Muthmir likely for July Cup call-up at Newmarket
Wednesday 8 July 2015 10:07, UK
Leading owner Hamdan Al Maktoum is set to launch a formidable twin assault on the Darley July Cup, with Muthmir ready to join Muhaarar at Newmarket on Saturday.
The Charlie Hills-trained Muhaarar disputes favouritism with Australian challenger Brazen Beau for the six-furlong Group One following a stunning display in the inaugural Commonwealth Cup.
Muthmir, trained by William Haggas, was narrowly denied Royal Ascot glory in the King's Stand and connections are ready to let him step back up in distance.
The owner's retained jockey Paul Hanagan ditched Muhaarar in Berkshire in favour of Adaay, but Sheikh Hamdan's racing manager, Angus Gold, expects him to get back on board, leaving Dane O'Neill to partner Muthmir.
Gold said: "I need to clear it with Sheikh Hamdan, but William is quite keen to run Muthmir, so there's every chance we'll have the two of them there.
"I think it would be very hard for Paul not to ride Muhaarar after what he did at Ascot.
"He understandably chose Adaay in the Commonwealth as he looked a progressive sprinter who'd won his last two races over six furlongs, whereas Muhaaarar was coming back from a mile.
"But it would be hard for Paul to get off him again."
