A 6/1 Asset for Darley July Cup

Those of a superstitious nature probably would cringe at the concept of risking some of their hard-earned on Friday 13th, but if you're of a brave disposition and fancy a wager, side with Asset for the Darley July Cup, who is a best-priced 6/1 with Corals. This Group 1 dash is always fiercely competitive and this year's renewal looks particularly strong. On either side of the selection in the betting are two high class three-year-olds, Sakhee's Secret and Dutch Art, while Golden Jubilee victor Soldier's Tale rates a major player. Soldier's Tale produced a power-packed finish to overhaul Takeover Target and Asset at Royal Ascot, in the process reiterating his appreciation of cut in the ground. The heavens opened just in time for Jeremy Noseda's charge that day and few can deny the horse the top-flight victory he genuinely deserved. However, Asset was beaten just a head and half-a-length into third in that race, demonstrating good pace throughout and really motoring in the final 75 yards, a performance which was outstanding considering that the going was far too soft for him and that he wouldn't have been at his peak fitness-wise. Indeed, the son of Marju was having just his second start since returning from a lengthy, injury-induced absence and there was a two-month break between his reappearance win in the Abernant on the Rowley Mile and the royal meeting. Consequently, he wouldn't have been at his optimum level in terms of sharpness. On Friday, I reckon we'll see him in a better light on a surface which will be far more suitable. Naturally, it's hard to predict the potential effect of the draw at this stage, but providing that he isn't poorly drawn, Asset can land this prestigious sprint for the bang in-form Hannon stable. The Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained colt is double the price of Sakhee's Secret with many firms, yet boasts far stronger credentials. The winner of the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes as a juvenile, the son of Medicean was a fine third in the 2000 Guineas here in May before finishing a close-up fourth in the St James's Palace at Royal Ascot. Connections are adamant that he gets a mile, but I am convinced that he will be far more effective now that he reverts to sprinting. Dutch Art is blessed with so much natural speed and he seemed to find the last furlong and a bit too far behind Excellent Art on the Old Mile at the royal meeting. He rates the main danger to Asset. The real unknown quantity of the race is the Australian raider Bentley Biscuit, who has been the subject of positive bulletins recently. He was well below-par in the King's Stand on the first day of the royal meeting when the going was pretty quick. They may well put a bit of water on the ground if there's no rain this week, but there has to be a chance the going will again be too fast for him. Verdict: 2pts Asset @ 5/1 (Coral)