All-Star Cast Up For The Cup

A high-class international field of 20 will go to post for the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on Friday.

Jeremy Noseda's Golden Jubilee winner Soldier's Tale will bid to emulate last year's hero Les Arcs, who pulled off a memorable double.

Asset, Red Clubs, Amadeus Wolf, Drayton, Bygone Days, Borderlescott, Rising Shadow and Quito finished behind Soldier's Tale at Ascot and will attempt to turn the tables.

Dandy Man, beaten by the draw for the second year running in the King's Stand Stakes, steps up to six furlongs for the first time since September 2005.

The Australian sprinters are represented by Bentley Biscuit, last in the King's Stand, and Mutawaajid ? although the latter will be having his first run for Mick Channon.

Marchand D'Or hails from France, while Electric Beat travels over from Germany.

There is also a very strong challenge from the three-year-olds, headed by the progressive Sakhee's Secret, trained by Hughie Morrison.

Dutch Art returns to sprinting after trying his hand at a mile ? as does the filly Sander Camillo ? while Hellvelyn makes a much-anticipated return to the track.

The field is completed by Balthazaar's Gift and Prime Defender, with Baltic King and Silver Touch named as reserves.

Mike de Kock's Drayton was last seen finishing a good fifth in the Golden Jubilee ? having previously disappointed in the 2000 Guineas.

'He ran a massive race last time. We were a little optimistic entering him in the Guineas and that didn't work, but you live and learn,' said De Kock.

'I think he is definitely a sprinter. He got left a little last time but I think that may have played into his hands as he settled a little earlier then kicked on.

'Obviously it is going to be a tough field on Friday but he is in good form and I think he will run quite nicely.

'I think he can run a little bit better than he did at Ascot ? how much better I'm not sure ? but I think he is capable of a little better and we are expecting a length or two improvement,' the South African handler told At The Races.

Sakhee's Secret, whose trainer won the race in 2005 with Pastoral Pursuits, has been installed as the 4-1 favourite by Coral.

Darley July Cup

Coral bet: 4-1 Sakhee's Secret, 5-1 Asset, Dutch Art, 15-2 Soldier's Tale, 10-1 Amadeus Wolf, Bentley Biscuit, 11-1 Red Clubs, 14-1 Dandy Man, 16-1 Marchand D'Or, Mutawaajid, 25-1 Borderlescott, Bygone Days, 33-1 Balthazaar's Gift, Drayton, Prime Defender, 40-1 Hellvelyn, Sander Camillo, 66-1 Rising Shadow, 100-1 Electric Beat, Quito.

(C) PA Sport