In a touch of deja vu, Australian colt Brazen Beau will start from barrier 15 of 15 in the July Cup at Newmarket.
Brazen Beau had the same barrier when he finished second to Undrafted in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, racing solo on the stand side of the course.
Despite Saturday’s draw, British bookmakers make Brazen Beau the 9-4 equal favourite with fellow three-year-old Muhaarar, winner of the inaugural Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting.
Trainer Chris Waller returned to England from Sydney earlier this week and said he was happy with Brazen Beau’s progress.
“It’s just been a question of maintaining his fitness levels and not overdoing it,” Waller said.
“When I saw him before Ascot I knew he was as fit as we could get him and he looks the same now.
“Before his first start here I was hoping I had him fit enough and we know now he is competitive.
“James Doyle has ridden him three times in gallops and been impressed with the horse and is happy with him so I’m very happy with him.”
The colt’s preparation since he won the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington last year has centred on straight-track racing with England in mind.
He had two autumn starts in Australia for a second to Lankan Rupee in the Lightning Stakes before a dominant win in the Newmarket Handicap, both on the straight course at Flemington.
Brazen Beau will be racing in the royal blue colours of Godolphin for the first, and probably last, time.
After he was sold to Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley Australia last year, he remained in the colours of his original owners, a syndicate which bought him for $70,000 as a yearling.
The lease agreement expired after the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
Doyle is a retained rider for Godolphin and replaces Craig Williams who was aboard in the Diamond Jubilee.
Brazen Beau will stand at Darley’s Northwood Park in Victoria this spring.
