Darley July Cup |
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| Group 1, Newmarket 16:35 £500,000 added, 3yo plus, 6f, Class 1  |
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| Saturday 15th July 2017 | |
1 Harry Angel 9/2
2 Limato 4/1
3 Brando 28/1
10 ran Distances: 1¼l, ½l, shd
Time: 1m 11.25s (slow by 0.85s)
Clive Cox-trained Harry Angel wins under Adam Kirby
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Harry Angel lived up to the expectations of trainer Clive Cox as he ran out a brilliant winner of the July Cup at Newmarket.
The Godolphin-owned colt reversed the form with his Commonwealth Cup conqueror Caravaggio in fourth, smashing the unbeaten record of Aidan O'Brien's charge as he did, and held off last year's winner Limato in the runner-up spot after a masterful ride by Adam Kirby.
Harry Angel had proved a bit keen early on at Royal Ascot last month and paid the price as Caravaggio picked him off in the closing stages.
This time, Kirby allowed Intelligence Cross to make the running and when Harry Angel kicked for home at the furlong pole, the others simply couldn't get to him.
Caravaggio finished fast but had too much to do. Cox had vowed after the Commonwealth Cup that there was more to come from his son of Dark Angel, and he was fully vindicated at Newmarket.
"We were pleased going into the race at Ascot, but he is growing up. I think he has become a man and he has certainly proved that today. It was an achievement to be beaten three-quarters of a length by Caravaggio and I am pleased we have taken his scalp," Cox said.
"He is pretty special. They are all unique. Lethal Force was exceptional breaking the track record when think how many wonderful horses have been down this track. To have one this good is very special again. I am proud of him."
Cox may look towards Haydock next, but he feels versatility means there will be no shortage of options for Harry Angel in the months ahead.
"I guess Haydock (Sprint Cup) would be very much on the cards and he is very easy and is not ground dependent. He is very versatile and we are lucky in that respect," he added.
Caravaggio is now trading at 9/2 with bet365 to drop back to five-furlongs and win the Nunthorpe at York next month.
Brilliant King's Stand Stakes winner Lady Aurelia meanwhile is 4/5 for that race on the Knavesmire.
Darley July Cup
(British Champions Series and Global Sprint Challenge) (Group 1)
£500,000 added, 3yo plus, 6f, Class 1
10 ran
Going: Good to Firm
| Pos | Dr | D | Horse SP | Jockey Weight | Trainer | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | (6) | Harry Angel (IRE) 9/2 | A Kirby 9-0 |
C G Cox | 3 | |
| 2nd | (1) | 1¼ | Limato (IRE) 4/1 | Harry Bentley 9-6 |
H Candy | 5 |
| 3rd | (4) | ½ | Brando 28/1 | T Eaves 9-6 |
K A Ryan | 5 |
| 4th | (2) | s.h | Caravaggio (USA) 10/11f | R L Moore 9-0 |
A P O'Brien | 3 |
| 5th | (3) | nk | Intelligence Cross (USA) 100/1 | P B Beggy 9-0 |
A P O'Brien | 3 |
| 6th | (9) | ½ | Growl 50/1 | P Hanagan 9-6 |
R A Fahey | 5 |
| 7th | (7) | 1¼ | Intisaab 66/1 | W Buick 9-6 |
D O'Meara | 6 |
| 8th | (10) | 1 | The Tin Man 7/1 | T P Queally 9-6 |
J R Fanshawe | 5 |
| 9th | (8) | ½ | Mr Lupton (IRE) 66/1 | J P Spencer 9-6 |
R A Fahey | 4 |
| 10th | (5) | nk | Tasleet 9/1 | Jim Crowley 9-6 |
W J Haggas | 4 |
