Recommended bets:
2pts win Limato in 4.35 Newmarket at best morning price
1pt win Mutawathea in 3.25 Newmarket at best morning price
1pt win Sixties Groove in 3.05 York at best morning price
Saturday's Group One Darley July Cup at Newmarket provides an intriguing clash of the generations and, in a very difficult race to assess, it may prove best to rely on LIMATO's proven ability on the course.
Henry Candy's smart performer, who seems equally effective at six or seven furlongs, was a highly impressive winner of this race 12 months ago under Harry Bentley, despite veering right in the final furlong, proving that he is just about the best around when on top form.
After a couple of disappointments overseas, Limato reappeared in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last month and, after moving up threateningly, was just outpointed by The Tin Man and Tasleet.
Whereas the winner loves Ascot, this course seems a better fit for the selection and it's possible he will provide a much greater threat back at Newmarket. At his best, he is a horse blessed with a touch of brilliance and, reunited with Bentley, connections are expecting a big show.
In truth, there is little between the trio and, should there be any heavy showers, then Tasleet could be the one as he had previously won at York with plenty of give in the ground. A faster surface probably gives him less of an edge.
Of course, the fascinating ingredient here are the smart three-year-olds Caravaggio and Harry Angel, first and second in the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot.
Caravaggio, spoken of in extremely flattering terms by his trainer Aidan O'Brien, picked up impressively to win there after Harry Angel had perhaps run a shade too freely on the pace. If the latter can be restrained early on, then he could be value to turn the tables given that his conqueror looks set to start at cramped odds.
It could well be that Caravaggio is an exceptional sprinter, but this is by far his stiffest test so far.
On the busiest Saturday of the Flat season, there are numerous betting opportunities and it is impossible to resist having a crack at the two big handicaps - the bet365 Bunbury Cup at Newmarket and the John Smith's Cup at York.
At Newmarket, MUTAWATHEA appeals as likely to go very well having finished a close third last year, beaten just a length off a 1lb higher mark, and now returning to form.
After a fruitless trip to Dubai during the winter, Simon Crisford's charge ran a much better race to split Viscount Barfield and Salateen at York last month when ridden by 5lb claimer Lewis Edmunds who is back aboard again.
Meanwhile, at York, SIXTIES GROOVE is the one that catches the eye in the 58th running of the John Smith's.
Gerald Mosse's mount failed to handle the downhill run to Swinley Bottom before staying on from way off the pace to finish fifth in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot last month, and he could well be suited by this flatter course despite a previous career victory at Epsom.
Sixties Groove remains potentially a very well handicapped horse based on last season's consistent form and some of the horses he raced against, and, in what is always a strongly-run race, he will be reeling them back in the closing stages.
The question is: will he get there in time? I'm betting he will.
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Posted 1325 on 14/07/2017
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