Racing: Aussies aim at July Cup

SYDNEY: Starspangledbanner kept a tight grip on favouritism to end an Australian-bred run of outs in the July Cup at Newmarket after the barrier draw for tomorrow morning's Group One sprint.

The colt, who now races out of Ireland, has drawn gate 11 in a field of 14 but remains a solid 13-8 elect with British bookmakers to complete the Golden Jubilee- July Cup double.

Joining Starspangledbanner in the outside half of the field will be Australian-trained Nicconi and Alverta. They will start from barriers eight and 14 respectively. Both have fallen from favour with bookmakers.

Run on the famous July course at Newmarket, the July Cup is the fourth - and arguably most testing - leg of the Global Sprint Challenge.

There is an uphill run to the winning post which has led to the downfall of more than one Australian entry during the past decade. Takeover Target broke down in last year's race and was immediately retired.

Australia's best July Cup result belongs to Choisir, the sire of Starspangledbanner.

Fleeting Spirit, the 4-1 second favourite, will be trying to become the first horse since 1958-59 to win back-to-back. She will be ridden by glamour jockey Frankie Dettori after finishing fourth - 2 lengths behind Starspangledbanner - in the Golden Jubilee.

- AAP