Oxted Seeking to Make History in Newmarket’s July Cup
The Darley July Cup’s roll-of-honor reads like a ‘who’s who’ of equine sprinters. Some of the sport’s greatest names are etched on its trophy. But the last horse to win the race twice was Right Boy, ridden by the legendary Lester Piggott, in 1958/1959. Can Oxted end that sequence on Saturday at Newmarket?
A driving finish at Newmarket’s July course. ©TheJockeyClub
This Weekend’s July Cup Could Be a History Maker
The Darley July Cup is a valuable six-furlong race staged on Newmarket’s July course. This year several horses will attempt create some form of history in the Group 1 contest. In addition to Oxted bidding to become the first repeat winner in decades, Extravagant Kid could give America their first-ever July Cup success.
Rohaan, unbeaten in his last three starts, is another who could achieve something unique. This three-year-old won the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot on his last outing. No horse has ever won both races.
Similarly, only one horse older than six – Shalfleet in 1938 – has ever won the July Cup. Extravagant Kid could therefore set two records as the mount of Frankie Dettori is an eight-year-old. Another veteran in the field is Glen Shiel. He is seven and set to be ridden by the popular Hollie Doyle.
Fillies are infrequent winners of the July Cup. Chil Chil, 16/1 with Unibet, will attempt to be just the third winning filly since 1975. Looking at Unibet’s prices it is also noticeable there is only one Irish-trained runner in the field. Aidan O’Brien has won this race five times for the country in the past. In 2021 Irish hopes lay with Martyn Meade’s Method who is a 25/1 shot.
Battle for Favorite
The 2021 July Cup looks a wide-open contest. At this point in time, it is difficult to say which horse will go off as post-time favorite at 4.25pm on Saturday. The Roger Teal trained Oxted won the Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on his last start. Also at the Royal meeting, Dragon Symbol was first across the line in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup.
But this is no two-runner race. Starman won the Duke of York Stakes at York in May where be beat Oxted. Another strong contender, and Royal Ascot winner, is Creative Force who is unbeaten in all four starts this season. Any one of these could start as favorite in the big race.
Glen Shiel and Supremacy Are Losers for Unibet
Brett Williams, UK spokesman for Unibet told Online-Casinos.com: “It is very tight at the top of the betting for the Group 1 July Cup. We have seen sustained interest in Oxted who is currently our 4/1 joint favorite with Starman. Nevertheless, we expect Oxted will go off as market leader on the day”.
Action at Newmarket’s July course in 2019. ©TheJockeyClub
“Glen Shiel and Supremacy are the biggest losers in our book along with Dragon Symbol who was extremely popular in our ante-post book. For me, Line Of Departure has some rock-solid form and goes on any ground”.
“I would like to see Oxted win though. He comes from a small stable and it would be nice to see him go back-to-back. His draw in stall 16 does not concern me, the best horse normally wins on the day”.
*The July Cup is due off at 4.25pm on Saturday. It is the showpiece of a seven-race card and is televised on ITV and Racing UK. All the action will also be streamed by many major online sportsbooks.
