Day 2 of the Newmarket July Festival is on telly today, together with the added bonus of a bit of jumping action from The Rasen.
Headline race is the bet365 Trophy at 3.00, in which 16 stand their ground and it would be highly appropriate and, indeed, a Wonderful World if it were to be won by Sam Cooke on the 60th anniversary of the record’s release.
(“Wot’s ‘e on abart?” “Dunno, mate – maybe there’ll be a video link at the bottom.”)
Ralph Beckett‘s 4-y-o was last seen way back in May of last year, running away with a Chester handicap off a mark of 85, since when the horse has suffered a couple of minor injuries. Now reported fully fit and ready to go, Sam gets a chance to make up for lost time and should be backed at 4-1.
Televised action kicks off at 1.50 with the bet365 Handicap and the 7 non-runners have brought this race into the possible from the impossible. In the hope it runs, we recommend a minor each way investment on Lucky Louie at 9-1.
The Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at 2.25 has the look of a match between Dandalla and Time Scale and we will keep the faith with Dandalla, who did us a 10-1 favour at Royal Ascot. Have a half-decent bet at 6-5.
There’s another bet365 Handicap at 3.35, this time over 10 furlongs and, with 4 places generally available, we suggest each way punts on Enemy at 9-2 and Global Storm at 6-1.
The Group 1 Tattersalls’ Falmouth Stakes at 4.10 looks at the mercy of Terrebellum, but at 4-5 tops we’ll just watch this one.
Over in Lincolnshire, the Betway Summer Handicap Hurdle has a field of eleven and our main bet here is the Paul Nicholls‘s trained Red Force One.
Now in it’s second season as a hurdler, this 89 rated Flat racer should be very much on the improve and, after a satisfactory pipe-opener on the level last month is primed to run a big race. Take the 5-1 each way.
We also suggest an each way bet on Brandon Castle at 9-1 after also going well on the Flat 3 weeks ago. Neil King‘s 8-y-o could get them all at it from the front under the fragrant Bryony.
Final race to look at is the Betway Summer Plate Handicap Chase at 2.40, with a competitive field of 17 vying for a decent amount of moolah.
Favourite for this is Harry Fry‘s Bags Groove, returning from a hefty absence and we think it’s too much to ask for this likeable chaser to win this off a mark of 147.
We prefer the chances of Fidux, available at 14-1.
This 7-y-o is 2 from 4 over fences, has had a tune-up on the Flat and is very well handicapped off 138. Provided its relative inexperience can be overcome, with a clear round it should be there at the business end.
Let the karaoke commence.
Summary:
Sam Cooke 3.00 Newmarket 1.5pts e/w @ 4-1 (4 places)
Lucky Louie 1.50 Newmarket 0.5pts e/w @ 9-1 (4 places)
Dandalla 2.25 Newmarket 5pts win @ 6-5
Enemy 3.35 Newmarket 1pt e/w @ 9-2 (4 places Skybet/Betfair)
Global Storm 3.35 Newmarket 1pt e/w @ 6-1 (4 places Skybet/Betfair)
Red Force One 2.05 Market Rasen 1.5pts e/w @ 5-1
Brandon Castle 0.5pts e/w @ 9-1
Fidux 2.40 Market Rasen 1.5pts e/w @ 14-1 (5 places)
