3 minute read

July Cup second set to head to France next month

Advertise will attempt to return to Group One-winning form in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on August 4 after being beaten into second place in the July Cup.

Advertise had Ten Sovereigns in fourth place when winning the Commonwealth Cup, but Aidan O'Brien's sprinter reversed the form in emphatic fashion at Newmarket on Saturday.

Trainer Martyn Meade is surprised how well his star three-year-old colt has taken the race so far.

"He's come out of it really well, surprisingly. He's been bucking and kicking today. He's in great form," said the Manton handler.

"It was just extraordinary how that form from Ascot could turn round.

"You have to assume Ten Sovereigns wasn't right at Ascot. I don't know. I'm just baffled how he improved so much.

"If we knew he was going to run like that, we might have had different tactics. We weren't quick out of the box.

"If it had been a different run race and we'd have jumped and been up there, it might have been different. We just had an awful lot to do. He beat all the horses apart from him.

"I am thrilled to bits with him. He's won two Group Ones and been second in a third.

"I'm obviously disappointed we didn't win, but take nothing away from him. The ground wouldn't have been ideal.

"It was no disgrace, just annoying we didn't win on the day.

"I think the Maurice de Gheest, over six and a half furlongs, will be next on the cards for him."