International flavour for July Cup
Australian star Miss Andretti and last year’s 2000 Guineas hero George Washington are two of the most eyecatching contenders among 71 horses entered for the Darley July Cup.
Miss Andretti, who is trained by Lee Freedman, has won all her three starts at the highest level in 2007 while Aidan O’Brien’s George Washington has yet to make his first start after returning to training following an abortive stud career.
The July 13 event could also feature two more Antipodean raiders in Magnus and Bentley Biscuit while last year’s winner Les Arcs has been entered by Tim Pitt.
Asset, Ashdown Express, Amadeus Wolf, Moss Vale, Tax Free, Pivotal Point, Gift Horse, Fayr Jag and Red Clubs are other top older horses in the frame at this stage.
The Classic generation is strongly represented with 2000 Guineas runner-up Vital Equine entered by Eoghan O’Neill along with third-placed Dutch Art.
John Oxx has entered 1000 Guineas second Arch Swing while other Classic also-rans include Major Cadeaux, Haatef, Prime Defender, Theann and US Ranger.
French 2000 Guineas winner Astronomer Royal is another in a strong entry from O’Brien while Sander Camillo, one-time favourtie for the 1000 Guineas, is in the mix.
Irish hope Dandy Man is another of interest while the international element is further strengthened by the likes of the Freddy Head-trained Marchand d’Or, New Girlfriend and German runner Electric Beat.
