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On a super Saturday with plenty of Listed and Group action across the country, Newmarket's July Course host an exciting under-card to the Group 1 July Cup, including the Superlative Stakes.
Charlie Appleby has an excellent recent record in the 7f Group 2 Superlative Stakes (3:25) with three victories from the last five renewals and the yard is represented by Great Truth. The Dubawi colt was an easy five-and-a-half length victor on debut at Leicester despite showing signs of inexperience in the closing stages. He appears ready for a step up in class although may be susceptible to a more experienced rival.
The beautifully bred City Of Troy shaped like a Group winner in the making when taking a Curragh maiden by two-and-a-half lengths. Ryan Moore rode the son of Group 1 winner Together Forever with plenty of confidence sitting prominently before making a move with a furlong to go. He's proven over seven furlongs and should play a major role. The form of the Aidan O'Brien yard is probably insignificant but is worth noting – they are operating at a relatively low 18% from the last fourteen days with only eight winners.
Of the longer-priced runners, Richard Hannon's Son is by first-season sire Too Dawn Hot and made a significant step forward for a debut third at Ascot to score by two-and-a-quarter lengths at Newbury. The dam has produced two Black Type performers over seven furlongs and the step up in trip could be a positive.
WIN: SON
In the 7f Bunbury Cup Handicap (4:00) course and distance winner Star Of Orion appeals. Although he hasn't registered a win since that track and trip success in July 2021, he has been second on both starts since the winter break on the Rowley Mile. The Ralph Beckett-trained five-year-old was a victim of the draw when down the field in this race twelve months ago and is in far better form coming into the race off a 6lb lower mark.
WIN: STAR OF ORION
Aidan O'Brien's Content will be looking for redemption in the Class 3 7f Rossdales British EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes (1:40) after a thirteenth-place in the Listed Chesham Stakes when well-supported. She showed promise when third in a Leopardstown maiden over seven furlongs on debut finishing a close third behind stable-mate Buttons. It is difficult to assess the form with the first two fillies home unraced since, but Content looks like a likely Group filly for the future despite her Chesham defeat.
Roger Varian's Zenjabeela is an interesting prospect on debut. Out of a half-sister to Group 1 winners Alpha Centauri and Alpine Star, the filly Is expected to be precocious enough to make an impact during her juvenile campaign. She's by first-season sire Too Darn Hot, who was an impressive two-year-old and she could be one to watch despite her obvious lack of experience.
WIN: ZENJABEELA
RACING & SPORT SELECTIONS
RACE 1 – ZENJABEELA
RAEC 2 – DESERT VOICE
RACE 3 – TAFREEJ
RACE 4 – SON
RACE 5 – STAR OF ORION
RACE 6 – SHAQUILLE
RACE 7 – FLYING FRONTIER