Fantastic five: the big names set to star in July Cup showdown

Fifteen horses have been confirmed for Saturday's Group 1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket, including some of the most exciting sprinters around.

Interest is headed by the inclusion of the first three in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and the first two in the Commonwealth Cup. Here we look at the big five contenders for Newmarket glory . . .

Caravaggio
Best price: Evens

Reputation grows with every run, and easy to understand why as he is unbeaten in six career starts.

Most recently he produced a stunning turn of foot to run down Harry Angel and Blue Point in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. He will be a formidable rival.

Key quote:"He's a brilliant horse. His change of pace is unreal. He's just an unbelievably quick horse” – Aidan O’Brien, trainer

Anil Chavan leads in Limato after Harry Bentley after last year's July CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

Limato
Best price: 5-1

Winner of this race last year, showing his trademark change of gear to win by two lengths.

Ran no sort of race in Dubai at the start of the year but was back to form when a close third in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot when arguably unlucky due to interference.

Harry Bentley, who rode Limato in all his races last year, is back on having been replaced by Ryan Moore, who rides Caravaggio, at Royal Ascot.

Key quote:“Limato's performance in the Diamond Jubilee and the way he is at home says he is over his Dubai blues. The horse has regained his mojo” – Paul Jacobs, owner.

The Tin Man: Haydock's Sprint Cup is next targetCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Tin Man
Best price: 6-1

Defeated Tasleet and Limato when capturing the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, his second win at the highest level.

The five-year-old has never run at Newmarket but is clearly improving with age, in much the same manner as his sire Equiano.

Key quote:"I was very taken with Caravaggio and he had this relentless run to the line, but my fella quickened as good as he's ever quickened today – he's the best sprinter I've ridden” – Tom Queally, rider.

Harry Angel and Kevin Harris go through their pacesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Harry Angel
Best price: 7-1

Talented and headstrong, Harry Angel was worn down only in the closing stages of the Commonwealth Cup by Caravaggio having led from the stalls.

Growing up with every run and undoubtedly has the talent to give trainer Clive Cox a second success in this race. His attitude may be the key to it all.

Key quote: "We need to reverse the form but in my own heart it's not impossible on a different track on a different day” – Clive Cox, trainer.

Tasleet: son of Showcasing runs out an impressive winner of the Group 2 Duke of York StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Tasleet
Best price: 9-1

Tasleet showed there was no fluke about his soft-ground victory in the Duke of York Stakes when just missing out on glory in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot.

However, concern would centre around his ability to be at his best on Newmarket’s undulations, and he may just struggle to match the class of the other big names.

Key quote:"I've never thought Newmarket's his place – certainly [not] the Rowley Mile. [But] he needs to run in a Group 1 and that's the obvious one” – William Haggas, trainer.