Trainer Carl O’Callaghan has confirmed that Kinsale King will remain in Britain for a probable tilt at the Darley July Cup (Eng-I) at Newmarket, the third British leg of the Global Sprint Challenge July 9.
O’Callaghan, who is based in the United States, saddled the 5-year-old for his first race on turf in which he finished third behind Starspangledbanner in the Golden Jubilee Stakes (Eng-I), the second British leg of the Global Sprint Challenge, at Royal Ascot June 19.
O’Callaghan is now hoping the six furlong distance of the July Course will suit Kinsale King.
The Yankee Victor gelding, temporarily stabled at Abingdon Place in Newmarket, has reportedly come out of his last assignment in good shape, and O'Callaghan is ready to let his charge have a shot at turning the tables on his Royal Ascot conqueror.
“For us, coming third at Ascot was like winning,” he said in a release. “My horse showed up on the day and that’s all I can ask.
“I think next time we’ll see a better performance. I am a bit concerned running him back so quick but he has bounced out of the race and is in great shape. He has been playing in the paddock and having a grand time.
“I wouldn’t stay if I didn’t think he had a chance of winning. After Ascot we did all the scopes and x-rays you can do and they were spotless.
“This time we won’t let Starspangledbanner go. I want to sit closer to him perhaps only a length behind as my horse can kick but also keep going.”
Kinsale King provided O’Callaghan with his biggest win to date in the Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored by Gulf News (UAE-I) at Meydan March 27.
The July Festival offers three days of racing action on the July Course, including the Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes (Eng-I) July 7, and the Darley July Cup July 9.