Newmarket preview: July Stakes (14.40)

Elronaq impressed when scoring last time out, and looks decent value to land a competitive renewal of the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket (14.40).

The Charlie Hills trained colt ran very well on debut when chasing home Eltezam at Haydock, and duly showed the benefit of that experience when romping to a 3 1/4 length success in a maiden over course and distance last month.

Elronaq made all in the hands of jockey Paul Hanagan and forged clear isnide the final furlong to win going away.
It was a performance which oozed class, and one which suggested that the son of Invincible Spirit was above average and well worth a crack at this level.

The two-year-old does have work to do with Eltezam, if taking their run at Haydock on face value, but that rival had the benefit of a run going into the context, so Elronaq is clearly going the right way and could come out on top on this occasion.

Eltezam is one of two Richard Hannon trained runners in the race, and looks the main hope for the yard as they bid to win the 6f contest for the fourth time in succession.

After beating Elronaq at Haydock, Eltezam ran a cracker to finish third to Buratino in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Rpyal Ascot.

Although now matched for the easy winner, Eltezam showed plenty of early dash and stuck to the task well to be beaten four lengths.

That is the best form on offer in this line-up, but the only doubt is whether the son of Kodiac has the same scope for improvement as Elronaq?

Areen and Steady Pace both ran very well when second and third respectively in the 5f Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and command plenty of respect.

Of the pair, I think Areen will be better suited by the step up to 6f and expect the Kevin Ryan trained colt to confirm the placings.