Linas can complete four-timer
Put away for the winter after losing his maiden tag over nine furlongs at Epsom last September, Mark Johnston’s son of top-class miler Selkirk and Grade Three American winner Lines Of Beauty has improved in every race this year.
He would have already completed a four-timer but for finding subsequent Chester Vase and King Edward VII Stakes winner Papal Bull too strong for him on his seasonal reappearance.
Linas Selection has since won Royal Ascot’s King George V Handicap in impressive style and a 13lb hike in the weights failed to prevent him from collecting first prize in a Listed handicap at York’s recent John Smith’s Cup meeting.
He fully deserves his place in this event and it will take a brave man to bet against him.
Saeed bin Suroor won the 2004 renewal of the Group Two Betfair Cup with Byron and appears to have an excellent chance of winning it again with Iffraaj. He made his debut for Godolphin in last month’s six-furlong Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes, but could finish only seventh.
It was a different story in Newmarket’s July Cup, however, as he only just failed to catch the winner after being prevented from obtaining a clear run.
This represents a drop in class and he is fancied to take all the beating.
