Jasour has been selected to win the July Cup Stakes (racingfotos.com)
At The Races
1 2:40 PM – Rossdales British Ebf Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (GBB Race)
The penny seemed to drop late for BINTABUHA when finishing second on her racecourse debut over C&D. She arrives here for the in-form William Knight yard and is taken to add to her trainer’s impressive recent record. Flight is feared most after a promising runner-up effort on her first outing at Newbury and the booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye. Godolphin newcomer Desert Flower, a three-parts sister to a Group 3 juvenile winner, isn’t easily discounted, with Concert Party and Amica others to note.
Top Tip: BINTABUHA (2)
Watch out for: FLIGHT (7)
2 3:12 PM – Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa Fillies’ Handicap
After a very impressive success over 6f at this venue last month, MISS BODACIOUS can continue her winning sequence today. Karl Burke’s charge got off to a tardy start on that occasion but the daughter of Zoustar looked better the further she went and a 9lb rise doesn’t appear to be out of her reach. Asian Daze has shaped as if she is capable of landing a prize of this nature and she is likely to give the selection most to think about, while Lou Lou’s Gift completes the shortlist.
Top Tip: MISS BODACIOUS (11)
Watch out for: ASIAN DAZE (1)
3 3:50 PM – Bet365 Mile Handicap
ARABIC LEGEND showed a likeable attitude when second on his most recent start over 1m1f at the Curragh last month and a repeat of that effort would see him go close. Karl Burke’s runner has been raised just 1lb for for that performance which appears reasonable. Qirat was well supported before running with credit in the Britannia at the Royal meeting and he could gain compensation, while First Conquest is also worth of a closer look off an opening handicap mark of 91.
Top Tip: ARABIC LEGEND (1)
Watch out for: QIRAT (4)
4 4:25 PM – Bet365 Superlative Stakes (Group 2)
ANCIENT TRUTH is likely to be a warm order for this contest and for good reason. Charlie Appleby’s juvenile is unbeaten in two starts and carried a 6lb penalty in taking fashion over track and trip last month, surging clear at the finish. With any amount of improvement to come, he looks the one to beat. Columnist finished a close-up third in the Coventry at Royal Ascot last month and that level of form sets the standard, so he has to be considered. Of the remainder, Line Of Force makes the most appeal.
Top Tip: ANCIENT TRUTH (1)
Watch out for: COLUMNIST (3)
5 5:00 PM – bet365 Bunbury Cup (Heritage Handicap)
CARRYTHEONE beat plenty of these rivals when having a troubled passage to hit the frame in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot last month and the seven-year-old goes off the same mark. Ryan Moore, who takes over in the saddle, landed this contest 12 months ago on Biggles and Michael Bell’s gelding is more than capable of making amends. Mostabshir finished a place behind the selection that day and commands plenty of respect, while Awaal and Aalto are others to keep an eye on in a wide-open heat.
Top Tip: CARRYTHEONE (3)
Watch out for: MOSTABSHIR (2)
6 5:35 PM – My Pension Expert July Cup Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)
Inisherin (first) got the better of JASOUR (third) when the pair met in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last month and, though the former was undoubtedly impressive on that occasion, it may pay to side with the latter. It was a testament to his ability that he was able to finish third, despite plenty going wrong in the aforementioned contest, breaking awkwardly before racing too keenly throughout. Granted a smoother passage this time around, Clive Cox’s C&D winner should make a bold bid to reverse form here. High-class operator Vandeek is on the comeback trail after a below-par effort in the Sandy Lane at Haydock, while River Tiber merits respect back down to arguably his optimum trip.
Top Tip: JASOUR (10)
Watch out for: INISHERIN (9)
7 6:10 PM – Trust A Trader Handicap
The step up in trip can be the making of LORD OF LOVE, who won going away in first-time cheekpieces over 1m2f at Salisbury last month, and the well-bred son of Dubawi gets the vote to make his handicap debut a winning one. Ciro Di Marzio wasn’t disgraced when fourth in a novice event here last month and it would be no surprise to see him feature, especially with the extra couple of furlongs to potentially suit. Recent C&D winner Wonder Kid completes the shortlist, despite an 8lb hike asking a question of him.
Top Tip: LORD OF LOVE (9)
Watch out for: CIRO DI MARZIO (8)
