Mystic Guide beaten but unbowed following Belmont Park reversal

Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline winner Mystic Guide produced a highly commendable effort on his US return over the weekend as he was narrowly beaten in the G2 Suburban Stakes at Belmont Park.

The Godolphin flagbearer went down by a neck to Max Player, who was receiving 4lbs, on his first appearance since his famous victory at Meydan in March. Racing down the inside rail on a sloppy track also counted against Mystic Guide, who nevertheless fought bravely all the way to the line.

“It’s like when Maxfield was beaten in the Santa Anita Handicap earlier in the season. He also produced an excellent effort in defeat and look where he went from there,” said Godolphin USA President Jimmy Bell.

“We will be looking for the same response from Mystic Guide. We have our eyes on the Breeders’ Cup Classic and this will help him towards that goal. He gave his best, which is all you can ask for, and will tighten up for his first start in three months.”

Creative Force and Naval Crown fought out the finish to the G3 Jersey Stakes last month and both three-year-olds are set to tackle G1 assignments in Europe this week.

After notching his fourth straight win of the year at Royal Ascot, Creative Force will return to six furlongs for the G1 Darley July Cup on Saturday. Al Quoz Sprint runner-up Final Song features among the latest confirmations for the highlight of Newmarket’s July Festival as well.

Naval Crown is due to head to France on Sunday for the G1 Prix Jean Prat, won by Territories, Thunder Snow and Pinatubo in recent years. The Deauville race could also feature G3 Prix Paul de Moussac scorer Erasmo and the unbeaten Midtown, who is set to make his three-year-old return following a recent racecourse gallop at Saint-Cloud.

Dubawi secured his first Group-race success in the Superlative Stakes back in 2004 and Godolphin juveniles have dominated the seven-furlong G2 recently, taking four of the last six renewals. Either Native Trial or Private Signal will attempt to add their name to the notable roll of honour on the Darley July Cup undercard.