Blockbuster July Cup clash on the cards at Newmarket Four sprinters who won at Royal Ascot – Venetian Sun , Mission Central , Almeraq and Double Rush – are on course to meet in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on Saturday. Venetian Sun has reverted to sprinting since failing to see out a mile in the 1000 Guineas and Karl Burke’s filly is unbeaten in six races over six furlongs. Aidan O’Brien’s Mission Central was gelded after a wayward debut at Dundalk but since then has won six out of eight, including the King Charles III last time out. Ascot Redemption Prompts July Cup Raid Almeraq came of age in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee, proving he was definitely over the fall at York last season that has seen jockey Jim Crowley sidelined since. He is one of two potential runners for William Haggas along with Division, who was third to Venetian Sun in the Commonwealth Cup. Double Rush is due to step into Group One company having progressed through the handicap ranks this season, winning the Wokingham most recently for Andrew Balding. Satono Reve, so narrowly defeated in the last two renewals of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee, will aim to give Japan a second winner in the race after Agnes World 26 years ago. Last year’s runner-up Big Mojo is back again for Mick Appleby, Comanche Brave will represent Donnacha O’Brien with Powerful Glory , Flora Of Bermuda , Prince Of India , Coppull and Quinault completing the 13.
