July Cup tips: In-depth guide and Value Bet shortlist for Newmarket feature

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Horse-by-horse guide

ART POWER

I'd never go as far as to say that I've given up on any horse as they'll always be worth a bet at the right odds, but can Art Power really get a Group 1 over the line? His last three efforts at the top table have all come to precious little and while he was a very creditable fourth to Starman from a tricky draw in this race a couple of years ago, there's still not enough juice in the price (20/1 generally) to get me interested.

EMARAATY ANA

Quality performer who was half a length second in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint just three starts ago. Underwent wind surgery after a complete no-show in the Duke of York in mid-May and subsequently showed a touch more of the old sparkle at Ascot last month (albeit beaten over six lengths by Khaadem). Yard hit the frame a few times in this race with an ageing Brando and it wouldn't be a shock to see him outperform his place in the market. Definitely shortlisted.

KHAADEM

Stable clearly has its sprinters in great shape as he defied his advancing years to win the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot (replay below) last month, despite unshipping Jamie Spencer before the start. Has had issues in the stalls before too so that would be on your mind if backing him to follow up at a quarter of the price, but evidently in good heart and an obvious player if the ground remains on top.

KINROSS

On the subject of ground, Kinross is far more effective with some cut underfoot and the changeable forecast offers a bit of hope in that regard. Undoubtedly top class on his day and, while his sole Newmarket appearance came back in October 2019 when making a winning debut on the Rowley Mile (7f), he promises to be extremely well suited to the demands of this track. Got to be in the calculations if the weather plays ball.

RUN TO FREEDOM

Perhaps hasn't delivered on his initial promise quite to the extent as one would have hoped, but no doubting he's very useful on his day. Building an in-and-out sort of campaign this term as he won a Listed race at Salisbury - with Khaadem back in third - after a quiet comeback run and then could manage only ninth at Ascot behind Khaadem last time. Spot of rain wouldn't do his claims any harm and around the 25/1 mark he could come into the each-way thinking.

AZURE BLUE

Was 5/1 in places prior to the confirmation stage on Monday and that price has crept in appreciably on the back of doubts surrounding Little Big Bear's participation which makes a lot of sense as she missed Ascot and comes here a fresh filly after wins at Newmarket and York. The Duke of York defeat of Highfield Princess has been reasonably well advertised since and she just looks to be reaching her peak which spells danger for the others.

VADREAM

Kept busy this year and running over distances from five furlongs to seven. Needs a good bit of juice in the ground and duly landed the Group 3 Palace House on soft ground in early-May, since when she's failed to threaten in a couple of starts at G2 and G1 level. Also entered at York on Friday and that looks a slightly more suitable target.

LITTLE BIG BEAR

Reported to be a doubt for this weekend's race as he missed a few days' work with a bruised foot but still not 100% to line up by all accounts. His rematch with Commonwealth Cup winner Shaquille is very much anticipated so hopefully he's declared fit, in which case he's obviously a massive player, with this stiff track expected to play to his strengths.

SHAQUILLE

Six wins from seven starts and graduated to the top level with remarkable Commonwealth Cup victory over Little Big Bear at Ascot. The extremely sluggish start at the Royal meeting wasn't a new thing and he clearly has his quirks but the best often do and he's the horse they all have to beat with the promise of even more improvement still to come.

Value Bet shortlist

• Emaraaty Ana
• Kinross

Duke of York heroine Azure Blue could well be the one to bring Shaquille's winning run to an end but neither is going to be missed in the market. Nor do they set a ridiculously high standard, while Little Big Bear's participation is still seemingly in the balance despite being declared.

Kinross has won plenty of times when fresh in the past but his Ascot effort smacked of one he'll now build on and more rain through the week would aid his cause.

We know Kevin Ryan's Emaraaty Ana is capable of high-class form, he just hasn't shown it yet in two starts this season.

It was his fifth, sixth and seventh run of last year when he really started to find his feet so maybe he's one for the autumn, but I might not be able to resist getting him on side in some capacity at huge odds come the weekend as he wasn't disgraced when sixth in this at 66/1 last summer.

Updated at 1040 BST on 13/07/23

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