Archie Watson is optimistic there is more to come from Darley July Cup main contender Dragon Symbol, who passed the Commonwealth Cup near post at Royal Ascot last month but was demoted to second after hampering Campanelle.

Connections recently unsuccessfully appealed the decision, but Watson believes Dragon Symbol has good claims to break through at the top level in Saturday’s showpiece at Newmarket, for which he is cited at 5-1 by William Hill.

Owned by Yoshiro Kubota, the Cable Bay son won his first four races before finishing second behind Rohaan in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock and producing his eye-catching effort at the Royal Reunion.

Entries and bets for the July Cup

Watson said, “Technically he’s not a bet winner, but he’s probably very unfortunate not to be undefeated. He is still learning a lot on the job. very heavy.

“He ran a huge race at Ascot and turned out to be a good Group 1 horse. Things get serious when three year olds go up against older horses when the two divisions meet and I just hope that. ‘he will be able to continue to improve. On the balance of his form, he has a very good chance on Saturday. “

Watson’s only top-flight victory came when Glen Shiel knocked out in the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot last year and Glen Shiel is also set to represent the Lambourn Yard in the July Cup after his smart second in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

“I think we know where we are with Glen Shiel because he can win these Groups 1 and he’s consistent at his level which is more than enough to win a July Cup under the right circumstances,” added the coach. .

“I would say that with Dragon Symbol we don’t really know where its peak is yet. I would say they ran similar numbers races at Ascot and it wouldn’t surprise me to see one of the horses finish. in front of the other because they are both top sprinters. “

King’s Stand winner Oxted, who landed the prestigious sprint 12 months ago, and the four-year-old Starman emerge topping the bets this weekend and Watson anticipates a hot race.

He said: “It’s an incredibly strong race because you have all the form strands coming together. You have Oxted coming back from five stages, you have Dragon Symbol from the Commonwealth Cup, Rohaan from Wokingham and Glen Shiel and Starman.

“It’s probably the most competitive race of the season so far and it’s great to be involved. I would love to win and we’re going with two good chances.”

The soil on the opening day of the July festival in Newmarket will be good to firm up.

Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, Course Director Michael Prosser said: “We had a bright and windy day on Wednesday and made the decision to irrigate to keep the soil good to firm. We put 5mm on There is a low percentage chance of showers Thursday afternoon but the day should be mostly dry with sunny spells and temperatures of around 21 ° C.

“We expect a very similar day on Friday, but there is still uncertainty on Saturday and conditions will depend on how far a weather front moves across East Anglia from the south which would bring rain . it will push towards Newmarket.

“It’s a moving party because Wednesday morning the forecast for Saturday was for a largely dry day. We are watching it in the background but for now we expect light rain on Saturday morning.”

Read more:

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Ed Walker: Starman has the chance to become the best sprinter of his generation

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US raider adds international appeal to July Cup after strong third at Royal Ascot

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FIRST PUBLISHED 6:00 PM, JULY 7, 2021