Artist to wait for Newbury

War Artist

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Connections of War Artist have decided to bypass next week's Darley July Cup and wait for a Group Three race at Newbury the following week.

The six-year-old has not raced since finishing third in last year's Newmarket sprint and did not feature in the list of 14 acceptors for the race next Friday.

He was forced to miss his intended reappearance at Newcastle last month on account of the soft ground, and trainer James Eustace feels it is a tough ask to take on Group One opposition on his return to action.

"He's absolutely fine and worked very well this morning," said the trainer.

"After Newcastle was a no-go because of the ground, it left us in a dilemma whether to go for the July Cup or not. We just thought using that race as a first run of the season would be harsh on the horse.

"The Hackwood Stakes is luckily only eight days later (July 18) so we're going to go there instead.

"Even though it is a year since he ran you would like to think he would be classy enough to win that without being fully fit.

"He is working nicely, in fact, I couldn't be more pleased with him."

Target to return

Royal Ascot winners Scenic Blast and Art Connoisseur head the entries as they look to follow up wins in the King's Stand and the Golden Jubilee respectively.

Veteran Takeover Target is set for his first run in Britain this year having missed the Royal meeting with a setback, while Mike De Kock's J J The Jet Plane bids to build on his Golden Jubilee fourth.

France's African Rose adds further international interest, while Duff is the sole Irish challenger.

Queen Anne Stakes winner Paco Boy could drop back in trip, although trainer Richard Hannon's admits it is unlikely the horse will take his chance in the six furlong race.

"It makes sense to keep our options open, but the ground at Newmarket is good to firm, and, with only light showers forecast for Monday and Tuesday and the prediction of predominately dry weather after that, it could well be lightning fast come Friday," he said.

"There is no way that we would risk Paco Boy in those conditions.

"We will probably wait for the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on August 9 - the extra half-furlong will suit us and the going is likely to be more favourable too."

Main Aim, Ancien Regime, Equiano, Intrepid Jack, King's Apostle, Prime Defender and Fleeting Spirit complete the possible starters in a high-class renewal.