Newmarket: Eve Johnson Houghton upsets superpowers in July Stakes before Aidan O'Brien rebounds with new St Leger second favourite

Charlie Bishop enjoyed his biggest win since his Royal Ascot with Accidental Agent in 2018 when Zavateri swept clear out of the Dip to land the Group 2 Kingdom of Bahrain July Stakes.

Bishop was partnering Eve Johnson Houghton once more for the success of the 18-1 chance, who took advantage of a pace collapse at the furlong pole to beat Lambourn rival Do Or Do Not.

Beforehand, the July Stakes looked a match between Godolphin and Coolmore with Epsom winner Maximized holding favouritism over the Aidan O'Brien-trained Brussels, but both ran out of petrol off a fierce pace set by Comical Point.

Johnson Houghton was keeping the ball rolling with her juveniles after Bishop and Havana Hurricane won the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.

The winning trainer said: "I knew he was good, but I didn't know if he was good enough to win this after only one run, as you could see in the paddock he was very green and looking at the crowds. In a race, however, he is so professional. The form of his debut win at Salisbury hasn't worked out at all but you can only beat what is put in front of you and he's done it again. We have Havana Hurricane, but he's a sprinter and this fellow needs further so they don't work together."

The winner was bought for a very modest 35,000 guineas by Anthony Bromley and winning owner Mick Mariscotti said: "He won really well at Salisbury and we had the choice of running him again in a novice under a penalty, where you can come up against anything, or throwing the dice. Eve as always liked him and we haven't thought about anything beyond today except that he perhaps needs a long trip."

Paddy Power cut Zavateri into 8-1 (from 50) for the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes at York next month and introduced him into the 2025 2,000 Guineas betting at 33-1.

Leger mover

Scandinavia was cut to 5-1 (from 20) by Paddy Power for the Betfred St Leger after a dominant victory in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy.

Scandinavia (Ryan Moore) wins the Bahrain TrophyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Co-owner Derrick Smith said: “I think the St Leger in England, or Ireland, would be targets and then hopefully he can develop into a cup horse for next year.

“We can plot our way to those nice staying races for the rest of the year. We’ll see how the horses perform over the festivals at Goodwood and York.

“He seems to have improved again since Ascot. Hopefully now we can have some fun with him over these longer distances.”

Prince of Newmarket

Marco Botti is used to bracing himself for phone calls after a big-race win, not just for congratulations but also with people making generous offers for his winning horses.

Such is the power of overseas buyers – and the enduring appeal of British bloodstock – that often those phone calls end with sums being put forward that cannot be turned down, especially when measured against the prize-money levels competed for in Britain.

However, while prepared for potential interest, Botti is optimistic that Prince Of India will remain in his care after his striking victory under Marco Ghiani in the 6f three-year-old handicap.

Prince of India (Marco Ghiani) wins the 6f handicapCredit: Edward Whitaker

Owner Vaibhav Shah is enjoying a successful time with Botti, not only through the exploits of Prince Of India but also thanks to Giavellotto, winner of last year’s Group 1 Hong Kong Vase.

“Mr Shah has been an owner with me for three years and he wants to give us support,” Botti said. “I’m sure there’ll be offers for this horse as he’s attractive, he’s well-bred and he’s improving, but Mr Shah is keen to keep him as he knows he’s a nice horse for now and the future.

“I think he’s ready to step up in class and once he gets some more give in the ground, he’ll appreciate that too. I think he’s fast enough for this distance and, as he gets stronger, he will develop into a real sprinter. I do think there’s more to come.”

Tom Segal has a big-priced fancy in Friday's feature race after tipping 7-1 Prince Of India on Thursday

Opera scores

Opera Ballo put on a stellar performance to complete a treble for William Buick and Charlie Appleby on a landmark day for the rider in the Listed Edmondson Hall Sir Henry Cecil Stakes.

The 11-8 favourite took a lead off a decent pace set by stablemate Spectacular View before blasting out of the Dip to score tidily from Seagulls Eleven.

Opera Ballo (William Buick) beats Seagulls Eleven in the Listed raceCredit: Edward Whitaker

Appleby said: "We would have been disappointed if he hadn't won today to be honest. He has a proper engine, it's just a case of getting it to go in the right direction. We'll be taking baby steps with him but he's a horse for next year possibly over a mile and a quarter. There's a race at Deauville we could look at."

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