Connections of War Artist hope the ground dries out before the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on Friday.

After three meritorious runs under Group One penalties, he was second to Kingsgate Native at Ascot and connections are hoping to improve on that.

"We've had a drying day today and if we are lucky and that carries on, the ground may get back to good, which will obviously suit us with him used to racing in South Africa," said trainer James Eustace on Thursday.

"He's drawn seven and all the main dangers appear to be higher than that. I can imagine them going down the middle of the track in an arrow formation, possibly with Fat Boy leading them.

"Hopefully he can be handy but Kerrin (McEvoy) can get him a bit more cover than he has had at York and at Ascot.

"I'm loathe to say it really, but he appears to have come out of Ascot in better shape than he went in. He is really well and we are expecting another good performance from him."

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