Venetian Sun, the dual top-level winner, is set to face off against fellow Royal Ascot victors Almeraq and Mission Central in the 6f Group 1 July Cup. However, trainer Karl Burke is concerned about her participation, as she has shown signs of being in season, which could impact her performance. Burke admits that he's 'exercised' by this development, as some fillies cope with it better than others. He's closely monitoring her behavior, hoping she doesn't exhibit any signs of being in season for the rest of the week.
Burke's concerns are not unfounded, as he cites stablemate Evolutionist's experience as an example. Evolutionist came into season just before a race in France, resulting in a poor performance. However, Burke acknowledges that Diamond Necklace, another filly in season, won her race despite showing signs in the pre-parade ring. This raises questions about the impact of being in season on a filly's performance.
Despite these concerns, Burke remains optimistic about Venetian Sun's potential. He believes she has yet to reach her full potential and could prove herself as a superstar sprinter. Her only disappointing run came when she was stepped up to a mile in the 1,000 Guineas, but over sprint distances, she has been impressive. The Commonwealth Cup was a challenging sprint, and her recovery suggests she hasn't reached her limits.
The July Cup is a highly anticipated event, featuring four Royal Ascot winners, a Japanese gem, and a 200-1 Group 1 hero. Burke's focus on Venetian Sun's potential as a superstar sprinter adds to the excitement, as she aims to become the first three-year-old filly to win the July Cup since Habibti in 1983.
In my opinion, the July Cup is a crucial race for Venetian Sun to showcase her talent and solidify her status as a top sprinter. While the concerns about being in season are valid, Burke's experience and optimism provide a compelling argument for her potential success. The race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the possibility of a new superstar being crowned.
