Ain’t Nobody, victor at Royal Ascot, has the opportunity to ignite a thrilling July Festival at Newmarket for trainer Kevin Ryan and jockey Tom Eaves when he steps up in distance for Thursday’s July Stakes.
Before teaming up with red-hot July Cup favourite Inisherin on Saturday, the duo’s Windsor Castle champion aims to maintain his unbeaten record as he enters Group Two competition. The Sands Of Mali colt stormed home to collar US challenger Gabaldon at Ascot, and Ryan expects him to handle the step-up in distance and face a strong field with confidence.
“He hit the line strongly at Ascot and I don’t think the trip will be a problem,” said Ryan. “He’s won on good to soft at Carlisle and then on different grounds at Ascot, but he did it well and we’re delighted with him.”
Wathnan Racing, prominent owners who enjoyed success with their juveniles at Royal Ascot, narrowly missed out with Electrolyte, second by a nose in the Coventry Stakes. This upcoming race has been targeted as a chance for Archie Watson’s youngster to make amends, following a promising debut at Ayr.
Meanwhile, Wathnan’s Shareholder challenged Whistlejacket in the Norfolk Stakes, where the Aidan O’Brien colt finished just over a length behind. The form of that race was bolstered by Aesterius’ recent victory in the Dragon Stakes, and jockey Ryan Moore is optimistic about Whistlejacket’s chances over six furlongs.
Among those absent from the Royal Meeting, Charlie Appleby’s Aomori City impressed on debut at Nottingham last month. Purchased for €260,000 as a yearling, the Oasis Dream colt will face a stern test in his second outing.
Michael Bell’s Rajeko showed promise in a winning debut at Windsor, while Eve Johnson Houghton’s Billboard Star completes the lineup after a recent victory over the same course and distance.