Noseda Hopeful Of Cup Glory

Jeremy Noseda is aiming for Darley July Cup glory with his two top sprinters, Soldier´s Tale and Balmont, at Newmarket on Thursday week.

And the Newmarket trainer believes that both have 'serious chances' of picking up the £250,000 Group One prize.

The lightly-raced Soldier´s Tale has made dramatic progress in his two races this season since returning from 12 months off through injury.

After winning a York handicap in May, he successfully stepped up to Group Three company in impressive style at Newcastle on Saturday.

Balmont, on the other hand, is a proven Pattern-race performer and finished third in the big sprint at Headquarters 12 months ago.

Of Soldier´s Tale, Noseda said: 'He´s in good form and touch wood will now head for the July Cup next week. He´s definitely worth his place in the field - I believe he´s a pretty serious horse.'

Balmont showed once again that he is a leading sprinter when only beaten a length in third place in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot at York.

Noseda added: 'Balmont runs as well. I don´t want to go into comparisons between the two, but both will go there with serious chances.

'All you hope is that both stay in good nick until next week.'

? PA Sport