Double Rush preparing to step up to Group company in July Cup

After bringing up a hat-trick at Royal Ascot, Double Rush will now take the leap into “big boy racing” with his Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai July Cup Stakes tilt part of a dual Group One assault by owners Ace Stud at Newmarket’s July Festival.

Switched to Andrew Balding at the beginning of the year to be the lead horse for the ill-fated Classic contender Gewan, Double Rush has proven a star in his own right, racking up three straight sprinting victories in handicap company, culminating in Wokingham Stakes glory at the Royal meeting.

That success has signalled a step into deeper waters on Saturday week, with his team optimistic he has all the attributes to continue thriving among top-class opposition.

“He’s going to step into Group One company and we’ve been lucky I suppose that we’ve managed to get him to run and win in three handicaps so far this season,” said the owners’ racing and bloodstock manager Paul Curran.

“We knew whatever happened after Ascot handicaps would be no more and now it’s time to get into big boy racing and ask him a few more questions in Group class.

“We were at Andrew’s to take a look at him on Monday and he’s in great order and has come out of the race at Ascot really well.

“He’s going to one of the best and most prestigious sprint races on the calendar and we’re looking forward to seeing how he comes through it when he takes on the big guns, but I don’t think he will be outclassed and he is certainly a good enough horse.”

Joining Double Rush at Newmarket’s marquee three-day meeting is Karl Burke’s Evolutionist, second in the 2000 Guineas across the way on the Rowley Mile in the spring and now bidding to bounce back from French Oaks disappointment in the Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Falmouth Stakes.

Curran explained: “She was in season the morning of the race at Chantilly and there is nothing we could do about it. We just had to run her and see if she could handle it and she didn’t, she was probably feeling herself too much.

“Shane (Foley, jockey) looked after her and was quite easy with her and she has come out of it really well. She’s been back working the last couple of weeks and going fine.

“We’re going to take a close look at the Falmouth Stakes for her and we’re just going to draw a line through her last run as she’s been so consistent otherwise throughout her career.

“She’s a top filly and we’re hoping to see her bounce back. She might fly in under the radar for this and it’s back at a mile where she has competed really well before and we’re looking forward to seeing her go there.

“It’ll be her first time on the July course and a new test, but she’s handled the Rowley Mile fine and it will be nothing too dissimilar and should suit her fine.”