Advertisement

Horse Racing: Limato ‘only 50-50’ to run in Darley July Cup, says Candy

Simon A. M. Milham
·Contributor
Last year’s runner-up, Limato could miss the renewal of the Darley July Cup, which he won in 2016
Last year’s runner-up, Limato could miss the renewal of the Darley July Cup, which he won in 2016

Limato could miss next week’s Darley July Cup, according to his trainer Henry Candy.

The six-year-old is set for a drop back in trip, having failed to see out the mile of the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he finished almost 10 lengths behind Accidental Agent.

It was the fourth time he has been tried over a mile and connections have finally conceded defeat, albeit those four runs all came at the highest level.

READ MORE: Your horse-by-horse guide to the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown

READ MORE: Richard Johnson issues Jumps title warning

READ MORE: Harry Angel back in work and on course for Darley July Cup

Limato, winner of nine of his 19 British starts and runner-up on five other occasions, won the July Cup in 2016 and was runner-up to Harry Angel in last year’s Newmarket renewal.

However, Candy says it is a toss-up that the dual Group 1 winner heads to the July Course on Saturday week – for which he is currently a 12/1 chance with Genting Bet – or keeps the powder dry for Goodwood next month.

Candy said: “Limato has decided that he does not wish to be anything other than a sprinter, so we will revert back to sprint trips.

“His owner, Paul Jacobs, will decide whether he runs in the Darley July Cup, which looks a very hot race, or whether we wait for the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood, which looks an easier option.”

Limato finished a half-length fourth to Breton Rock in a blanket finish to last season’s 7f Group 2 Lennox Stakes, but his record in Britain over the 6f July Cup trip reads: 1111122132. He has not run over 6f since last year’s Newmarket July feature.

Candy added: “I would say it is 50-50 that we run next week and the decision will probably be made at the five-day declaration stage, but the horse is in great form.”

Saxon Warrior blotted his copybook in the English and Irish Derby following his 2,000 Guineas victory
Saxon Warrior blotted his copybook in the English and Irish Derby following his 2,000 Guineas victory

Meanwhile, Saturday’s Eclipse at Sandown could see 2,000 Guineas winner Saxon Warrior make a quick return to action, following his defeat in the Irish Derby last weekend.

The son of Deep Impact was third at the Curragh in bidding to atone for a defeat by Masar in the Investec Derby at Epsom last month.

But Aidan O’Brien’s star is set to lock horns with Masar again as the pair were among eight declared to run on Thursday morning. Saxon Warrior will be joined by stablemates Cliffs Of Moher and Happily. Masar is the current 6/4 favourite with Genting Bet for the 1m2f Group 1 feature at Sandown Park, with Derby third Roaring Lion an 11/4 chance. Saxon Warrior is available at 4/1.

Jockey William Buick has dismissed claims that the two-furlong drop back in trip will count against the Derby winner Masar.

Speaking to Sky Sports Radio in Australia, Buick said: “He is a high-quality winner over a mile and the one question mark I had personally going into the Derby was whether he would stay, given he has so much raw speed and pace.

“It was impressive to see how well he saw out the race at Epsom and personally I think coming back to ten furlongs would bring out some more improvement because I think his big attribute is his speed and raw natural ability. He’s a real athlete.”

Follow @Genting_Bet on Twitter. Genting Bet offer Best Odds Guaranteed on every UK and Irish Race each day for 12.00pm. Remember, you must be 18+ to bet. BeGambleaware