Equiano attempts to prove, beyond doubt, it is the fastest thoroughbred on this planet, at Newmarket this afternoon. With ground conditions forecast good to firm for the �400,000, group one July Cup, it will take about 1min 12 secs for Equiano to complete six furlongs of the famous July course. It's hard to imagine any of thirteen rivals being able to cope with Barry Hills' flying machine, unless the final steep climb takes its toll.
That's the crux because Equiano is, definitely, the best sprinter globally, over five furlongs. His all-the-way victory in the King's Stand at Royal Ascot was magnificent and he wasn't stopping. Earlier this season, Equiano won over six on the Rowley Mile (across the road!) but his time-handicap mark then was nigh on a stone less, than those achieved in three subsequent efforts. There is no firm, statistical evidence of him getting this distance but I'll bet he does.
With Aussie raiders, Starspangledbanner and speedball, Nicconi strongly fancied, not to mention Fleeting Spirit, winner last year, this promises to be entertainment-plus and 47-year-old Michael Hills is the lucky man on top of Equiano, a magnificent five-year-old, which has all angles covered. There's an overwhelming, supporting programme, at courses all over the country, but only one race that interests me today.
SELECTIONS
RACE 8 (#2) EQUIANO
RACE 37 (#2) DOLPHIN ROCK
RACE 42 (#5) MISS MEDIATOR (e.w.)
RACE 47 (#3) PUDDLE DUCK (e.w.)