July Cup or France in the Cards for Perfect Power

Darley July Cup (G1) ante-post favorite Perfect Power  is not guaranteed to run at Newmarket on Saturday as connections are also weighing up the following day's Prix Jean Prat (G1) for the impressive Commonwealth Cup (G1) winner.

The Richard Fahey-trained colt, who came from off the pace with a searing run to power home at Royal Ascot under Christophe Soumillon, heads the market at 2-1 for the July Cup on July 9 but has the option of stepping up a furlong in the 7-furlong Jean Prat at Deauville.

Perfect Power on Monday featured among the 16 entries to go forward for the July Cup, a race in which Fahey gained his first domestic group 1 with Mayson  in 2012.

A decision on where Perfect Power runs at the weekend will depend on ground conditions and will be left up to the trainer, according to owner Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum's racing manager Bruce Raymond.

"We don't know where he's going and we'll wait until the last minute," he said Monday. "We would prefer to go to Newmarket as the July Cup is a bit more prestigious, but there's the alternative of the Prix Jean Prat on Sunday.

"He's working tomorrow and we're leaving it all to Richard as he gets it right. It depends on the rain and how much water they're going to put on at Newmarket. He really wants easier ground, which he'll probably get in Deauville."

Should Perfect Power head to Newmarket, he is set to renew rivalry with Commonwealth Cup runner-up Flaming Rib  after the colt, who is part-owned by Michael Owen and trained by Hugo Palmer, was supplemented on Monday at a cost of £36,000.  

Soumillon, fresh from winning Saturday's Coral-Eclipse (G1) on Vadeni , has struck up a great rapport with Perfect Power since taking over the ride from Paul Hanagan, winning four of their five races together including three at group 1 level.

The Belgian ace will be among those waiting on tenterhooks for the decision as he is likely to be required elsewhere on Sunday with the Aga Khan's Rozgar  entered for the Jean Prat.

"Christophe can ride him at Newmarket but not at Deauville as I think he's committed there," added Raymond. "We'd have to make other arrangements but I don't think there would be a problem getting a jockey for him. We'd prefer to have Christophe, of course."

Perfect Power started the season with victory in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greeham Stakes (G3) over 7-furlongs before finishing halfway down the field when stepped up to a mile in the QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas Stakes (G1).

He bounced back to his best at Ascot and has impressed with the way he has taken his Commonwealth Cup exertions.

"He came out of Ascot much better than the Guineas, which took a lot out of him," added Raymond. "I suppose it's going that extra two furlongs with a horse that doesn't stay. He's recovered a lot quicker after Ascot, which is good news."

Perfect Power is joined in the list of potential July Cup runners by Charlie Appleby's Platinum Jubilee Stakes (G1) first and second, Naval Crown  and Creative Force .

Australian sprinter Artorius , who was third in the Platinum Jubilee, also stands his ground alongside Japanese contender King Hermes.

Commonwealth Cup fourth Cadamosto  is the sole contender for trainer Aidan O'Brien, who saddled back-to-back July Cup winners with U S Navy Flag  (2018) and Ten Sovereigns  (2019).

Alcohol Free  and Happy Romance  also remain engaged, although fellow filly Highfield Princess  was a notable absentee.