Cieren Fallon bids to follow in legendary July Cup footsteps with Oxted

4.25 Newmarket
Darley July Cup (Group 1) | 6f | 3yo+| ITV/RTV

Cieren Fallon bids to become the first jockey since the legendary Lester Piggott in 1959 to land back-to-back runnings of the Darley July Cup with the same horse when he lines up aboard Oxted.

The Roger Teal-trained five-year-old, who provided his jockey with a breakthrough top-level success in last year's race, was last seen bursting clear to win the Group 1 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"I'm very excited," said Fallon. "It's another Group 1 and we're going there with a very good chance after a great win at Royal Ascot. He's coming up against horses he's not raced against, as well as some who have beaten him, so we'll need a career-best performance.

"If he puts his best foot forward, the other runners are going to have to do the same to challenge him. It's going to be a tough ask but hopefully I get a lot of luck in running and can win again this year."

Cieren Fallon celebrates after winning the King's Stand Stakes on OxtedCredit: Edward Whitaker

The July Cup has attracted a star-studded field, including Group 2 winner Starman and Commonwealth Cup runner-up Dragon Symbol.

"It's going to be exciting for the neutrals," added Fallon. "On paper, it's probably one of the best-ever fields – hopefully it lives up to that.

"The July Cup was my first Group 1 win and it's a race I'll always remember. If we win it again, nobody will need to ask me about my favourite race, favourite track and favourite horse."

Swift consolation for Dragon Symbol?

Dragon Symbol was demoted to second in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but his connections could gain swift consolation.

The three-year-old, who was narrowly denied by Rohaan two starts ago in the Sandy Lane Stakes, passed the post first at the royal meeting but was demoted after hampering Campanelle.

His connections appealed unsuccessfully against that decision but believe they have found an excellent opportunity for Dragon Symbol to strike at the highest level on his third start under Oisin Murphy.

Dragon Symbol (blue and yellow silks) passed the post first in the Commonwealth CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It's a very strong race and we know plenty about the likes of Oxted and Starman, who are top-quality older sprinters," said Murphy.

"His work on Tuesday was very similar to his work before Royal Ascot. We can't wait to get him on decent ground. There are a few showers forecast but it shouldn't be worse than good ground.

"It was a shame he lugged a little at Ascot but I'm confident he won't do the same on Saturday. Nobody wants to lose a race in the stewards' room but it's part of racing. Let's hope for a better result.

"He could still be unbeaten really if things had gone differently for him. He was in front after the line at Haydock and we all know what happened at Ascot. I'm really looking forward to him – he's a dude."

Dettori out to right July Cup wrong

There are few races globally Frankie Dettori has not yet won and chief among them is one of his hometown highlights, the July Cup.

It has not been for want of trying to land the Group 1. The jockey has hit the post more times than he cares to count, including last year, when Sceptical finished a length and a quarter behind Oxted.

This season he partners US raider Extravagant Kid, who won the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan for Brendan Walsh before finishing third behind Oxted in the King's Stand Stakes.

"There are better horses in the race but Brendan is confident six furlongs will suit him," said Dettori. "Oxted thrashed us at Royal Ascot and it'll be hard to reverse the form, but you never know how it will pan out with 19 runners. He loves fast ground and is honest."

Frankie Dettori arrives on day one of the July festivalCredit: Edward Whitaker

The jockey has made no secret of his desire to win the July Cup and added: "I've had a few attempts. It's just sad because I moved here in 1985 and it's our biggest race apart from the Guineas. I'm a Newmarket boy and I've not been able to win it in my hometown.

"I thought I had a fantastic chance with Advertise in 2019 and came close last year with Sceptical. I'm knocking on the door. I'm 50 years old, I haven't got forever, so every year is precious!"

On Extravagant Kid's chances, Walsh said: "He ran his race at Ascot and we were pleased to finish third. Maybe if he'd been drawn on the nearside it might have helped, but I've got no excuses. If he runs as well as that, or maybe a little better, it should put him in the mix.

"Frankie was keen to ride him and there’s nobody better. He rarely runs a bad race and he’s competed against the best of them. He was only beaten a length or so in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint last year, from stall 14 of 14. That was an excellent run and, having already won the Al Quoz over six furlongs, we’ve had a very good year with him."

'Rohaan's the horse of a lifetime'

David Evans believes there is more to come from 'horse of a lifetime' Rohaan as he prepares his top three-year-old for his first Group 1.

Rohaan, who won an all-weather handicap at Newcastle off a mark of 55 in December, has risen rapidly through the ranks this spring, winning an Ascot Group 3 and the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes.

As a gelding, he was denied a run in the Commonwealth Cup but still struck at the royal meeting when winning the Wokingham Handicap off top weight. He finished a neck clear of Fresh under Shane Kelly.

Rohaan swoops late to land the Wokingham Handicap at Royal AscotCredit: Mark Cranham

"He takes it all in his stride," said Evans. "It was an unbelievable performance carrying top weight at Royal Ascot. He showed how good he is and he deserves to take his chance at the top level.

"Everyone says he needs soft ground but I'm not sure he does. In this sort of company, taking on the best, you have to be at your best whatever the ground. He's also drawn on the right side of the track.

"It's incredible that he's doing what he's doing. He had one little blip at Newmarket but he's won four of his last five starts and he doesn't really overdo himself when he races. He's the horse of a lifetime. We're lucky to have him and he has the world at his feet."

What they say

Tim Easterby, trainer of Art Power
I’m dying to see Art Power on good ground. I think it will suit him. He ran a solid race at Ascot and has never run badly in his life – he tries very hard. He's in good form, is working well and I think the track will suit.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Garrus
He wasn't beaten very far in the Diamond Jubilee, so I'm surprised he's such a big price. He'll be racing on ground he much prefers.

Ed Walker, trainer of Starman
He'll have to step up again but he’s done nothing wrong when he’s raced on a sound surface and the ground should be perfect. Whoever wins is going to have to be really good. The race has the makings of a stallion-making or champion-making contest, but it could be him.

Starman: an impressive winner at York on his most recent startCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power, owners of Chil Chil
She won a Group 3 well last time despite not enjoying the ground. We're looking forward to seeing her in this grade on firm ground. She's got a great turn of foot and a strongly run race should suit.

Roger Varian, trainer of Line Of Departure
He was impressive at Salisbury last time. He has to jump up again in terms of form but we'll find out if he's good enough on the day. He goes there relatively fresh having missed Royal Ascot. He's a fast-ground horse, so we hope it stays dry.

Clive Cox, trainer of Supremacy
It seems conditions will be suitable. Supremacy appears to be the forgotten horse. It’s a very hot running but I’m hopeful he can put himself back in the spot he clearly should be. The blinkers are just to hold his concentration – he’s very laid-back.

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