USA-based trainer Brendan Walsh insists it would be “quite something” if he could re-establish his links with Newmarket and saddle Extravagant Kid to glory in the Darley July Cup at next month’s Moet & Chandon July Festival.
Having spent time working in the town for Godolphin and former trainer Mark Wallace before heading to America, Walsh will now bid to capture the prestigious six furlong Group One on Saturday 10th July with the globetrotting eight year old, who is one of 29 remaining following the June 22nd scratchings deadline.
The Kiss The Kid gelding took his form to new heights earlier this year when capturing the Group One Al Quoz Sprint over six furlongs at Meydan in March ahead of finishing third back over the minimum trip in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on 15th June.
With a return to six furlongs not expected to pose any problems for Extravagant Kid, who is currently housed at Abingdon Place Stables in Newmarket, the Kentucky-based handler is confident he can make his presence felt.
“I spent a lot of time working in Newmarket back in the day as I worked three or four summers for Godolphin then four years for Mark Wallace before that so I know the place very well,” said Walsh.
“I always liked the July Meeting and it would be quite something if I could go back there and win the July Cup with this lad.
“I don’t think going back up to six furlongs will be a negative. Although it is a little stiffer than Dubai, you are going downhill a lot of the way. It is probably as far as he needs to go but I think he will be fine.
“We gave him plenty of time to get over his travelling turnaround but you would think he would be in a better position now having had that run at Ascot.”
After securing the services of Frankie Dettori at the Royal meeting, Walsh claims a decision on who will partner Extravagant Kid in the Darley July Cup is yet to be decided, however he admits it would be “fantastic” if Dettori, who is seeking a first win in the race, takes the ride again.
He added: “I’m not sure yet who will be riding him as we haven’t looked into it yet and I will know more next week.
“We only decided to leave him in the race at the start of the week. It would be fantastic if we could get Frankie as he is always good to have.”
Up until this year Extravagant Kid had been campaigned exclusively in North America, but Walsh believes his recent spell racing abroad has helped rejuvenate his career.
He added: “The first target this year was Dubai and that worked out well so we thought why not go to Ascot now and now here we are.
“He ran really well at Ascot and justified us taking him there. I think that was a tougher spot than Dubai. He showed he belonged there and I was happy with him.
“Travelling with him is a new dimension and he seems to like it. It has brought out the best in him. As an older horse travelling just adds something a bit different.
“He is eight now and is probably in his prime. He is not going to be up to this standard forever so we will just enjoy it.”
Lining up in opposition could be the Clive Cox trained pair of Supremacy and Diligent Harry, who were both late withdrawals on account of the soft ground in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot on 18th June.
Supremacy failed to beat a rival on his return in the Group Three Pavilion Stakes at Ascot having previously signed off his two year old campaign with victory in the Group One Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, but Cox reports the Mehmas colt to be in a good place at home.
He said: “I would hope Supremacy is an intended runner. With the ground being too soft at Ascot, moving forwards this was always going to be the plan. He did have a high white cell count when he returned home from the Pavilion which would suggest why he ran below expectations. At the same time the winner of the race (Rohaan) was underestimated as he clearly looks talented.
“We have been happy with Supremacy over the last few weeks and it was just unfortunate the ground went against him at Ascot.”
Stable mate Diligent Harry will bid to enhance his Darley July Cup claims by making his first start since running out an impressive winner on All-Weather Championships Finals Day at Lingfield Park on Good Friday in the Group Three William Hill Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle on Saturday (26th June).
He said: “The intention is to run in the Chipchase Stakes on Saturday and that was the Plan B alternative when the ground went against us at Ascot.
“He is proven on the all-weather and this gives us a stepping stone forwards and that is why we have kept an iron in the fire regarding his July Cup entry.
“I think it is doable to do both races but bearing in mind he has never run on turf in comparison to a lot of his competitors, he lacks the experience.
“He has had a healthy time between All-Weather Finals day and now. He is a horse we are very much looking forward to for the rest of the season.”
Defending champion Oxted, from the Roger Teak yard, will bid to defend his Darley July Cup crown on the back of tasting victory in the King’s Stand Stakes. If successful again in 2021, Oxted would become the first back to back since Right Boy in 1958/1959.
Other winners from the Royal meeting going forward are the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Diamond Jubilee Stakes hero Dream Of Dreams and Coronation Stakes winner Alcohol Free, who is one of two entries for Andrew Balding alongside Chil Chil.
Charlie Appleby is responsible for three entries of Glorious Journey, Royal Crusade and Jersey Stakes scorer Creative Force.
Ed Walker is represented by impressive Duke Of York Stakes scorer Starman and Came From The Dark, while fellow Lambourn handler Archie Watson is another double handed after leaving in both Glen Shiel and Dragon Symbol.
Lope Y Fernandez could bid to give Aidan O’Brien a record breaking sixth victory in the race, is one of four remaining Irish-trained entrants that remain alongside the Ken Condon-trained Miss Amulet, A Case Of You (Adrian McGuinness) and Thunder Moon (Joseph O’Brien), winner of the Group One Vincent O’Brien National Stakes last season.
THE DARLEY JULY CUP (Group 1) (British Champions Series)
Saturday 10th July
Art Power (IRE) 4 9 6 King Power Racing Co Ltd Tim Easterby
Brando (GB) 9 9 6 Mrs Angie Bailey Kevin Ryan
Came From The Dark (IRE) 5 9 6 Mr P. K. Siu Ed Walker
Dream of Dreams (IRE) 7 9 6 Mr Saeed Suhail Sir Michael Stoute
Emaraaty Ana (GB) 5 9 6 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Kevin Ryan
Extravagant Kid (USA) 8 9 6 DARRS Inc. Brendan Walsh USA
Garrus (IRE) 5 9 6 Mrs Susan Roy Charles Hills
Glen Shiel (GB) 7 9 6 Hambleton Racing XXXVI & Partner Archie Watson
Glorious Journey (GB) 6 9 6 HH Sheikha Al Jalila Racing Charlie Appleby
Good Effort (IRE) 6 9 6 Mr Abdulla Al Mansoori Ismail Mohammed
Lope Y Fernandez (IRE) 4 9 6 Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
Nahaarr (IRE) 5 9 6 Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum William Haggas
Oxted (GB) 5 9 6 S Piper,T.Hirschfeld,D.Fish & J.Collins Roger Teal
Royal Crusade (GB) 4 9 6 Godolphin Charlie Appleby
Starman (GB) 4 9 6 David Ward Ed Walker
Summerghand (IRE) 7 9 6 Mr Hamad Rashed Bin Ghedayer David O'Meara
Ventura Rebel (GB) 4 9 6 Mr Abdullah Menahi Richard Fahey
Chil Chil (GB) 5 9 3 King Power Racing Co Ltd Andrew Balding
Final Song (IRE) 4 9 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor
A Case of You (IRE) 3 9 0 Gary Devlin Adrian McGuinness IRE
Creative Force (IRE) 3 9 0 Godolphin Charlie Appleby
Diligent Harry (GB) 3 9 0 The Dilinquents Clive Cox
Dragon Symbol (GB) 3 9 0 Mr Yoshiro Kubota Archie Watson
Jumby (IRE) 3 9 0 Anthony Pye-Jeary and David Ian Eve Johnson Houghton
Method (IRE) 3 9 0 Manton Park Racing Martyn Meade
Supremacy (IRE) 3 9 0 Mr J Goddard Clive Cox
Thunder Moon (IRE) 3 9 0 Mrs C. C. Regalado-Gonzalez Joseph O'Brien IRE
Alcohol Free (IRE) 3 8 11 Mr J. C. Smith Andrew Balding
Miss Amulet (IRE) 3 8 11 Mrs Doreen Tabor Ken Condon IRE
29 entries remain following June 22nd scratchings deadline
4 Irish-trained
1 USA-trained
bet365 BUNBURY CUP (HERITAGE HANDICAP)
Saturday 10th July
Oh This Is Us (IRE) 8 9 12 Team Wallop Richard Hannon
Motakhayyel (GB) 5 9 9 Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Richard Hannon
Lord of The Lodge (IRE) 4 9 8 Mrs Elaine M. Burke K. R. Burke
Accidental Agent (GB) 7 9 6 Mrs R. F. Johnson Houghton Eve Johnson Houghton
Bedouin's Story (GB) 6 9 5 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor
Beat Le Bon (FR) 5 9 5 Sullivan B'stock/ Merriebelle Irish Farm Richard Hannon
Lampang (IRE) 4 9 3 King Power Racing Co Ltd Tim Easterby
Raising Sand (GB) 9 9 2 Nick Bradley Racing 22 & Partner Jamie Osborne
Symbolize (IRE) 4 9 2 Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum Andrew Balding
Kynren (IRE) 7 9 2 Elliott Brothers & Peacock & Partner David Barron
Azano (GB) 5 9 1 M.J & L.A Taylor & Partner David O'Meara
Grove Ferry (IRE) 4 9 1 Martin & Valerie Slade & Partner Andrew Balding
Shine So Bright (GB) 5 9 1 King Power Racing Co Ltd Andrew Balding
Greenside (GB) 10 9 0 Clayton, Frost, Kebell & Turner Henry Candy
Bielsa (IRE) 6 8 13 King Power Racing Co Ltd Kevin Ryan
Dubai Mirage (IRE) 4 8 13 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor
Ropey Guest (GB) 4 8 12 John Guest Racing George Margarson
Repartee (IRE) 4 8 12 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Kevin Ryan
Aldaary (GB) 3 8 11 Shadwell Estate Company Ltd William Haggas
Jack's Point (GB) 5 8 11 Ben Spiers and Adam Signy Tom Clover
Fleeting Prince (IRE) 4 8 11 Mrs Susan Roy Charles Hills
Cliffs of Capri (GB) 7 8 11 Melbourne 10 Racing Jamie Osborne
Boardman (GB) 5 8 10 Mr Ball, Mr Hodkinson, Mr Malley & Ptr Tim Easterby
Count Otto (IRE) 6 8 10 Count Otto Partnership Amanda Perrett
Persuasion (IRE) 4 8 10 Mrs Susan Roy Charles Hills
Ejtilaab (IRE) 5 8 10 Mr Paul Wildes Ian Williams
Hortzadar (GB) 6 8 10 Akela Construction Ltd David O'Meara
Stunning Beauty (IRE) 4 8 10 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor
Rhoscolyn (GB) 3 8 10 The Horse Watchers David O'Meara
Shelir (IRE) 5 8 10 Akela Construction Ltd David O'Meara
Dance Fever (IRE) 4 8 9 Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds VIII Clive Cox
Another Batt (IRE) 6 8 9 Mr Laurence O'Kane David Barron
Revich (IRE) 5 8 9 Middleham Park LXVII & Phil Cunningham Richard Spencer
Society Lion (GB) 4 8 9 Mr Paul Turner Ed Dunlop
Karibana (IRE) 4 8 9 M Clarke, P Munnelly & D Waters Richard Hughes
Corvair (IRE) 4 8 8 Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum Simon & Ed Crisford
Tinto (GB) 5 8 8 D M James & Steve Jenkins Amanda Perrett
Spycatcher (IRE) 3 8 7 Highclere T'BredRacing-Adriana Zaefferer K. R. Burke
Riot (IRE) 4 8 7 Qatar Racing Limited John & Thady Gosden
Lord Rapscallion (IRE) 5 8 7 Mr T. W. Morley Stuart Williams
Tadleel (GB) 6 8 6 Red Sky Partnership 3 & Partner Richard Fahey
On A Session (USA) 5 8 6 Penton Hill Racing Limited & Mr L O'Kane David Barron
Acquitted (IRE) 4 8 6 John Livock & Nat Lacy Hugo Palmer
Fundamental (GB) 3 8 6 Cheveley Park Stud John & Thady Gosden
Path of Thunder (IRE) 4 8 6 Godolphin Charlie Appleby
Baashir (IRE) 4 8 6 Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Charles Hills
National League (IRE) 4 8 5 Mr R. A. Fahey Richard Fahey
Kimifive (IRE) 6 8 5 Mr Richard J. Gurr Joseph Tuite
Gabrial The Wire (GB) 5 8 4 Dr Marwan Koukash Richard Fahey
Zip (GB) 5 8 4 The Knavesmire Partnership Richard Fahey
Ametist (GB) 4 8 4 Cheveley Park Stud William Haggas
Pistoletto (USA) 4 8 4 G McGladery, J A Thompson & S Russell John Ryan
Epic Endeavour (IRE) 4 8 4 Clarke, Edginton, Niven William Muir & Chris Grassick
Oo de Lally (IRE) 3 8 3 J Palmer-Brown & Partner 2 Andrew Balding
Keyser Soze (IRE) 7 8 3 Rebel Racing (2) Richard Spencer
Jumaira Bay (FR) 4 8 3 A & R Al Kamda Roger Varian
King's Knight (IRE) 4 8 3 Mr Ziad A. Galadari Charles Hills
Marshal Dan (IRE) 6 8 3 Coxwell Partnership Heather Main
Harrison Point (FR) 4 8 3 China Horse Club International Limited Archie Watson
Red Mirage (IRE) 3 8 3 Mr Saeed Suhail Mark Johnston
Just Frank (GB) 3 8 2 Billy Parker & Steven Parker Les Eyre
Ebury (GB) 5 8 2 Chappell & Dixon Scott Dixon
Queen's Sargent (FR) 6 8 1 Mr Dave Stone Kevin Ryan
Hong Kong Harry (IRE) 4 8 1 Mr R. A. Fahey Richard Fahey
Starshiba (GB) 4 8 1 Mr J. C. Smith David Elsworth
Perotto (GB) 3 8 1 Halcyon Thoroughbreds Marcus Tregoning
Cold Stare (IRE) 6 8 0 Middleham Park Racing XC David O'Meara
Stone Soldier (GB) 4 7 13 The Cool Silk Partnership Archie Watson
No Nonsense (GB) 5 7 13 Mr J. C. Smith David Elsworth
Dulas (IRE) 4 7 13 Julie Martin & David R. Martin & Partner Charles Hills
Arigato (GB) 6 7 13 Ms E. L. Banks William Jarvis
Internationaldream (IRE) 3 7 12 P. D. Smith Holdings Ltd Richard Fahey
Hundred Isles (IRE) 4 7 11 Jon and Julia Aisbitt Mick Channon
Cairn Island (IRE) 3 7 10 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Kevin Ryan
Coase (GB) 4 7 9 Blessingndisguise Partnership David O'Meara
Shouldering (IRE) 4 7 9 Clive Washbourn & Robert Wasey David Menuisier
Talbot (IRE) 3 7 5 Mr R Sinclair and Partners Brian Meehan
Abduction (FR) 3 7 4 Merchants and Missionaries Richard Fahey
Master Zoffany (IRE) 3 7 4 Let's Go Racing 2 Richard Fahey
79 entries remain following June 22nd scratchings deadline
For latest bet365 odds, please go to https://www.bet365.com/#/AC/B2/C172/D101/E61400246/F2/P10/
EACH WAY EXTRA AT bet365 HANDICAP STAKES
(HERITAGE HANDICAP)
Thursday 8th July
A Pint of Bear (IREB) 3 The Bear Partnership Scott Dixon
Abduction (FR) 3 Merchants and Missionaries Richard Fahey
Akkeringa (GB) 3 Mr G Johnson & Mr J W Parry Stuart Williams
Apollo One (GB) 3 pcracing.co.uk Peter Charalambous
Arousing (GB) 3 Lael Stable William Haggas
Ascot Adventure (GB) 3 Woodhurst Ltd & Withernsea Clive Cox
Baba Reza (GB) 3 M Sanaei Mohamed Moubarak
Blackrod (GB) 3 Mr David W. Armstrong Michael Dods
Blind Beggar (IRE) 3 Merchants and Missionaries Richard Fahey
Boomshalaa (GB) 3 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Roger Varian
Cairn Gorm (GB) 3 Hunscote Stud Limited and Partner Mick Channon
Dark Shift (GB) 3 Mr H. Frost Charles Hills
Diligent Harry (GB) 3 The Dilinquents Clive Cox
Dream Composer (FR) 3 Peter Clarke Racing Partners James Evans
Ehrmann (IRE) 3 Mr D. de Souza Amy Murphy
Equality (GB) 3 Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds II Charles Hills
Fighter Pilot (IRE) 3 Clipper Logistics Kevin Ryan
Great News (GB) 3 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor
Imperial Yellow (IRE) 3 Varian Racing III Roger Varian
Isabella Swan (GB) 3 Redgate Bloodstock Clive Cox
Jadwal (GB) 3 Shadwell Estate Company Ltd Charles Hills
Jumby (IRE) 3 Anthony Pye-Jeary and David Ian Eve Johnson Houghton
Just Frank (GB) 3 Billy Parker & Steven Parker Les Eyre
Letmelivemylife (GB) 3 QATAR RACING & MS L JUDAH Alan King
Lovely Breeze (IRE) 3 Dr Ali Ridha Hugo Palmer
Mitrosonfire (GB) 3 Mr John O'Mulloy William Muir & Chris Grassick
Mo Celita (IRE) 3 Mr David Howden & Mr David Redvers Adrian Nicholls
Nomadic Empire (IRE) 3 AlMohamediya Racing David O'Meara
Noorban (GB) 3 Mr Salem Rashid Bin Ghadayer David O'Meara
Operatic (IRE) 3 Highclere Tbred Racing-Fiddian-Green Simon & Ed Crisford
Peerless (IRE) 3 Ebury Racing 3 Ed Walker
Popmaster (IRE) 3 Laurence Bellman Ed Walker
Royal Scimitar (IRE) 3 AlMohamediya Racing Clive Cox
Seven Brothers (IRE) 3 Mr Steve Ryan Kevin Ryan
Shark Two One (GB) 3 Isa Salman Al Khalifa Richard Fahey
Sir Benedict (IRE) 3 Mr Paul Wildes Ian Williams
Skyrunner (IRE) 3 Mr G. Smith-Bernal William Haggas
Spycatcher (IRE) 3 Highclere T'BredRacing-Adriana Zaefferer K. R. Burke
Temple Bruer (GB) 3 Mrs Julia Scott & Partner Ed Walker
Uncle Jumbo (GB) 3 Mr T. A. Rahman Kevin Ryan
Walls of Kano (IRE) 3 MANTON THOROUGHBREDS V Brian Meehan
Whenthedealinsdone (GB) 3 Mr A. Whelan Roger Teal
42 entries
THE bet365 TROPHY (HERITAGE HANDICAP)
Friday 9th July
Mildenberger (GB) 6 Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Mark Johnston
Al Zaraqaan (GB) 4 Shadwell Estate Company Ltd William Haggas
Global Heat (IRE) 5 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor
Red Verdon (USA) 8 The Hon R J Arculli Ed Dunlop
Deja (FR) 6 Fairlawns Racing Ltd Peter Chapple-Hyam
Faylaq (GB) 5 Shadwell Estate Company Ltd William Haggas
Volcanic Sky (GB) 6 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor
Alounak (FR) 6 King Power Racing Co Ltd Andrew Balding
Themaxwecan (IRE) 5 Mr Douglas Livingston Mark Johnston
Global Storm (IRE) 4 Godolphin Charlie Appleby
Throne Hall (GB) 4 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Kevin Ryan
Amtiyaz (GB) 4 Mr Imad Alsagar John & Thady Gosden
Brilliant Light (GB) 4 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor
Favorite Moon (GER) 4 Mr Saeed Suhail William Haggas
Hochfeld (IRE) 7 Kingsley Park 23 - Ready To Run Mark Johnston
Lucky Deal (GB) 6 Mr Kai Fai Leung Mark Johnston
Battle of Toro (IRE) 5 Rabbah Racing Simon & Ed Crisford
Arthurian Fable (IRE) 4 Mrs Perle O'Rourke Brian Meehan
Trumpet Man (GB) 4 Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Mark Johnston
Gold Maze (GB) 4 Teme Valley Roger Varian
Lostwithiel (IRE) 4 Al Asayl Bloodstock Ltd George Boughey
Opera Gift (GB) 4 Mr J. C. Smith Andrew Balding
Hyanna (GB) 6 Mr G. C. Vibert Eve Johnson Houghton
Golden Rules (GB) 4 Mr A. E. Oppenheimer John & Thady Gosden
Dark Jedi (IRE) 5 Mr Evan M Sutherland & Partner Tim Easterby
Untold Story (GB) 4 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor
The Trader (IRE) 5 Mr Ali Saeed Mark Johnston
Postileo (IRE) 4 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Roger Varian
Future Investment (GB) 5 R.N.J. Partnership Ralph Beckett
Live Your Dream (IRE) 4 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor
Rajinsky (IRE) 5 Mr R. S. Matharu Tom Dascombe
Longsider (IRE) 4 Middleham Park Racing LXXVII Sir Mark Prescott Bt
Watersmeet (GB) 10 Mr J. Barson Mark Johnston
Boss Power (IRE) 4 King Power Racing Co Ltd Sir Michael Stoute
Nuits St Georges (IRE) 6 Boy George Partnership David Menuisier
A Star Above (GB) 4 Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum William Haggas
Brasca (GB) 5 Frank Brady & Brian Scanlon Ralph Beckett
Australis (IRE) 5 Biddestone Racing XX Roger Varian
Torcello (IRE) 7 Mr Dan Gilbert Shaun Lycett
Rodrigo Diaz (GB) 4 Quantum Leap Racing XI & Partner David Simcock
Prince Alex (GB) 4 Amo Racing Limited Ralph Beckett
Labeebb (IRE) 4 Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum Simon & Ed Crisford
Flyin' Solo (GB) 4 Mrs H. Ringrose & Mrs D. Thompson David Menuisier
Zeeband (IRE) 4 Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum Roger Varian
East Asia (IRE) 6 Mr Sayed Hashish Ian Williams
My Girl Maggie (GB) 4 Paul & Clare Rooney Mark Johnston
Ispahan (GB) 4 Al Asayl Bloodstock Ltd David Simcock
Furzig (GB) 6 Mr & Mrs P. Ashton Richard Fahey
Whitehaven (FR) 4 P. C. J. Dalby & R. D. Schuster Hughie Morrison
49 entries
