News

Brazen Beau in 'fantastic shape' for July Cup

6th Jul 2015

RacingPost.com - by David Milnes - Tuesday 7 July, 2015

Aussie star Brazen Beau is in "fantastic shape" for Saturday's Group 1 Darley July Cup according to jockey James Doyle after the 11-4 joint-favourite enjoyed his second workout in a week on the July course on Monday morning.

Trainer Chris Waller stepped off a plane just in time to see his Diamond Jubilee runner-up breeze four furlongs under Doyle and thinks his hope has moved forward since his narrow defeat at the hands of Undrafted last month.

He said: "It's great for Brazen Beau to get a feel of the place as it's a bit more undulating than Ascot, here you go down as well as up. He worked 400 metres I suppose which was maintenance work and it's just a question of keeping a lid on him until Saturday. Even though he finished second at Ascot I reckon he nailed it. It was a fantastic run."

Waller added: "Having a horse like Brazen Beau is up there with seeing your kids being born and marriage so I'm very excited about the July Cup. One of his best attributes is that he's so laid back. If there is any stress involved he just takes it in his stride."

On the opposition, he added: "Obviously I saw Muhaarar at Ascot myself and he looks pretty handy. He's the equivalent of what Brazen Beau was in Australia, a three-year-old coming through the ranks who will get the weight allowance."

Having won on seven of his 15 rides so far this month, Doyle’s confidence is sky-high as he prepares for the ride on Brazen Beau, who will sport Godolphin’s colours for the first time at Newmarket.

The jockey said: "I did a little bit more with Brazen Beau than I did last week and he's in fantastic shape. Obviously, you've got to respect Muhaarar who turned in a freakish performance at Ascot but my fellow goes there on top of his game."

Brazen Beau was among a total of 17 horses to stand their ground for the July Cup at Monday's five-day stage.

Muhaarar's owner Hamdan Al Maktoum could be double-handed after leaving in King's Stand Stakes third Muthmir. He has taken out Saturday's winner Waady, while Tiggy Wiggy was another notable absentee.