Starman

10th-Jul-2021

There is nothing extraordinary to the case for Starman in the July Cup.  I just think that he is the most likely winner of the race by a fair way, and that is is over-priced at 9/2.

Oxted was good in the King’s Stand Stakes when we had him on side, but he had the race run to suit that day, they went fast up front and he came from off the pace.  He was good in winning the July Cup last year, but he will have to get back beyond that level of form if he is going to prevail today.

Starman beat him well in the Duke of York Stakes.  Ed Walker’s horse quickened up impressively out in the centre, he hit the front, he came away from Oxted, who raced on the near side, and he kept on well to fend off Nahaarr’s challenge.

He skipped the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot because of the soft ground, so he comes here a fresh horse.  As well as that, he is only four, he has raced just five times in his life, and he still has scope for further progression.   There is no knowing how high he can go.

Creative Force has been well backed, and he did really well to win the Jersey Stakes last time, beating his stable companion Naval Crown, whom we backed, but it is probable that seven furlongs will prove to be his optimum trip.  He saw out a stiff seven furlongs well at Ascot, on soft ground, and he may not be sharp enough for a fast six furlongs on better ground today.

Glen Sheil and Art Power would come into it if the rains came, but Starman is the bet.

STARMAN WON (ADV 9/2, SP 9/2)