As Saturday sees the July Festival wrap up at Newmarket, the July Cup has Khaadem seeking a Group 1 season double.
On the heels of two days of flat racing at HQ, the ground has held up well enough, but as rain arrives overnight in Suffolk, that could thrown the form book asunder.
And as Charlie Hills look to keep a good thing going, will the rain help or hinder Khaadem and Billy Loughnane?
Surprise defender
Now 8yo, through he may only have nine careers wins from 34, Khaadem remains a horse for the big occasion.
A two-time Group 1 winner, the son of Dark Angel once again stunned Royal Ascot to storm home and retain the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes last month.
Khaadem wins the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes again!
That’ll do nicely for @oismurphy & @cbhills #ITVRacing | #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/L40Y96AVaQ
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 22, 2024
Only a second win since winning the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood in July 2022, said two victories bucked both trend and form.
With entries in the Sprint Cup and Nunthorpe Stakes to follow in the coming weeks, can Khaadem prove a consistent performer in elite company?
HQ omen?
We mention the King George two years back, that day was the first and only time Khaadem has put together back-to-back career wins.
His victory prior was at Newmarket in the Palace House Stakes at the start of that season, so though cynics might suggest the presence of a one-course wonder, Khaadem can get it done at HQ.
Perhaps the bigger question surrounds the ground for Saturday, as the going looks set to switch from good to good to soft, but more likely, soft.
Khaadem’s three biggest wins have all come on faster ground but has proven a liking for the juicy turf in the past, albeit some six years ago.
So there is a good deal of uncertainty to his chances, but if it comes down the form, Khaadem is still a player at 20/1.
A ‘Sher thing?
A good deal off the top billing, the favourite to to take the winning post in the July Cup is currently Inisherin.
Himself buoyant from the Commonwealth Cup, the 3yo colt is looking for a third win on the spin and has no concerns over the ground.
Returning to Newmarket after finishing sixth in the 2000 Guineas, the 40/1 shot that day has been one of the form runners into the summer, and over 6f might take some beating.
The softening ground may also disappoint the ever-game Swingalong, who after being pipped at the death by Khaadem at Royal Ascot will be keen to exact a dose of vengeance.
Having placed in five of the last six outings over 6f, and leading from stalls to the brink of victory last time out, trainer Karl Burke will be quietly confident of his and his 4yo’s chances.
The My Pension Expert July Cup Stakes takes place on Saturday at 4:35pm UK time.
