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Commonwealth Cup winner Eqtidaar confirmed for July Cup challenge

Eqtidaar - Jim Crowley winners ofThe Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) Royal Ascot 22/6/2018©cranhamphoto.com
Eqtidaar and Jim Crowley return triumphant after winning the Commonwealth CupCredit: Mark Cranham

The Darley July Cup, potentially one of the most competitive in years, gained another high-profile confirmation on Wednesday as it was revealed that Commonwealth Cup winner Eqtidaar is intended to take his chance at Newmarket on July 14.

Eqtidaar, previously the winner of nothing other than a maiden on debut, caused a small surprise in the Commonwealth Cup when beating Sands Of Mali, who is just one of his likely rivals in the July Cup.

Also likely to line up are Blue Point, Harry Angel, Redkirk Warrior and old favourites Limato and Brando.

Blue Point: likely to tackle the Commonwealth Cup
Blue Point: likely to tackle the Commonwealth CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, said: "I spoke to [trainer] Sir Michael Stoute on Monday and he says Eqtidaar has come out of the Commonwealth Cup in good shape and he'd be keen to run him in the Darley July Cup.

"I can't say how he'll handle the July Course, though I don't foresee that he'd be particularly hindered by the contours."

Commenting on the hot weather likely to prevail into the July meeting, he said: "Fast ground is an interesting question – obviously we're still learning about this horse and he did handle soft ground well at Ascot earlier in the summer, but equally he won on faster ground at the Royal meeting so it's a bit of an unknown, we'll just have to take what we're given.

He added: "The one thing that [jockey] Jim Crowley said was that in his opinion the horse would improve and might well get faster with racing."

Sheikh Hamdan was also the owner of Muhaarar, who completed the Commonwealth Cup-July Cup double two years ago.

Eqtidaar is currently a general 8-1 chance for the July Cup. Blue Point is favourite at a general 7-2.


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Published on 4 July 2018inNews

Last updated 16:50, 4 July 2018

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