'That promises to be a red-hot race this time' - July Cup runners analysed

Alcohol Free bounced back to form in spectacular style as she claimed a fourth Group 1 of her career in the July Cup on Saturday. Her performance, and the runs of those in behind, come under the microscope here . . .

Snap reaction: Those drawn high, racing towards the far side, dominated with the 1-2-3 from the Platinum Jubilee finishing 2-4-3 on this occasion, the winner reversing form with that trio having finished down the field at Royal Ascot.

1. Alcohol Free (14-1)

She found it all happening a bit too quickly on really fast ground in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, when having her first run over six furlongs since winning the Cheveley Park Stakes as a two-year-old, but perhaps that experience helped to inject a bit of pace back into her as she picked up smartly from midfield to win her fourth Group 1.

It'll be off to Goodwood next as she bids to go back-to-back in the Sussex Stakes, but that promises to be a red-hot race this time around.

2. Naval Crown (4-1)

A surprise winner of the Platinum Jubilee when landing a first Group 1, he showed that was no fluke, confirming Royal Ascot form with the third and fourth [Creative Force], but just was not able to handle the back-to-form filly. The Haydock Sprint Cup is reportedly his main target.

3. Artorius (8-1)

He finished well from off the pace for a share of third in the Platinum Jubilee and was again staying on late here but never looked like winning. He's been placed over a mile in Australia and is another Prix Maurice de Gheest possible if kept in Europe a little longer.

What about the favourite?

7. Perfect Power (9-2)

Was an impressive winner of the Commonwealth Cup but the Richard Fahey-trained three-year-old was never in this as he battled his elders for the first time. A disappointing effort, but he could bounce back at Haydock in the Sprint Cup.

2022 Darley July Cup: full result and expert analysis

Read more from Super Saturday:

July Cup: 'It won't be an alcohol-free weekend' - Rob Hornby revels in another Group 1

Artorius camp plot French raid as Soumillon blames ground for Perfect Power loss

Superlative Stakes: 'He's really special' - Isaac Shelby emerges as a Guineas hope after Group 2 win

York: 'I couldn't believe my eyes' - stunning Royal Aclaim the new Nunthorpe favourite

Ascot: 'We can't duck Baaeed' - Chindit camp up for rematch after Summer Mile victory

Newmarket: It's a Jamie Spencer special in the Bunbury Cup - but not as we know it

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