Sprint star has bookies running for cover

Bookmakers are wary Starspangledbanner could continue a miserable summer for layers, after trainer Aidan O'Brien issued an upbeat report on the sprinter ahead of next week's Darley July Cup.

The Australian import has thrived since his British debut at York in May and showed electric pace to land the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He was just one of 13 favourites to oblige at the Royal meeting and he has been cut to 9-4 from 5-2 by Paddy Power to follow up in Europe's richest sprint race at Newmarket on Friday week. "We are taking no chances after his demolition job at Ascot and it has been tough for the layers," said Power.

"After the worst Cheltenham Festival we've ever had, we followed it up with absolute carnage at the Royal meeting.

"And the way Aidan O'Brien has been talking, Starpangledbanner looks as though he's past the post in the July Cup already!"

The colt had been covering furlongs in less than 10 seconds at home prior to his Ascot romp and O'Brien is increasingly bullish with every drop of moisture that evaporates from the ground. He said: "We have never had a horse who can do those fractions and his work before Ascot was incredible. We knew he was exceptional. The faster the ground, the better it will suit him."