Golden Horde is now 4/1 favourite for the July Cup after landing the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot for trainer Clive Cox.
The Lethal Force colt was laid out for the three-year-olds’ 6f sprint. Golden Horde was smartly away down the stands’ side and ran out a 1 1/2 lengths winner over American raider Kimari.
There were big priced runners in the minor places, with 50/1 chance Ventura Rebel third and 250/1 outsider Royal Commander fourth.
Jessica Harrington’s 1000 Guineas flop Millisle ran much better here in fifth. Fellow Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien had four in the Commonwealth Cup, but 100/30 favourite Lope Y Fernandez was worst of those in 11th.
Pierre Lapin, who became ante post market leader with the bookies when French horse Earthlight wasn’t entered, trailed in last. The July Cup is the next logical target for Golden Horse, though.
Analysis: Cox record in July Cup a plus for Golden Horde
Jamie Clark, Horsebetting.com Editor
The stable knows what it takes to win the July Cup at Newmarket. Both Lethal Force, the sire of Golden Horde, and Harry Angel won it for Cox and jockey Adam Kirby.
The Commonwealth Cup was Royal Ascot’s newest race until the events introduced this year. Six renewals have produced six different yards being successful.
Pierre Lapin perhaps didn’t go on the ground and was coming off a lengthy lay-off, meanwhile. Roger Varian won’t give up with that one.
This was all about Golden Horde, though. With such lofty expectations, given the stable’s previous success with sprinters, this is an obvious horse to follow.
Lethal Force came back to Royal Ascot and landed the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. Harry Angel, meanwhile, went on to win the Haydock Sprint Cup.
Expect further changes to the July Cup betting as bookmakers react to the Diamond Jubilee tomorrow. Secptical is prominent in the market for both, but it is a big step up for the Irish raider.
