Dettori chasing record-equalling sixth July Stakes success on Visinari
Tattersalls July Stakes | Group 2 | 6f | 2yo colts & geldings | ITV3/ RTV
Frankie Dettori is out to win the juvenile event for a record-equalling sixth time on Visinari, who went close to the track record on his debut over course and distance last month.
The son of Dark Angel belied his massive frame to see off favourite Ottoman Court by three and a half lengths, with ten lengths back to the third.
Of those further back, third-placed Clareyblue and fourth home Daily Times have since finished second at a good level while the fifth-placed Will To Win won at Lingfield.
Visinari, who bypassed Royal Ascot to wait for this, was not stopping at the finish and it will take a good one to head him.
Trainer Mark Johnston, who bids to win the contest for the second time in three years after Cardsharp in 2017, said: "We were thinking of running Visinari over seven in the Superlative Stakes later in the week but we're giving him another go at six with a view to stepping him up later on. We know he has lots of speed and he was very impressive when he won on his debut last month. We know he handles the track and the ground should be fine for him."
George Fordham, in the 19th century, and Sir Gordon Richards, between 1934 and 1954, have ridden six July Stakes winners.
Placed Coventry runners to conquer again?
Runners who were placed in the Coventry Stakes have prospered in this in recent times and Guildsman, third at Royal Ascot, attempts to enhance the record.
The Qatar Racing-owned colt hit the front inside the final furlong but was collared close home and went down by three-quarters of a length to Arizona.
The son of Wootton Bassett had previously scored by six lengths on his debut at Goodwood, although that was on soft ground.
Trainer Archie Watson said: "Guildsman ran a very good race at Royal Ascot when third to Arizona and I've been very happy with his progress since. He's in good shape."
O'Brien double-handed for second victory
Aidan O'Brien is out to win the Group 2 for only the second time and is represented by King Neptune and Royal Lytham, both of whom appeared at Royal Ascot last time.
Royal Lytham, a son of first season sire Gleneagles, was not disgraced when finishing seventh, beaten three and three-quarter lengths, behind stablemate Arizona in the Coventry.
King Neptune, the mount of Ryan Moore, encountered soft ground when sixth to A'Ali in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes and steps up in trip for the first time.
O'Brien, who won the July Stakes in 2005 with Ivan Denisovich, said: "King Neptune is back up to six furlongs following his run in the Norfolk at Ascot and we think that and the quick ground will suit him well. Royal Lytham ran well in the Coventry. It was only his second run and he was a bit green. We think he has come forward."
A first for Godolphin?
Godolphin are chasing a first win in the race with Platinum Star, who ran an excellent race to chase home Southern Hills in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at the royal meeting last.
The Saeed bin Suroor-trained colt is reunited with Harry Bentley, who rode the son of Lope De Vega to win over this trip at Leicester on his second start.
Bin Suroor said: "Platinum Star ran very well to finish second at Royal Ascot and came out of the race in good order.
"He has been working nicely and the return to six furlongs will suit. I am looking for another good performance."
Scope for improvement
Classy Moon produced an impressive performance to win on debut at Carlisle last month and, while he needs to improve on that level of form, trainer Karl Burke is optimistic his colt can take a big step forward.
Burke said: "He has to step up a lot on his win at Carlisle but there are grounds for thinking he can as he was knocked sideways at the start. He came home really strongly that day and will enjoy this stiff finish."
Get ahead of the game with Get Your Eye In - exclusive Saturday preview content on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app from 2pm on Friday
Published on 10 July 2019inPreviews
Last updated 20:24, 10 July 2019
- Cracking the Premier puzzle with Maddy Playle's tips for the ITV action at Newmarket and Goodwood on Friday
- Racing Postcast: Newmarket, Goodwood and Thirsk tipping show with Robbie Wilders and Tom Park
- It's Guineas weekend at Newmarket, while Willie Mullins is not done redefining the art of the possible at Punchestown
- 4.10 Newmarket: 'She loves the galloping nature of the track' - can Time Lock make a successful return for in-form Harry Charlton?
- 3.35 Newmarket: 'We're confident he’s come forward' - can Bold Style reverse form with Boiling Point to land Listed event?
- Cracking the Premier puzzle with Maddy Playle's tips for the ITV action at Newmarket and Goodwood on Friday
- Racing Postcast: Newmarket, Goodwood and Thirsk tipping show with Robbie Wilders and Tom Park
- It's Guineas weekend at Newmarket, while Willie Mullins is not done redefining the art of the possible at Punchestown
- 4.10 Newmarket: 'She loves the galloping nature of the track' - can Time Lock make a successful return for in-form Harry Charlton?
- 3.35 Newmarket: 'We're confident he’s come forward' - can Bold Style reverse form with Boiling Point to land Listed event?