Day Two of the Newmarket July Festival is set for Friday, 10th July, with the feature seeing a high-quality renewal of the Group One Falmouth Stakes. Two races from York are also covered on ITV this Friday.
We have gone through all televised races on Friday, picking out ITV horse racing tips, and an accumulator for ITV racing.
Day Two of the Newmarket July Festival kicks off with a competitive handicap over a mile and two. At the prices, Archers Bay could be worth taking a chance on for the team of Marco Botti and Marco Ghiani.
The three-year-old was unsuited by heavy ground last time when beaten 21 lengths by Venetian Prince in Italy.
A return to quicker ground bodes well after winning impressively on the Rowley Mile in April and taking a credible third behind Ancient Egypt in May. Workable mark on handicap return.
A field of 19 runners will be involved in the opening race from York on Saturday. Plenty have claims, but Rare Change could be of interest from a favourable draw.
The Richard Hughes runner was an impressive winner on his last start, taking advantage of slower ground to beat Dr Strangelove by a neck. Still looks to be on a workable mark, and only improves his chances that he is a previous course and distance winner.
The first of the group races on Friday comes in the form of the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge Stakes. George Boughey will hold a leading contender in the form of Libertango, who will have in-form Billy Loughnane aboard.
The two-year-old by No Nay Never has been excellent on both career starts, taking her form to the next level last time out when besting a 25-runner field to land the Group Three Albany Stakes. Suited by conditions, and should be hard to beat on these terms.
Next up is the Group Three Summer Stakes, run over a distance of six furlongs. Karl Burke-trained Royal Fixation could be set to fire on her second start this season, with the application of headgear also likely to sharpen her up.
A low draw is ideal for her chances, and she ran well for a long way on stable debut last time out when seventh in the Carnavon Stakes at Newbury. Mixed it with some of the best horses last season, including winning over course and distance in the Group Two Lowther, and finishing second behind Venetian Sun in the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge.
Ended last season on a high when third behind True Love in the Group One Cheveley Park. Plenty to like.
A handicap over a mile and six is next up from Newmarket. Nicky Henderson saddles Goblet Of Fire, with Saffie Osborne booked to take the ride.
The six-year-old was an impressive winner at Newmarket at the start of May, beating Align The Stars with seemingly plenty in hand.
Wind surgery appears to have had the desired impact based on that effort, and a slight increase at the weights is unlikely to stop the Saxon Warrior colt from going close once again.
The feature on Friday is the Group One Falmouth Stakes. Precise is a strong favourite, but Aidan O’Brien’s weak record in the race could be a concern.
Therefore, the progressive Blue Bolt could be an interesting alternative for the Andrew Balding yard. Colin Keane will be aboard the selection, who has looked better than ever this term after recording back-to-back wins over a mile at Goodwood and Ascot.
Last month’s success in the Group Two Duke of Cambridge Stakes was a career-best effort, and she is yet to finish outside of the first two on the turf.
