Monday 7th July 2025
Monday’s Best Bets
1.30: Ayr
HALF SOVEREIGN – 5/4 (Win) (NAP)
I’m kicking this week’s selections off with the 1.30 at Ayr, and this is a Class 5 novice event that’s contested over seven furlongs. Karl Burke’s Half Sovereign should be tough to beat here under Sam James. She was an eyecatcher on her racecourse debut at Redcar last month, where she finished fourth of ten and did most of her best work late on, as she was green in the early stages. She should improve significantly following that effort and should go very close here.
4.05: Ayr
BRAVE BOB – 4/1 (Win)
Next up for me will be a Class 6 handicap at Ayr with the 4.05, which is contested over a distance of six furlongs. Brave Bob stands out for me here, for the team of Julie Camacho and Sam James. He showed significant improvement on his handicap debut at Ripon last month, when finishing fourth of ten and just a length and three-quarters behind the winner. He’ll contest this particular contest on an unchanged mark, and he should also naturally progress further. He’s unexposed and can go well here.
5.15: Ayr
TROJAN SOLDIER – 7/2 (Win)
My third selection of the afternoon also comes from Ayr and the 5.15 which is a Class 5 handicap that’s ridden over a mile and five furlongs. I like Trojan Soldier here for Jedd O’Keeffe and Jack Garritty. He’s run well in both of his starts since attempting handicap company in his latest two outings, finishing second in both, and most recently just a length behind the winner over twelve furlongs at Hamilton. He stayed on that day, giving the impression that this extra furlong should suit, and he can post another bold bid.
8.30: Ripon
GRAND HARBOUR – 5/2 (Win) (NB)
I’ve got one selection on the day from Ripon’s evening card, and this comes within the 8.30, which is a Class 6 handicap over a mile and four furlongs. Grand Harbour can build on an encouraging run at Brighton last time, when finishing two lengths third to Miss Dandylion. He rallied that day in the closing stages, giving the impression that a step up in trip should suit here, and I think that he’s a big player off a pound lower mark.
