Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I’m looking back at the action from ‘Super Saturday’.
No Half Measures as Hughes Lands Shock July Cup
No Half Measures caused a shock 66/1 upset in Saturday’s Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket, becoming the biggest-priced winner in the race’s long history. It was a landmark first Group 1 win for trainer Richard Hughes — and a well-deserved one.
No Half Measures had previously looked a Group 3 filly at best, but her 6f form now reads 2111, marking her out as an improving sprinter. That said, this race looked more like a glorified handicap than a top-level sprint, with the first eight home covered by less than three lengths.
Night Raider went far too hard down the near side — a view backed up by the sectionals. Likewise, Ides of March (centre) and Spy Chief (far side) all went to quick early. The pace collapses on all flanks meant things dropped perfectly for the winner
The decision to supplement last year’s 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech didn’t quite work out. He tracked the hot pace and was still in the mix a furlong out, but couldn’t sustain his effort, finishing fifth — best of those on the near side. The new Group 1 City of York Stakes (7f) could be tailor-made for him.
A big shout too for Big Mojo, who bounced back to form with a cracking second. He was flagged as an each-way player in Wednesday’s column, and his effort can be marked up given the early pace scenario.
More Thunder Strikes Late in Bunbury; Saba Desert Wins Messy Superlative
More Thunder, unlucky when narrowly beaten in the Wokingham Stakes, got the job done in the Bunbury Cup, snatching victory in the final stride under a clever ride from Tom Marquand. Dropped in and switched to the near side, the move proved decisive — though he only just got there in time.
Last year’s winner Aalto looked set to repeat the feat when taking it up a furlong out, travelling strongly. But he was mugged on the line.
Billyjoh was back to form in third, running on well despite being short of room inside the final furlong. Though it likely didn’t cost him the race.
In the Group 2 Superlative Stakes, Saba Desert overcame an awkward start and some greenness late on to land a messy renewal. He hung left inside the final furlong but still had enough to hold off Italy and Wild Desert, both of whom were inconvenienced when long-time leader Venetian Lace also veered left two furlongs out.
Italy, the 4/6 favourite, raced freely on the outside without cover and never looked truly comfortable. He’s better than this, but this performance leaves a few questions.
Saba Desert may yet land a Group 1 juvenile prize later in the season. But this wasn't the performance of a superstar in the making.
Fox Legacy Defies the Draw as Al Qareem Dominates Again at York
It was hot and sunny for John Smith’s Cup Day at York. Fox Legacy brought the heat himself overcoming a wide draw in stall 19 to win the 66th running of this historic handicap. A steady early pace allowed PJ McDonald to slot him into a handy position despite his wide berth, and from there, the well-handicapped 4-year-old proved too strong for his rivals.
See The Storm continues to progress. Though ultimately held by the winner, he shaped like a strongly run Cambridgeshire Handicap would suit. His trainer confirmed post-race that’s the target.
Archivist, having looked well treated after his previous course win, surprisingly made the running. Given his inexperience, it may have suited him better to be tucked in behind the leaders. Still, this was a creditable third from the 3-year-old against a couple of more battle-hardened rivals. A return to a strongly run mile or 9f race could be the good move, with the Cambridgeshire in his sights.
In the Group 3 John Smith’s Silver Cup, Al Qareem once again showed what happens when he gets an uncontested lead. Front-running with authority, he kicked turning in and saw off all challengers one by one. Tabletalk loomed up 2f out but found nothing off the bridle. Samui, who came from further back, stayed on into second but never looked like catching the winner.
Al Qareem’s uncomplicated tactics, gritty attitude continue to make him a dangerous proposition here at 1m6f.
Good luck with your Monday bets.
John