RONDERFUL!

Cape Byron set to continue golden summer with a win in July Cup

CAPE BYRON can prove poetry in motion as he steps up to the top level for the Darley July Cup (4.40, ITV) at Newmarket today.

The Roger Varian (right) five-year-old has left his previous form way behind in two starts as a five-year-old in 2019.

On his return to the fray, the gelded son of Sharmardal beat the ultra-consistent Kynren by a neck in the Victoria Cup over seven furlongs at Ascot in May.

Then, stepping back to six, Andrea Atzeni’s mount then landed the mother of all gambles in the Wokingham at the Royal meeting three weeks ago.

Backed from 12-1 to 7-2 favourite, Cape Byron (left) travelled well before putting Tis Marvellous to the sword by a length and a half.

On official ratings, my selection still has 6lb to find with Commonwealth Cup hero Advertise and Diamond Jubilee Stakes runner-up Dream Of Dreams, who got within a head of the now-retired Ascot double hero Blue Point.

But Cape Byron is on a steep upward curve, and is fancied to justify his place in the Group 1 line-up with another victory.

TODAY’S York’s John Smith’s Diamond Jubilee Handicap (3.50) is Britain’s oldest surviving Flat race sponsorship.

As the name suggests, this is the 60th running of this one mile two-and-ahalf-furlong contest and it is full of trends.

The most important stats are:

■ Aged five or younger. ■ Drawn nine or higher. ■ Between three or five runs this season.

Added to those, York usually favours prominent runners, so that leaves us with a shortlist of five.

Big Kitten looks exposed at class 2 level, while Mordin didn’t get the trip when tried over it in this last year. Original Choice is another doubtful stayer so back the Charlie Appleby’s (above) SETTING SAIL (2pts win at 9-1 generally) and HORTZADER (2pts ew at 33-1 generally).