Brazen Beau to target Group 1 July Cup
THE Chris Waller-trained Brazen Beau is primed for the Group 1 July Cup on July 12 after performing admirably at the Royal Ascot carnival, where it was the best-performed Australian runner.
Brazen Beau is coming off a last-start second-placing in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and if it runs at Newmarket for the July Cup, it could be wearing the blue silks of Godolphin.
Sheikh Mohammed struck a deal to buy Brazen Beau before Ascot, but leased it out to the On Track Racing syndicate so they could enjoy the Royal Ascot experience.
Many people questioned Craig Williams’ ride aboard the rising four-year-old, but Godolphin’s Henry Plumptre came to his defense.
“I spoke to Chris and to John Ferguson and I would probably echo what Kerrin McEvoy has said in that there wouldn’t be many more avid track walkers than Craig Williams,” Plumptre said.
“I don’t think it was a question of being on the wrong side of the track, more that nobody decided to go with him and give him any help.
“He was an Aussie boy on an Aussie horse in a local Group One, he’s not going to get too much help.
“Chris was pretty relaxed about it and so were we. The horse lost no admirers,” added Plumptre.
Brazen Beau has been installed as the $4 favourite for the July Cup so there is still support for the son of I Am Invincible.
“He’s a brave colt and will make a great stallion,” Plumptre said.
“If he’s OK – he’s very relaxed in his routine at Stanley House – we’ll keep an eye on the July Cup and if he’s fine, we’ll give him a run at it.
“We also agreed that if Sheikh Mohammed was to have the pleasure of watching the horse run in his colours, it should be in the July Cup. So, effectively as of now, although not officially until the end of June, the horse will still be trained by Chris [Waller], but he’ll run in the blue colours on July Cup day, weather permitting.”
Brazen Beau’s victor in the Diamond Jubilee, Undrafted, is currently on the third line of betting at $7 with Muhaarar at $6.
Other horses seen running during the Royal Ascot carnival are also in the market. Sole Power has been let go by punters and stands at $15, Due Diligence is at $17 with G Force and Moviesta.
Sportsbet.com.au’s Chris Jantzen states that history is on the side of Brazen Beau.
“Starspangledbanner completed the Diamond Jubilee-July Cup double in 2010 as a southern hemisphere three-year-old, and this has no doubt encouraged trainer Chris Waller to have another crack on English soil,” Jantzen said.
This could be one of the last times we see Brazen Beau on the track, so its price is expected to drop as the race draws closer.