Muhaarar out to upset Beau
MUHAARAR ( Newmarket, 3.45) announced himself as a major player on the world sprinting stage at Ascot and looks the smart bet to topple Brazen Beau et al in today’s Darley July Cup.
Charlie Hills’ young pretender dismissed some talented speedsters from his own age group in the Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting and must reach the same heights again today with the added ingredient of a brigade of more mature sprinters also in opposition.
The likes of Muthmir, Tropics and G Force complement a strong trio of three-year-olds who bid to follow in the hoofprints of Dream Ahead and Starspangledbanner by claiming today’s prestigious Group One for the Classic generation.
Muhaarar’s feat at Ascot was achieved in a smart time and he will prove a formidable adversary if that level of performance can be replicated.
Not only did the son of Oasis Dream travel powerfully off a ferocious pace, but the change of gear he displayed at the two-furlong marker was exhilarating and there is every chance we have yet to see the best of him.
Brazen Beau performed admirably in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes a day later, especially given he was drawn away from the action towards the stands’ side.
The Antipodean challenger is a hard horse to knock, but there doesn’t appear much pace on his side of the track and Muhaarar’s figures have been exceptional this season.
FIRST FLIGHT (York, nb, 3.25) could prove the answer to the John Smith’s Cup as he ran a blinder over course and distance on his return and didn’t enjoy the best of passages at Ascot last time.