One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch at the July festival

Trainer

Ed Walker has enjoyed a flying start to the season and he sends a fleet of quality runners to the Newmarket this week.

Two of his stable stars bid to claim Group 1 glory after missing out on Royal Ascot due to ground. Primo Bacio was an impressive Listed winner at York last time, but she is up against tough opposition in the Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (3.35) where old rival Snow Lantern returns alongside Coronation Stakes winner Alcohol Free.

Walker also trains Starman, who took the Duke Of York Stakes in May. He defeated Oxted that day and will be attempting to repeat the performance in the Darley July Cup (4.25) on Saturday.

Ed Walker runs York winner Starman in the July CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

The trainer fields a handful of chances in other races throughout the meeting, with Popmaster seeking a return to form on Thursday (3.00) and an attempt for back-to-back wins for Sunset Bay on Saturday (2.05).

Jockey

James Doyle has 50 wins to his name in 2021, and will be looking to further his tally with a strong book of rides to look forward to at the July Festival.

Doyle partners with Yibir in the Bahrain Trophy (1.50) on Thursday. Last seen in May behind Lone Eagle at Goodwood, the three-year-old has since been gelded and Doyle takes the ride back from William Buick, who has ridden Yibir in his last four starts.

Doyle is reunited with Ebro River in the Tattersalls July Stakes (2.25), and picks up the ride on outsider Star Safari in the other Group 2 of the day (3.35).

Global Storm is the pick of Doyle’s Friday rides in the bet365 Trophy (3.00), and he teams up with Charlie Appleby once more on Saturday for the Group 2 bet365 Superlative Stakes with Private Signal (3.15).

His July Cup (4.25) ride may currently be a 33-1 shot, but Glorious Journey won at the course in the Criterion Stakes two weeks ago.

Horse

Thursday’s Listed Sir Henry Cecil Stakes (4.10) throws up some interesting three-year-olds with the potential for star quality.

The pick of those is Baaeed, a Shadwell-owned son of Sea The Stars who is unbeaten in two starts. He won over a mile at Newmarket last month, in a seven-and-a-half length romp that impressed many.

Baaeed: will look to make it three from three

He has yet to be asked any major questions in both his runs, and the step up in class on Thursday will be an interesting test of his ability against classy Juddmonte runners, Maximal and Derab.

Race

The Darley July Cup (4.25) is the highlight of the three-day meeting, and this year's race serves up a fascinating Group 1 showdown.

Last season's winner Oxted remains the one to beat after taking the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, but will have to see off Starman, who is in "flying form" according trainer Ed Walker.

Dragon Symbol, who lost the Commonwealth Cup in the stewards' room, will be out for redemption on Saturday for Archie Watson. He will take on old rival Rohaan, who was supplemented for the race. It's a race not to be missed.

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