The G1 Darley July Cup, set for July 9 at Newmarket, could have its first Singapore-based runner after local Group 1 winner Zac Spirit (Aus) (Flying Spur {Aus}) was entered for the six-furlong summer showpiece. The 6-year-old has bested Emperor Max (Aus) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) in the local Group 1 Lion City Cup the last two years, most recently Apr. 24, and Emperor Max finished seventh of 20 in last year's G1 Qipco British Champions Sprint S. at Ascot.
“I am under no illusions that he would have to improve again [to make an impact], and I am a bit worried about where he might sit in the big international picture,” admitted trainer Cliff Brown. “But, if you take out the winner, Muhaarar, who was an out-and-out champion, Emperor Max was not far off the placed horses when he ran at Ascot last October, which gives us some cause for optimism.”
Brown said he is considering Newmarket for Zac Spirit because of the lack of opportunities in Singapore that time of year.
“I think that he would cope fine with the different conditions over there–we would make sure that we traveled him over plenty of time in advance,” he noted. “He's always hanging tough at the end of seven-furlong races here, so the stiff straight six should suit him well.”
The July Cup drew four other international entries–Australian Group 1 winner Holler (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}) and Americans Undrafted (Purim) and Mongolian Saturday (Any Given Saturday). Australian 2-year-old champion Vancouver (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro), now in training with Aidan O'Brien, is entered, as is the expatriated Bobby's Kitten (Kitten's Joy), who is under the care of Dermot Weld.
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