Classic Rematch In Prospect In Darley July Cup

The first five home in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot are set to re-oppose in what looks a mouth-watering renewal of the Group One Darley July Cup over six furlongs on Friday . Les Arcs will again have to see off the challenge of Balthazaar´s Gift, the rising star of the sprinting ranks, if he is to confirm the form of the Ascot Group One.

Then there Is Australian speedball Takeover Target, third in the Golden Jubilee, to overcome once more. The seven-year-old gelding had already struck at the Royal fixture, winning the Group Two King´s Stand Stakes, to underline his sprinting credentials in impressive fashion.

And Joe Janiak´s charge looked in fine fettle when he worked on the July Course last Thursday and yesterday mornings, partnered by big-race jockey Jay Ford.

Ashdown Express can´t be ruled out, either. The Chris Wall-trained speedster has a mean turn of foot on his day and two years ago finished second in the Darley July Cup behind Frizzante and was fifth in 2005.

Trainer Kevin Ryan, who saddles Balthazaar´s Gift, will mount a double-pronged challenge, with Golden Jubilee Stakes fifth Amadeus Wolf also declared for the #360,000 contest.

Iffraaj, who was seventh on his seasonal debut in the Golden Jubilee Stakes, will bid to give Godolphin a first triumph in Europe´s richest and most prestigious sprint event.

Lambourn-based Barry Hills is another trainer hoping for a first victory in the race, with both last year´s Nunthorpe Stakes winner La Cucaracha, ninth in the King´s Stand Stakes, and Red Clubs, who is dropping back in distance, in action.

Peter Makin is planning to strike while the iron is hot with his charge Pivotal Point, who scored last Saturday at Sandown in a Group Three over the minimum trip.

As well as Takeover Target, Australia will also be represented by Falkirk, who was only beaten less than a length in the King´s Stand.

Four years ago Thirsk trainer David Nicholls saddled a memorable Darley July Cup one-two with Continent shading stable-mate Bahamian Pirate.On Friday, Nicholls relies on Moss Vale, who has two Group victories to his name already in 2006.

Mozart and Stravinsky provided Ballydoyle handler Aidan O´Brien with July Cup wins either side of 2000. This time O´Brien will send out Marcus Andronicus, who reverts to sprinting after finishing fourth in the St James´s Palace Stakes.

John Gosden won the race in 2003 when based at Manton with Oasis Dream prevailing. Now back training in Newmarket, Gosden pins his hopes on Murfreesboro. Excusez Moi, Fayr Jag, Gift Horse and the popular Quito complete the 17-strong field.