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Lynam duo to blaze July trail

Sprint king Eddie Lynam will run Anthem Alexander and Sole Power as he attempts to win back-to-back renewals of the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on Saturday.

Sole Power winning the Al Quoz Sprint Empowered By IPIC
Sole Power winning the Al Quoz Sprint Empowered By IPIC Picture: Dubai Racing Club / Andrew Watkins

With last year's winner Slade Power now retired, Lynam will call upon smart three-year-old filly Anthem Alexander and the veteran Sole Power, who has never claimed victory over six furlongs but was an unlucky fifth in the race in 2013.

"Sole Power and Anthem Alexander are both intended runners and Richard Hughes and Pat Smullen will ride as usual," said the County Meath handler.

"In my opinion, the Darley July Cup is the jewel in the European sprinting crown and, having won it last year and had two horses in the first five the year before, I am very happy to have two contenders again this year."

Chris Waller has his eyes set on the prize after watching Brazen Beau go through his paces in Newmarket on Monday morning.

The Australian trainer was on hand as his Diamond Jubilee runner-up worked under big-race jockey James Doyle on the July Course.

The three-year-old, who is a dual Group One winner in Australia, was beaten just half a length by Undrafted at Royal Ascot.

He said: "I was happy with that (Newmarket workout).

"It was pretty standard work for him, we just let him quicken up over the last 400 metres.

"It was really just maintenance work. We don't need to improve him, we have just got to keep him happy and keep the speed in him. James seemed happy with him.

"It's a privilege being in here in England and we have been well looked after. It was great to get a taste of the action at Ascot but a success would be so much sweeter.

"We know we've got the horse good enough he just needs a good draw and luck in running.

"If he gets that, I'm sure he will be there at the finish."

Doyle will be teaming up with Brazen Beau for the first time in the July Cup as the colt now runs in the blue of Godolphin.

The rider had partnered Waller's runner in a spin at the track last week and while he has plenty of faith in his mount, he is aware of the threat posed by Commonwealth Cup hero Muhaarar.

He said: "We did a little bit more than last week and he was great.

"Obviously we respect Muhaarar as that was a freakish run at Ascot.

"Brazen Beau should be fine on the track as he had a feel of it last week and has now had a second spin on it so that should be no problem to him."

Brazen Beau and Muhaarar are two of the star names among 17 sprinters confirmed for the July Cup.

Muhaarar's owner Hamdan Al Maktoum could yet be double-handed, with Muthmir left in by trainer William Haggas following his narrow defeat in the King's Stand at the Royal meeting.

Along with Lynam's pair, the other two possible challengers from Ireland are Aidan O'Brien's Due Diligence and Evanna McCutcheon's stable star Maarek.

Last season's Sprint Cup hero G Force needs to bounce back from a disappointing run in the King's Stand Stakes.

"G Force looks well. He's been to Ascot twice now and run the worst two races of his career, so we're putting it down to that (the track)," said the trainer.

Tropics was runner-up 12 months ago and is back for more for Dean Ivory, as is his stable companion Lancelot Du Lac.

Other horses in the mix include Astaire, Danzeno and Mattmu.


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