Legendary Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has given ex-pat Aussie galloper Starspangledbanner the thumbs-up ahead of a likely start in the Group I July Cup (1200m) at Newmarket on July 10.

In a press conference promoting the Newmarket July festival, O’Brien also hinted Australian breeders may be forced to wait another season before the horse commences his southern hemisphere stud duties with the July Cup being the cut-off race for stallions shuttling to Australia for the 2010 breeding season.

“He seems in good form, we haven't done an awful lot with him but everything is fine so far,” O’Brien said. “We think he'll run in the July Cup and he might stay on [and] take in another race, but it will be one step at a time.

“The July Cup is an extremely prestigious race and important for a mare or a stallion.”

Starspangledbanner showed UK racegoers what the Australian racing fraternity knew when he thumped his rivals in the Group I Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot on June 19.

O’Brien has made no effort to hide his admiration for Starspangledbanner since the horse arrived at Coolmore’s Ballydoyle stables earlier this year and he continued his high praise for the son of Choisir.

"I've never had a horse before who could do his fractions and his work before Royal Ascot was unbelievable,” said O’Brien. “When he first came to us he looked very special and we knew he was exceptional.

“He's a very natural racehorse - he's very generous in his work and always wants to please you.”

TAB Sportsbet has posted Starspangledbanner as a $3 favourite in the July Cup.

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