THE Group 2 Arqana July Stakes was packed with lightly-raced youngsters, eight of whom had won last time out. However, in the end the two most experienced colts fought out the finish as Mark Johnston’s Cardsharp (James Doyle) readily held Aidan O’Brien’s U S Navy Flag. Coventry Stakes winner Rajasinghe, with plenty to do at halfway, kept on for third without ever threatening.

For quite a while it looked as if those against the far rails would hold sway, with recent course and distance winner Invincible Army battling away with U S Navy Flag. Ryan Moore finally had the better of that argument on the Ballydoyle horse but Cardsharp, who raced in the trio down the middle, stayed on really strongly to prevail by just under two lengths.

“We’ve been chopping and changing the trip with him,” Johnston admitted. “He showed so much speed at Beverley that we went for the Norfolk at Royal Ascot instead of the Coventry. He was an excellent third but seemed to relish the step back up to six furlongs today. I wouldn’t rule out racing him over further later in the season.”

Between them, the first two have already raced 12 times but show no signs of fatigue. Kevin Buckley was more than happy with U S Navy Flag, who ran well all the way only 12 days after winning his maiden.

“He lost his off-fore shoe today, which isn’t an excuse, it’s just what happened,” Buckley said. “He’s pretty durable and we’ll have a look at the options.”

Cardsharp, a son of Lonhro, received 33/1 quotes for next year’s 2000 Guineas but this did not look the strongest of July Stakes.

MEEHAN IN-FORM

Following stables in form is one of racing’s most reliable adages and those waiting patiently for Brian Meehan to hit his stride have enjoyed a very successful couple of weeks.

He struck again in the opener here as Raheen House, coming with a well-timed challenge under Jamie Spencer, reeled in long-time leader Sofia’s Rock in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy over a mile and five.

Recent rain had left the ground no firmer than good and the jockeys seemed undecided about the best terrain. Several charted a middle course but Silvestre de Sousa elected to come up the stands’ side on Sofia’s Rock and soon enjoyed a handy lead.

With Wolf Country making only laboured progress from the back and warm favourite Atty Persse finding nothing under pressure, it looked briefly as if he might hold on but finally Raheen House (7/2) moved alongside and went on to score by a length from Desert Skyline, who deprived Sofia’s Rock of second close home.

Atty Persse, a good winner at Royal Ascot, dropped out altogether and something was clearly amiss.

“I’ll suggest to the owner Lew Day that we go for the St Leger and leave him alone until then,” Meehan said of the winner. “The trip is fine and this is the way he wants to be ridden. A mile and six will be perfect for him and he’ll stay farther next year.”

Coral and Paddy Power made Raheen House a 10/1 chance for the final classic and Spencer underlined his claims.

“He idled a bit in front and flicked his ears so hopefully there’s a bit more in the locker,” the jockey said. “He’s out of a Monsun mare and is by an Arc winner (Sea The Stars) so his chance is there in the breeding. Brian has brought him along with the Leger in mind.”

David Elsworth indicated that Desert Skyline might well be an Ebor horse. “He’s a hard ride but a good 5lb claimer might be a good move,” he observed.