July Cup Stakes: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

July Cup Stakes
16:25 Newmarket, Saturday
Live on ITV

1. Artorius (Anthony & Sam Freedman/Jamie Spencer)
Smart performer in Australia, successful in Group 1 3-y-o sprint in February 2021. Plenty of good runs since, and rattled home to finish a narrow third in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot 3 weeks ago. This track is unlikely to suit his style.

2. Blackrod (Michael Dods/Connor Beasley)
Progressive handicapper who returned with taking win in 19-runner event on the Rowley course in April but disappointed in the Wokingham since. Up against it in this company.

3. Creative Force (Charlie Appleby/William Buick)
Very smart operator who won the Champion Sprint Stakes at Ascot last year and almost added another Group 1 when narrowly denied by stablemate Naval Crown in the Platinum Jubilee at Royal Ascot 3 weeks ago.

4. Emaraaty Ana (Kevin Ryan/Tom Eaves)
Won the Haydock Sprint Cup in September but has failed to fire this year and looks set for another struggle in a race of this nature.

5. Naval Crown (Charlie Appleby/James Doyle)
Very smart colt who produced a career-best effort when winning 24-runner Platinum Jubilee Stakes (33/1) at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) 21 days ago by a neck from Creative Force. Really filled the eye beforehand and was a comfortable winner of his group. Another performance of that level will put him right in the mix again.

6. Alcohol Free (Andrew Balding/Rob Hornby)
Very smart filly who won three races at the top level last year but doesn't look quite the same filly this time round, comfortably held by Naval Crown in the Platinum Jubilee last time. Has something to prove.

7. Double Or Bubble (Chris Wall/Jack Mitchell)
Likeable mare who goes well at Newmarket (albeit on the Rowley course) but found the Platinum Jubilee a bit too hot at Royal Ascot last time. Likely to be outclassed again.

8. Happy Romance (Richard Hannon/Sean Levey)
Smart filly who produced yet another likeable display when only one and a half lengths seventh in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. Would need everything to drop perfectly to land this, though.

9. Romantic Proposal (Edward Lynam/Chris Hayes)
Smart mare who cruised through the race when making a winning return in a listed event at Naas 75 days ago. This demands more, but her strong-travelling style should aid her cause and isn't overlooked.

10. Cadamosto (Aidan O'Brien/Seamie Heffernan)
Lightly-raced colt who took a marked step forward in first-time blinkers when an excellent fourth behind Perfect Power in the Commonwealth Cup last time. Has a bit to find even if the headgear works again.

11. Flaming Rib (Hugo Palmer/Ben Curtis)
Smart colt whose latest win at Chester came in May. Creditable one and a quarter lengths second of 20 to Perfect Power in Commonwealth Cup (14/1) at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) 22 days ago. Consistent sort who seems sure to launch another bold bid.

12. King Hermes (Yoshito Yahagi/Ryusei Sakai)
Smart col who finished two and a half lengths sixth of 18 to Danon Scorpion in NHK Mile Cup at Tokyo (8f, good to firm, 174/10) 62 days ago. Something of an unknown quantity, but he's probably not up to this level back down in trip.

13. Perfect Power (Richard Fahey/Christophe Soumillon)
Classy performer who has been getting better throughout his short career and gained a deserved breakthrough at the top level when taking the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. Takes on his elders now, but he's the one to beat.

14. Twilight Jet (Michael O'Callaghan/Leigh Roche)
Smart colt who landed Group 3 Cornwallis on Rowley course (5f) in October in what was a busy juvenile season. Decisive winner in Group 3 company at Naas on return but failed to beat a rival in the Commonwealth Cup last time.