THE first day of the Moët & Chandon July Festival saw a string of surprises and no favourites obliging, with the placepot paying handsomely. I was delighted to see my selection Pass The Vino win the big Handicap at 25/1 (advised at 16/1) for Newmarket trainer Paul D’Arcy, under an assured ride from David Egan.
Today it is hard to envisage that we won’t have some favourites obliging and top of the market Daahyeh has a cracking chance in the Group Two, the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes. The Tattersalls Group One Falmouth Stakes (British Champions Series) is much trickier and could become a very tactical affair, with Qabala the slight preference, given there was an excuse for her last start as she scoped dirty.
As well as top racing, I’m looking forward to the launch of the Moët & Chandon White Party on course today and tomorrow. Cheers!
Elsewhere there is plenty of good racing on a cracking Friday with meetings at York, Ascot, Chester, Chepstow and Cork.
1.50 Newmarket Handicap 1m 2f
The Trader looks the best of Mark Johnston’s three and he has farmed this race in recent years, whilst his current strike rate of 27% adds further support to the trainer striking again in a very competitive contest. It is slight surprise not to see some headgear tried with The Trader but hard to knock his form and is proven over this trip.
Unibet each way 17/2
2.25 Newmarket Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes Group 2 6f
There is a very good renewal and Daahyeh can follow up on her Royal Ascot success in the Albany, where another contender today Celtic Beauty (good each way, will like ground) was runner-up.
Daahyeh looks very progressive and looked smart on debut here on the Rowley Mile.
Unibet win 6/4
3.00 Newmarket Heritage Handicap 1m6f
King's Advice (nap) for Mark Johnston has done nothing but improve this year and did little wrong when coming from a near-impossible position to finish a close sixth in the Northumberland Plate. Very game and be a brave judgement to say he’s finished improving. Looks a great each way price.
Unibet each way 10/1
4.45 Newmarket 7f Handicap
Breathtakinglook certainly caught the eye when forging clear here to win over course and distance here last month when very much looking like an improving type.That was her third success from five starts and the seven pound rise won’t stop her striking again.
Unibet win 9/2
Rum Runner for Unibet Ambassador Richard Hannon was drawn out of it at Sandown last Saturday, so scrub that, and his previous third at Goodwood is solid. Not much pace in this and he will get a tow from I Am A Dreamer. C&D winner from 1lb higher last August and has a big chance here.
Unibet each way 20/1
