Oxted Looks to Win Back-to-Back Runnings of July Cup

Cieren Fallon bids to become the first jockey since the legendary Lester Piggott in 1959 to land back-to-back runnings of the Darley July Cup (G1) with the same horse when he lines up aboard Oxted . 

The Roger Teal-trained 5-year-old, who provided his jockey with a breakthrough top-level success in last year's race, was last seen bursting clear to win the King's Stand Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot.

"I'm very excited," said Fallon. "It's another group 1 and we're going there with a very good chance after a great win at Royal Ascot. He's coming up against horses he's not raced against, as well as some who have beaten him, so we'll need a career-best performance.

"If he puts his best foot forward, the other runners are going to have to do the same to challenge him. It's going to be a tough ask but hopefully I get a lot of luck in running and can win again this year."

The July Cup has attracted a star-studded field, including group 2 winner Starman  and Commonwealth Cup (G1) runner-up Dragon Symbol .

"It's going to be exciting for the neutrals," added Fallon. "On paper, it's probably one of the best-ever fields—hopefully it lives up to that.

"The July Cup was my first group 1 win and it's a race I'll always remember. If we win it again, nobody will need to ask me about my favorite race, favorite track, and favorite horse."

Swift Consolation for Dragon Symbol?

Dragon Symbol was demoted to second in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but his connections could gain swift consolation.

The 3-year-old, who was narrowly denied by Rohaan  two starts ago in the Casumo Sandy Lane Stakes (G2), passed the post first at the royal meeting but was demoted after hampering Campanelle .

His connections appealed unsuccessfully against that decision but believe they have found an excellent opportunity for Dragon Symbol to strike at the highest level on his third start under Oisin Murphy.

"It's a very strong race and we know plenty about the likes of Oxted and Starman, who are top-quality older sprinters," said Murphy.

"His work on Tuesday was very similar to his work before Royal Ascot. We can't wait to get him on decent ground. There are a few showers forecast but it shouldn't be worse than good ground.

"It was a shame he lugged a little at Ascot but I'm confident he won't do the same on Saturday. Nobody wants to lose a race in the stewards' room but it's part of racing. Let's hope for a better result.

"He could still be unbeaten really if things had gone differently for him. He was in front after the line at Haydock and we all know what happened at Ascot. I'm really looking forward to him—he's a dude." 

Dettori Out to Right July Cup Wrong

There are few races globally Frankie Dettori has not yet won and chief among them is one of his hometown highlights, the July Cup.

It has not been for want of trying to land the group 1. The jockey has hit the post more times than he cares to count, including last year, when Sceptical  finished a length and a quarter behind Oxted.

This season he partners U.S. raider Extravagant Kid , who won the Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored By Azizi Developments (G1) at Meydan for Brendan Walsh before finishing third behind Oxted in the King's Stand Stakes. 

"There are better horses in the race but Brendan is confident six furlongs will suit him," said Dettori. "Oxted thrashed us at Royal Ascot and it'll be hard to reverse the form, but you never know how it will pan out with 19 runners. He loves fast ground and is honest."

The jockey has made no secret of his desire to win the July Cup and added: "I've had a few attempts. It's just sad because I moved here in 1985 and it's our biggest race apart from the Guineas. I'm a Newmarket boy and I've not been able to win it in my hometown.

"I thought I had a fantastic chance with Advertise in 2019 and came close last year with Sceptical. I'm knocking on the door. I'm 50 years old, I haven't got forever, so every year is precious!"

On Extravagant Kid's chances, Walsh said: "He ran his race at Ascot and we were pleased to finish third. Maybe if he'd been drawn on the nearside it might have helped, but I've got no excuses. If he runs as well as that, or maybe a little better, it should put him in the mix.

"Frankie was keen to ride him and there's nobody better. He rarely runs a bad race and he's competed against the best of them. He was only beaten a length or so in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) last year, from stall 14 of 14. That was an excellent run and, having already won the Al Quoz over six furlongs, we've had a very good year with him."