Saturday 15th July 2023
Author: Jordan Yates (EvRacing_)
Welcome aboard my preview for the July Festival that’s set to take place at Newmarket this week over the next three days, starting on Thursday and concluding on Saturday with July Cup Day. I’ll be previewing for the full meeting, so as ever, if you are having a punt make sure to do it in a responsible manner.
2.15 – CLASS 2 FILLIES HANDICAP
CANDLE OF HOPE – 4/1
“This is a competitive fillies handicap with not much seperating the field, however, I think Candle Of Hope arrives here with a very solid chance for the team of Richard Hughes and Ryan Moore. Currently trading at around 6/1 she was last seen when posting a very encouraging effort in the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot, she’s a pound lower here for her troubles and I think has every chance of going close.”
2.50 – BET365 MILE HANDICAP
HAVANA BLUE – 4/1
“Clive Cox trained three-year-old who’s another ride for Ryan Moore here and this is a horse who couldn’t be in finer form, coming into the race off the back of two straight victories, both of which came at this track with the most recent success coming on the July Course. It was a near three-length victory last time and as a result, he’s been put up by six pounds, that might not be enough to stop his current rate of progression though. ”
3.25 – SUPERLATIVE STAKES
CITY OF TROY – 11/10 (NAP)
“Justify colt who represents the powerhouse connections of Ballydoyle and arrives here with a lofty reputation having put up an impressive showing on his debut run at the Curragh earlier this month when winning by two and a half lengths. It’s very likely that there is a lot more to come from him and he’s got to be considered as a very live threat to everything else in this Group 2 field..”
4.00 – BUNBURY CUP
STAR OF ORION – 12/1
“Ralph Beckett trained runner who’s the mount of Rossa Ryan here and I think he’s potentially a great price here, currently trading as big as the 12/1 mark. He’s posted two very encouraging efforts this term, finishing second on each occasion on the Rowley Mile here, he’s also won over course and distance off higher marks. If getting some luck in the run in this fiercely competitive affair he’s got every chance of outrunning a big price.”
4.35 – JULY CUP
KINROSS – 11/4
“The July Cup is always seen as one of the most competitive Group 1 sprints in the calendar and this year’s renewal is no different. I’ve come down on dual Group 1 winner Kinross though for Ralph Beckett and William Buick, he’s probably seen to best effect over seven furlongs, however, he did win the Champion Sprint on Champions Day over six furlongs last year. Also, horses dropping down in trip have done well in this race, most recently in the form of last year’s winner Alcohol Free and I think Kinross has some of the best form on offer in this year’s renewal.”
