JOCKEY Harry Bentley is excited to be reunited with Limato as Wantage trainer Henry Candy’s sprinting star defends his Darley July Cup crown at Newmarket on Saturday.

Bentley rode the five-year-old to victory in the Group 1 six-furlong contest last year.

But following a disappointing display in Dubai in March, he was replaced by Ryan Moore in last month’s Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot where he finished a close third to The Tin Man.

Owner Paul Jacobs reasoned that the five-year-old – who returned from Meydan with pulled muscles – may remember the episode if Bentley, whom he attached no blame to, was to continue the partnership.

But now with Moore set to ride Commonwealth Cup winner Caravaggio in the July Cup, Jacobs has decided Bentley should be back on Limato.

Bentley said: “Obviously I am delighted to get back on him as I have ridden him six times before.

“He gave me a fantastic day at Newmarket last year and is the best horse I have ridden.”

East Ilsley trainer Hughie Morrison praised Nearly Caught after the gelding dug deep to land the Listed Coral Marathon at Sandown in the hands of jockey James Doyle.

“You don’t get many braver horses than this,” said Morrison.

Eve Johnson Houghton sent out Super Julius and Silver Ghost from her Blewbury stables, near Didcot, to win at Brighton and Epsom respectively.