Ascot heroes set for July clash

Royal Ascot winners Sole Power and Lethal Force appear on target for a mouthwatering clash in the Darley July Cup on July 13.

The former won the King's Stand Stakes at the Royal meeting and will be stepping up to six furlongs at Newmarket.

"Sole Power has taken Royal Ascot in his stride and it's all systems go for the July Cup," said trainer Edward Lynam.

"We are very hopeful that he will last out the extra distance. Johnny Murtagh is very confident that he will stay the six furlongs and he settles so much better in his races nowadays so we have decided to give it a go."

Lethal Force ran out an impressive winner of Saturday's Diamond Jubilee Stakes and the July Cup is also increasingly likely to be his next target.

"I am thrilled to bits with Lethal Force and, although the track holds slight concerns, it is such a valuable race that one feels drawn towards having a crack at the July Cup," trainer Clive Cox said.

Cox also has another contender in the shape of Reckless Abandon, who finished just over two lengths behind Sole Power when fifth in the King's Stand.

"I am equally happy with the way he has come out of last week's run. He's the champion two-year-old and already a Group One winner over the six furlongs of the Rowley Mile, so the July Cup is an obvious option for him," Cox added.

Following Tuesday's scratchings, 28 horses remain for Europe's joint-richest sprint which is the third and final British leg of the 10-race Global Sprint Challenge.

There are five remaining entries from outside Europe - King's Stand runner-up Shea Shea and stable companion Soft Falling Rain could represent South African trainer Mike De Kock.

The Diamond Jubilee third Krypton Factor from Bahrain, Shamexpress from Australia, who ran ninth in the King's Stand, and Havelock from the USA who finished 11th in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes complete the potential overseas party.