Shaquille to hit the Cup target
SHAQUILLE (4.35) can deliver the slam dunk that can anoint him Europe’s champion sprinter elect in the Pertemps Network July Cup at Newmarket.
The emerging three-year-old, who confirmed his star quality by defeating Little Big Bear in the Commonwealth Cup, meets older horses for the first time.
But having triumphed at Royal Ascot despite ceding ground at the start when he reared up, Julie Camacho’s stable star is the one to beat in the £628,500 Group One showpiece, especially if he gets away from the stalls on terms.
One of the busiest Saturdays in the calendar, ‘Super Saturday’ is packed with top quality racing, ten of them on ITV.
The bet365 Bunbury Cup is one of the toughest to call but
MONTASSIB (4.00) could be the answer if forgiven his Royal Ascot performance behind Witch Hunter, a horse he had beaten previously on the Rowley Mile.
HAATEM (3.25) can put his superior experience to good use in the bet365 Superlative Stakes and his appreciation for an extra furlong after running on into fifth in the Coventry Stakes.
TAFREEJ (2.50) can ensure the day gets off to a positive start for the William Haggas stable in the 1m handicap.
At York the Haggas team should win the John Smith’s Silver Cup with Tom Marquand, below, heading north to stick with HAMISH (3.45)
Millebosc is their representative in the feature John Smith’s Cup but SEA THE CASPER (3.10) is the stand out.
He bolted up in a Class Three handicap at Lingfield off 10st 4lb, for which he has been raised 9lb by the handicapper, but runs here with a 5lb penalty which puts him ‘4lb well in’.
SILKY WILKIE
(2.35), who but for interference would have won the Dash at Epsom, can gain consolation in the Listed sprint while WHAT’S THE STORY (2.00) can make a winning debut for Richard Fahey.
JIMI HENDRIX
(2.20) has a chance to show his winning display in the Royal Hunt Cup was no one-off as he steps into Group company for the Summer Mile.
He has been in the form of his life this season and will be one of those to benefit from any rain that falls.
Dougie Costello, who rides Jimi Hendrix, can start the day on a winner as DREAM COMPOSER (1.45) aims to follow up last week’s Sandown success.