The Newmarket July Meeting continues into a second day on Friday, and once again ITV Racing will be on hand to capture the best of the afternoon’s action from Flat HQ with four live races including the Group One Falmouth Stakes.
Adding to the mix on Friday’s televised schedule is York with two live races.
13:50 NEWMARKET – Oddschecker Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race) Cl2 (3yo 0-105) 1m2f
Lightly-raced HERALDRY was giving 7lbs to reopposing Decade Of Time when finishing runner-up to that rival at Windsor last time out. However, on these revised terms and with the step up in trip expected to suit the Gosden runner, he could well reverse that form and regain winning ways.
The Kingman colt had won the time before on the all-weather, and he lost no caste in defeat last time when beaten just over one length, outpaced before running on well. This additional yardage could prove a catalyst for improvement, and he can make his presence felt here.
14:10 YORK – William Hill Extra Place Races Daily Handicap Cl3 (4yo+ 0-95) 7f
A big field handicap can go the way of RARE CHANGE (EW), who bounced back to form last time out with a win, and Richard Hughes’ charge can follow up.
The Mehmas gelding won three times last term before losing his way somewhat in the second half of the season, and he struggled in his first couple of runs this campaign before the application of cheekpieces worked the oracle latest.
He gained victory by the narrowest of margins at Goodwood last month, and he’s only up 2lbs for the victory with the headgear retained. Quicker ground isn’t an issue as he won on similar ground over C&D last May, and if he can continue in similar form to last time out, then he should be in the mix again in a competitive contest.
14:25 NEWMARKET – Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (Sponsored By Ultimate Provence) (Group 2) (Fillies) Cl1 (2yo) 6f
SENORITA BONITA lost no caste in defeat when run down late by Victorious in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot last month, and a repeat of that run can see Hugo Palmer’s charge get back on the scoresheet.
The Starspangledbanner filly had gained a narrow verdict on debut at Nottingham, and she possibly was sent for home too early at Ascot, briefly holding a clear lead before being overhauled by the eventual winner.
That form has since been franked by the fifth winning a Listed race next time out and open to further improvement after just two runs with this longer trip looking a positive, she can bounce back from her last-time defeat to resume winning ways here.
14:45 YORK – William Hill Summer Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) Cl1 (3yo+) 6f
FLORA OF BERMUDA was surely amiss when bombing out at Royal Ascot last time, and Andrew Balding’s charge is worth another chance.
The Dark Angel mare won this race two seasons ago, and she largely acquitted herself well in defeat last term without adding to her tally, finishing runner-up in Group One contests at Ascot and Haydock before posting a creditable ninth in the Champion Sprint on her final start.
She returned this term with a Newmarket victory in Listed company, but things didn’t go to plan for her at Ascot as she got upset in the stalls and later seemed to go wrong mid-race as her jockey eased her down and she crossed the line in last place.
That clearly wasn’t her running, but a relatively short turnaround suggests nothing was seriously amiss, and on her previous form, she can certainly make her presence felt if back to her best.
15:00 NEWMARKET – Betway Trophy (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race) Cl2 (4yo+) 1m6f
VALEDICTORY showed improved form when equipped with cheekpieces for the first time and faced with a stamina test for her last run at Goodwood, eventually scoring by just over one length from Spinning Wheel.
The Gosden runner had run well in both previous starts without winning, but the Cracksman gelding looked well at home over the longer trip latest, making late gains and taking up the running at the furlong pole.
The fifth and sixth horses home hav booth won since, the latter taking last weekend’s Northumberland Plate so a 5lbs rise in the weights for that victory might not be enough to prevent a repeat, given he likely remains progressive over this trip.
15:35 NEWMARKET – Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Falmouth Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies & Mares) Cl1 (3yo+) 1m
This could develop into a duel between Blue Bot and PRECISE, with preference for Aidan O’Brien’s runner who can rack up a hat-trick of victories.
The Starspangledbanner filly reeled off a four-timer last term, having been beaten on her racecourse debut, signing off her juvenile campaign with victory here in the Fillies’ Mile. She looked to need the run on her reappearance in the 1000 Guineas, and she has quickly righted that lesser showing at the Curragh and more recently at Ascot with victory in the Coronation Stakes.
Unlike Blue Bolt, she is proven at the highest level, and the Ballydoyle runner ought to be tough to beat.
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Brian joined the team a couple of years ago but he has a long background in writing horse racing content and betting tips. Having worked for a number of publications in the past, such as RacingTips, Brian made the move to thatsagoal and is the main content writer across flat and National Hunt racing.