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Australian raiders Scenic Blast and Takeover Target have given the home brigade a timely reminder of their well-being ahead of the Darley July Cup a week on Saturday.

Both sprinters looked impressive when completing a workout at Newmarket yesterday, and the two trainers were excited to see their horses ready to launch their assault on the 6f showpiece. 

Scenic blast was unstoppable when routing the opposition in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot last month and while he had to miss the Golden Jubilee, his trainer believes that it is now time to keep him ready for the big race.  He said: "It was all good and he came through it with no worries. We just have to keep him ticking over now.  He's a fitter horse than he was at Ascot, but he needs to be as it's six furlongs and it's a different ball game.  Obviously it's a different track as well, but he's where he needs to be."

Meanwhile, it was a different story for Royal Ascot favourite Takeover Target, who was forced to miss both legs of the Global Sprint Challenge due to suffering from a high temperature.  Trainer Joe Janiak believes that his horse is now ready for the Group 1 at HQ: "Everything went well and he seems in good form.  He is all set for the July Cup now and we are looking forward to it."

Scenic Blast remains a very strong favourite in the market for the race.  With bookmakers keen to duck him following his impressive victory last time out, he is a best priced 7/4 with Ladbrokes, with fellow Aussie, Takeover Target, a 12/1 shot with the same firm.