Andy Holding assesses the runners and latest betting odds through oddschecker for the July Cup at Newmarket.
2023 July Cup
Newmarket will see the pinnacle of the July course's flat season when the July Cup takes place. This Group 1 Race is one of the most valuable and prestigious sprint races in the world and the winner is often acknowledged to be the best sprinter in Europe.
When is the July Cup? Newmarket Date & Start Time
The July Cup 2023 is set to take place at Newmarket on Saturday 15th July at 16:10.
2023 July Cup Betting Odds | Ante-Post Odds
| Horse | Best Odds | Worst Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Shaquille | 9/4 | 2/1 |
| Little Big Bear | 7/2 | 3/1 |
| Azure Blue | 5/1 | 7/2 |
| Kinross | 13/2 | 6/1 |
| Art Power | 25/1 | 20/1 |
2023 July Cup Runners
A total of 17 horses hold entries for the July Cup 2023 ahead of confirmations and final declartions. Let's have a look at the leading July Cup runners:
Shaquille is a deserved favorite
Probably not the classiest renewal of one of the preeminent sprints of the season, a view backed up by the fact both Shaquille and Azure Blue, two of the main fancies, were rated in the 90’s less than a year ago.
The former has arguably been the biggest improver based on his victory at Group 1 level at Ascot last time, made even more remarkable by the fact he missed the break by some considerable margin and yet still managed to win going away. Based on that unlikely success, Julie Camacho’s colt now finds himself at the head of the market and with a better start than he encountered last time, he is likely to go a long way to lay claim to being one of the best sprinters of his generation.
It probably does not say much for the rest in the Commonwealth Cup they managed to squander such a huge advantage to the eventual winner, so that does not bode well for Little Big Bear in his bid to turn around the form. Whether he just had an off day or that is as good as he is remains to be seen, but either way, it is hard to get too excited about his claims at the current prices.
Andy Holding Tip
Looking at the older horses, they seem much of a muchness except for AZURE BLUE and for that reason, Michael Dods’ improving filly makes quite a bit of appeal at her current price of 5/1.
Back-to-back listed wins either side of a 210-day break cemented her as a filly of some substance and she went on to confirm that viewpoint when capturing the Group 2 Duke Of York on the Knavesmire last time out. Since that race back in May, the likes of Commanche Falls, Highfield Princess, Art Power and Annaf have all gone on to advertise the form in varies guises and, having specifically missed Ascot with a view to coming to Newmarket fresh, that policy can pay off handsomely for a horse already proven over the C&D.
