The much anticipated re-match between Godolphin’s Harry Angel and the Aidan O’Brien-trained unbeaten Caravaggio highlights the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket on Saturday.
But that is only one part of the story as the race itself provides the three year olds their first opportunity to challenge older opposition over 1,200 metres.
That brings three elders into the equation - The Tin Man, Tasleet and Limato - who were the first three to finish at the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in Ascot in their most recent start.
Caravaggio is seeking to extend his unbeaten record to seven while Harry Angel is on an interesting mark that reads 2-1-2-1-2 in five career starts.
The Godolphin colt by Dark Angel was collared in the last 100 yards by Caravaggio when they clashed in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot on June 23.
Clive Cox, Harry Angel’s trainer, is encouraged by that effort from his colt and remains bullish about his chances of going one better in the re-match.
“Harry Angel impressed me very much with the way he came out of the Commonwealth Cup and we are very much looking forward to running him again,” Cox said. “It was a great performance from Caravaggio at Ascot, but this is a different track and a different day.
“I am thrilled that Harry Angel is going into the race in great nick and have been very pleased with him.”
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Intelligence Cross, O’Brien’s second entry is the only other three-year-old in the field.
The Henry Candy-trained Limato won the July Cup 12 months ago and his latest third suggests he is back in business.
James Fanshawe’s The Tin Man is on course to attempt a big six-furlong double while Tasleet in the silks of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and trained by William Haggas, would be looking to reverse the results of their most recent clash.
Completing the line-up are Kevin Ryan's Brando, the David O'Meara-trained Intisaab and Richard Fahey's duo of Growl and Mr Lupton.
Meanwhile, Bean Feasa carries the Godolphin hopes in Friday’s Group 1 Irish Oaks at the Curragh.
The Jim Bolger-trained daughter of Dubawi with, Kevin Manning on board, lines up against nine other fillies - including Group 1 Oaks heroine Enable, Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes runner-up Rain Goddess and Coronet, who took the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.
