in the Irish version.