UK - Wally Pyrah

With a mark of excellence in the business for over 30 years, Wally Pyrah has been notable to many in UK's racing industry. He had long been a key editorial member of The Racing Post, UK's authoritative racing/ sports wagering press, and is integral part of the expert cast in various preview shows - on screen and through the air – to major international racedays on a regular basis, such as the European classics.

Overseas Expert Column for July Cup Day (Wally Pyrah)

S1-1 3yo 81-100 Handicap

Three-year-old handicaps at this time of year can be a nightmare for bettors, and this contest looks a difficult puzzle to evaluate. It may be worth taking a chance with the once-raced and unbeaten SIR JOHN HAWKWOOD who could reward his trainer Sir Michael Stoute’s patience by staying unbeaten. Unraced as a juvenile, this son of UK Derby winner Sir Percy made light work of his rivals when waltzing away with a Windsor maiden, and it seems his trainer has saved this colt for this valuable handicap at his local course. Judged on his recent gallops - he came away from his galloping companion in impressive style on the Limekilns round gallop last week – he might be lightly treated with a rating on 92.

The main threat could come from the John Gosden-trained FLUCTUATE who stepped up on his encouraging first appearance at Newmarket to land a Wolverhampton maiden with the minimum of fuss. He is another the handicapper may have under-estimated, and having travelled so powerfully in front at Wolverhampton, should relish Newmarket’s stiff 1600 meters track.

Godolphin are represented by three-time unbeaten ASATIR. This son of prolific winner Elusive Quality made a promising seasonal reappearance when gaining the upper hand close home in a strongly run handicap at Windsor at the beginning of the month. With Frankie Dettori in the saddle he is bound to be a popular choice with bettors.

BRONZE ANGEL has the best public form on show, having finished third in the ultra-competitive Britannia Stakes (Class 2) over 1600 meters at Royal Ascot last month. The three-year-old raced on the slower side of the track on that occasion – COMPTON (4th) and CHAPTER SEVEN (20th) were behind – and with a slight rise in the weights he still looks fairly treated. He has previously won in emphatic style at Doncaster (1600 meters) and is difficult to be left out of the equation.

Northern trainer Kevin Ryan is always a man to be feared in these handicaps, and he is represented by ARDMAY who stayed on strongly to win a HKD180,000 handicap at Ayr and has gone up 5lbs in the handicap. ANDALIEB won in impressive fashion at Doncaster early last month, coming with a smooth run to lead inside the final 200 meters and won going away in a Class 5 handicap (1600 meters) He is another who could be better than his handicap mark.

FIRE SHIP pulled too much for his own good when only runner-up at Newcastle last time. He is better rated on his battling victory over useful TARTIFLETTE at Sandown (1400 meters) on soft ground in June. He still looks well handicapped.

SELECTIONS:
3. SIR JOHN HAWKWOOD, 6. FLUCTUATE, 2. ASATIR & 1. BRONZE ANGEL

S1-2 Superlative Stakes

The Richard Hannon yard is as usual full of rich and talented two-year-olds and he will be expected to scoop another big juvenile prize with OLYMPIC GLORY. The son of Choisir opened his account at Goodwood last month, and then posted an improved effort when runner-up to DAWN APPROACH in the 1200 meters Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot – the best rated two-year-old form seen so far this season. On the evidence of that performance he looks sure to appreciate a step-up in distance and will be difficult to beat.

Don’t discount the Godolphin-trained ARTIGIANO who finished fifth in the Coventry Stakes. This son of Distorted Humor, ran better than his final position suggested at Ascot and any move in the odds market should be heeded.

Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam has had his stable in top-form for the last couple of weeks and is represented by the unbeaten MAXENTIUS. Chapple-Hyam will have fond memories of this race from bygone years, having saddled the winners Dr Devious (1991) and Commander Collins (1998). MAXENTIUS was an impressive winner on his debut at Folkestone in May and then proceeded to run away from his rivals when winning at Doncaster over 1400 meters in June. He now has to step up in class, but such is his reputation in the yard, it will be a disappointment if he doesn’t go close.

Take note of the Irish challenge spearheaded by the likes of the Aidan O’Brien’s LINES OF BATTLE who is a staying on sixth in the Coventry Stakes. Keep an eye on Andrew Balding’s promising youngster OPERATION CHARIOT who looked a colt with infinite ability when winning his only race from a fancied Richard Hannon-colt at Sandown over 1400 meters on soft ground last month. Balding is a trainer who always produces one or two very smart two-year-olds per season, and latest news from Kingsclere, suggests this could be one of them.

Trainer Kevin Ryan who had a two-year-old winner at Royal Ascot, relies on Haydock winner GLORY AWAITS who sprang a major shock when winning over 1400 meters last month. He is a possible to include in the exotic bets.

SELECTIONS:
10. OLYMPIC GLORY, 1. ARTIGIANO, 8. MAXENTIUS & 11. OPERATIONS CHARIOT

S1-3 Bunbury Cup

David Marnane’s raids on prestigious British handicaps over the past few years have proved eye-catching. The Irish trainer has sent nine horses over the water since 2009, winning highly competitive handicaps such as the 2009 Portland Handicap, 2010 Victoria Cup Handicap, 2011 Portland Handicap again, and at Royal Ascot last month the Wokingham Stakes (Handicap). He also went close with JAMESIE who finished runner-up in the Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap) at the Royal meeting. It proves that Marnane doesn’t send over horses to Britain unless they have a definite chance.

The handicapper has set the trainer’s JAMESIE a mark of 95 when he tackles this fiendishly difficult and competitive handicap. This is just 3lbs higher than winning the stands-side race in the Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap) - winner ran up the opposite rail – and the third horse has come out and won since. He is relatively unexposed over this 1400 meters trip and on his form in Ireland last season looks a potential listed class horse. His Royal Ascot form looks the best on view, and he will take a lot of beating.

EXCELLENT GUEST can also be expected to go well and deserves a change of luck. sLast season he finished second in the Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap) at Royal Ascot, before coming through to win his race in the Bunbury Cup, only to find that Brae Hill had stolen the race by racing alone on the stands side. EXCELLENT GUEST had a far from trouble-free run that day, but still managed to beat 18 rivals with plenty to spare. Last month he again took the runner-up spot in the Royal Hunt Cup, and surely it is only a matter of time before he goes one better.

Trainer Andrew Balding is in a rich rein of form at present and is represented by DECENT FELLA. The six-year-old ended last season on a low with a moderate effort at Ascot when fancied, but seems revitalized by the winter break judged on his four lengths defeat by race-fit rivals when reappearing at Royal Ascot. This son of Marju is suited by all sorts of ground conditions, and can be expected to improve considerably on his initial run.

CAPTAIN BERTIE ran better than his final position suggested when eighth to Trade Commissioner in the competitive Coral Challenge over 1600 meters recently. Last year’s form included a decision over listed class FURY in a Class 2 handicap on soft ground at Newbury. That form entitles him to have a first-rate chance.

Supporters of CITRUS STAR could count themselves unlucky when the five-year-old was unable to find a clear passage until too late when third to PRIMAEVAL at Goodwood over 1400 meters in May. He has been targeted for this race for some time.

SELECTIONS:
10. JAMESIE, 6. EXCELLENT GUEST, 15. CAPTAIN BERTIE & 17. CITRUS STAR

S1-4 Darley July Cup

Last month’s Royal Ascot meeting proved once again there is very little top-class talent in the sprinting ranks in both Britain and Ireland. Domestic sprinters have long struggled over the minimum distance (1000 meters) - LITTLE BRIDGE became the seventh foreign-trained horse to win the King’s Stand Stakes in the last 10 years – but it was the first time since 2005 that both Group 1 sprints at Ascot went abroad (BLACK CAVIAR and two French trained horses filled the first three places in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes).

BATED BREATH is rated the top domestic sprinter at present, but is still searching for that elusive Group 1 success after taking second place behind LITTLE BRIDGE in the King Stand’s Stakes. Connections blamed the good to soft ground that day for blunting their five-year-olds turn of foot, and they will be hoping the rain stays away on Saturday. Having finished second in July Cup last year, and filling a similar position in the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup – both behind last year’s European Champion Sprinter DREAM AHEAD – they will be hoping that ‘Lady Luck’ at last smiles on them.

There is no doubt that SOCIETY ROCK would have finished considerably closer to BLACK CAVIAR in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot had he not missed the start and given considerable ground away. James Fanshawe’s sprinter is already a Group 1 winner – won the 2011 Golden Jubilee Stakes – but seems to produce his best form only at Ascot. He finished a disappointing seventh in the 2010 July Cup, and didn’t run up to his best when placed on his reappearance at York. He does however handle soft ground, and if he did manage to reproduce his Ascot form would have a massive chance.

The drop to 1200 meters revitalized Irish challenger DANDY BOY in the Wokingham Stakes (Handicap) at Royal Ascot and the six-year-old recorded a faster time than BLACK CAVIAR in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes earlier in the day. He clearly appreciates a strongly run race, which is likely on Saturday, and he is likely to improve again as the Ascot race was only his second run since his winter campaign in Dubai. It is worth bearing in mind though, that all his wins at Ascot, twice, Dundalk and Fairyhourse in Ireland and Meydan in Dubai are very different tracks to Newmarket.

Australian challenger ORTENSIA made impressive improvement for her new trainer Paul Messara earlier this season with a comfortable success in the Al Quoz Sprint at the Dubai World Cup meeting. She was well fancied to give Australia their fifth success in the King Stand’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, but proved no match for LITTLE BRIDGE and BATED BREATH and finished a disappointing ninth. Connections were of the opinion that the crowd and atmosphere were over-excited about their horse on that occasion, and his recent hugely impressive track trial suggests she is no long-shot.

An Irish challenger who is better than her long-shot odds suggest is David Wachman’s FIRE LILY. 1200 meters on slow ground are the ideal ingredients for this three-year-old filly who never seems to run a bad race – won a Group 3 on testing ground last time - and has already achieved a rating of 110 which would give her an outside chance.

Richard Hannon’s STRONG SUIT is a fascinating contender having been supplemented for the race. The four-year-old wasn’t sighted behind FRANKEL (1600 meters) in the Queen Anne Stakes, but wouldn’t be the first winner of this race after reverting to sprinting, and it is interesting that his ultra-shrewd connections who forked out a supplementary fee.

Stable companion LIBRANNO finished a surprising fourth in this race last year, and returned to form when winning the Criterion Stakes (1400 meters) at Newmarket last month. Any rain would jeopardise his chances.

Godolphin rely on former Australian-trained SEPOY who won ten of his 13 starts in his native country. Despite impressing work-watchers at Newmarket with some impressive gallops, he has failed to shine in his latest two starts, notably when finishing well behind KRYPTON FACTOR in the Dubai Golden Shaheen when last seen in Dubai in March. He’s difficult to be fancied against some race-fit sprinters on his British debut.

SELECTIONS:
1. BATED BREATH, 2. DANDY BOY, 11. STRONG SUIT & 13. ORTENSIA

DOUBLE TRIO SELECTIONS (18 unit bets):
S1-3: Banker – 10. JAMESIE
Selections – 6. EXCELLENT GUEST, 15. CAPTAIN BERTIE & 17. CITRUS STAR
S1-4: Banker – 1. BATED BREATH
Selections – 2. DANDY BOY, 10. SOCIETY ROCK, 13. ORTENSIA & 11. STRONG SUIT

S1-5 2yo Conditions Stakes

The Richard Hannon yard will be represented by THE TAJ who had his lofty reputation tarnished with a below-par effort behind Dawn Approach in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Having won in emphatic style over 1200 meters on soft ground at Doncaster, he will be out to prove that form was all wrong

One horse that confirmed his tall reputation before stepping on to the race-track was ROCKY GROUND. Roger Varian’s youngster could be named the winner from half-way when trotting up by four lengths at Yarmouth at the end of June. His subsequent work at Newmarket, according to gallop watchers is of the highest quality and he will be difficult to keep out of the frame.

Godolphin will be represented by BIRCHAM who won a maiden race at Ripon by five lengths over 1200 meters on soft ground. He has previously finished runner-up to stable companion and subsequent Chesham Stakes (Royal Ascot) winner THA’IR. Like most of the stables youngsters he is still improving, and looks to have an outstanding chance.

There was lots to like about the way HASOPOP picked up when asked to quicken at Yarmouth over 1200 meters last time. Previously he had chased home THE TAJ at Doncaster – beaten just over two lengths – and provided he has improved shouldn’t be far away.

SELECTIONS:
4. ROCKY GROUND, 1. BIRCHAM, 5. THE TAJ & 3. HASOPOP

S1-6 Nursery Handicap

Interesting that jockey Richard Hughes has preferred top-weight JANOUB NIBRAS who has started as favourite in all his four races this season. The Richard Hannon-trained youngster has won his last two – both on the all-weather at Kempton – but had to work hard for his latest success when getting up inside the final 200 meters to land the short odds of 1.14. He has previously shown creditable form when runner-up to Windhoek on the turf at Nottingham, and has an obvious chance.

The eye-catching jockey booking of Frankie Dettori for Michael Bell’s KIMBERELLA is worth attention. He gained a comfortable victory in a Doncaster maiden last time and has previously finished runner up in Class 4 at Goodwood. That form is probably the best on view.

Consistent RATED was probably worth more than a neck verdict gained over a useful Mark Johnston youngster named STEER BY THE STARS in a Class 4 nursery last time. That form gives him a chance in this company.

Richard Hannon’s other contender ECHION has Ryan Moore aboard and looked unlucky when caught by a outsider at Salisbury at the end of June. He does however lack a turn of foot at the end of his races, and soft ground conditions would play to his strengths.

OASIS CANNES is worth a mention having finally got off the mark on the all-weather surface last time. Sir Mark Prescott is a past-master of improving his juveniles, and this youngster could be worth including in exotic bets.

SELECTIONS:
2. KIMBERELLA, 1. JANOUB NIBRAS, 6. RATED & 7. ECHION

S1-7 3yo+ 73-90 Handicap

HAYLAMAN found the up and down contours of Epsom all against him last time when fifth to useful and subsequent winner Gatewood over 2000 meters at the beginning of June. He has already won over the July course at Newmarket when taking a Class 3 handicap over 2000 meters last season, and on that form looks the one beat.

JOHN LOUIS made all and found extra when challenged inside the final 200 meters over 2000 meters at Newmarket last time out. Rival LITTLE ROCKY finished fourth in that race – beaten four-and-a-half lengths – and is now 12lbs better off and should reverse the form. LITTLE ROCKY had previously finished third to shock winner WAR POET over 2000 meters at Doncaster – staying on well- and will appreciate the step-up to 2400 meters.

HANOVERIAN BARON has yet to hit top form – ignore his latest effort in an Amateur Riders event at York. He is better judged on his fourth in the competitive Class 2 November Handicap at Doncaster last season. A reproduction of that form would give him a big chance, plus he relishes soft ground conditions.

COMMUNICATOR is becoming an expensive horse to follow, finishing fourth when fancied on the all-weather at Kempton last time out, and previously only fourth when favourite to FIERY LAD at Epsom on Derby Day. He is, however, dropping down the weights and if he found his best form would be extremely well-handicapped.

The lightly-raced Godolphin challenger INTHAR proved no match for STATURE when a well beaten fourth over 2000 meters at Windsor last time. He may have found the ground conditions too quick on that occasion, and is better judged on his staying-on victory over 2000 meters on softer ground at Lingfield. His pedigree suggests he will stay this 2400 meters trip.

It is hard to evaluate the form of bottom-weight EDUCATE following his runaway six lengths success over 2000 meters in maiden company at Yarmouth last month. This race does not look the strongest Class 3 on show, and perhaps he could surprise at long-odds.

SELECTIONS: 4. HAYLAMAN, 10. HANOVERIAN BARON, 15. INTHAR & 5. LITTLE ROCKY

TREBLE SELECTIONS (64 unit bets):
S1-5: 4. ROCKY GROUND, 1. BIRCHAM, 5. THE TAJ & 3. HASOPOP
S1-6: 2. KIMBERELLA, 1. JANOUB NIBRAS, 6. RATED & 7. ECHION
S1-7: 4. HAYLAMAN, 10. HANOVERIAN BARON, 15. INTHAR & 5. LITTLE ROCKY

UK & Ireland Expert - Wendyll Woods

Wendyll Woods began his riding career in Hong Kong as an apprentice jockey to trainer Lawrence Fownes in 1983. He became Fownes' retained jockey from 1987/88 to end of 2001/02 when he was retained by his younger brother Sean Woods. During his Hong Kong racing career, he rode an impressive 3,897 Hong Kong races, riding 321 winners with a winning percentage of 8.2%, including the Queen Mother Memorial Cup with CARACOLER in 2002. Woods also spent five years racing in England where he won several key races including Heron Stakes and Princess Elizabeth Stakes. He currently runs a stud farm with his older brother in England.

Overseas Expert Column for July Cup Day (Wendyll Woods)

S1-1 3yo 81-100 Handicap

The card kicks off with a three-year-old handicap in which plenty look to have solid claims. Being well-fancied is FLUCTUATE, who was a big eye catcher when third in the Wood Ditton Stakes on debut. He then stepped up in trip and landed his maiden at odds of 1.13. Back on turf and back in trip, he has strong claims for a jockey/trainer combination who cannot stop teaming up for winners.

COMPTON looks another to keep on side, following his fourth behind FAST OR FREE in the Brittania Stakes at Royal Ascot. His first run for 281 days, he was only beaten just over five lengths and looks capable on all types of ground.

ASATIR, trained by Saeed bin Suroor completes the shortlist, and this colt by ELUSIVE QUALITY is unbeaten in three starts with his most recent win coming against plenty of older horses in a good looking event at Windsor. That was his first run of the season, so he can be expected to build on that pleasing performance.

Perhaps the most interesting the contender though, is the once-raced SIR JOHN HAWKWOOD who won easily on his debut at Windsor over 2000 meters. Unraced as a two year old, the son of SIR PERCY drops back in trip to a mile and looks a very promising performer.

SELECTIONS:
6. FLUCTUATE, 2. ASATIR, 3. SIR JOHN HAWKWOOD & 4. COMPTON

S1-2 Superlative Stakes

The Superlative Stakes is a really top class two year old event and has been won by star colts such as DUBAWI. This year's renewal looks a good one, with Royal Ascot form looking the place to start. OLYMPIC GLORY was one of the four raced for Richard Hannon in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes, and he went off a relatively unfancied shot (at odds 21.0) in the UK. However, he outshone his better regarded stablemate SIR PRANCEALOT and finished in second, just three quarters of a length behind the impressive, unbeaten colt, DAWN APPROACH.

ARTIGIANO finished 5th in the same race following an easy six length victory in a Leicester maiden. OLYMPIC GLORY quickened away from this rival fairly readily at Ascot, and although the mount of Frankie Dettori is likely to step up again, he will have to do well to reverse form with the Hannon inmate.

Two others with chances skipped Royal Ascot, but have since shown themselves to be promising young colts with effortless victories.

LUHAIF represents the Mick Channon stable who have won this race twice. LUHAIF finally broke his maiden tag at the fourth time of asking after all finishing third in his first three starts. His 6 lengths victory came against a field full of debutants, so the strength of the form is yet to be truly tested. However, it will have been a useful confidence booster for the son of CAPE CROSS and he is entitled to respect.

The unbeaten MAXENTIUS has looked extremely smart in his two starts to date and represents Peter Chappel-Hyam, who also trained the winners of this race back in 1991 and 1998. He looked truly professional on debut when winning by four lengths. He then easily dispatched of three previous winners in a good looking novice stakes at Doncaster, travelling strongly before quickening away to win comfortably by two and a half lengths. He looks an extremely good prospect and is partnered by William Buick, who is a jockey in the form of his life.

SELECTIONS:
8. MAXENTIUS, 10. OLYMPIC GLORY, 1. ARTIGIANO & 7. LUHAIF

S1-3 Bunbury Cup

The Bunbury Cup is an historic big field handicap and is one of the highlights of Newmarket's racing on the July course. Last year's contest was won by BRAE HILL, who made all under the stands' side rail, with every other jockey electing to travel up the far side of the track. As such, the draw may be of significant importance, especially with the wet weather in the UK causing inconsistencies concerning the surface.

One horse who ran really well at Royal Ascot is EXCELLENT GUEST, who finished second in the Royal Hunt Cup. Last year, he finished second to the cannily-ridden winner and led the far side group over the line. George Margarson is confident of another good performance and some good efforts in big field handicaps meaning that he will be at the top of many lists to take the 2012 renewal.

JAMESIE bring more Royal Ascot handicap form for the table and this Irish raider is a very consistent horse. He has struggled to get his head in front and his solid efforts mean he has not been given much help from the handicapper. That said, he is likely to run his usual race, and is difficult to be left out of calculations on ground which he should appreciate.

Andrew Balding's DECENT FELLA was not far behind JAMESIE in the Buckingham Palace Stakes, and that was a very pleasing effort, considering it was his first run in 265 days and he did not get the clearest of passages. He has some very good form on testing ground and is far from handicapped out of this.

SEAL ROCK won a Pontefract handicap over shorter distance on his seasonal appearance on soft ground. The form of this race looks good, with the runner-up since winning twice, including in Listed company. The third horse has also won. SEAL ROCK hasn't been completely disgraced since, and it is often easy enough to forgive a horse who had a bad run in the typically tough Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot. Trying 1400 meters for only second time in his career and with winning form on soft ground, he could surprise a few at enticing odds.

SELECTIONS: 6. EXCELLENT GUEST, 10. JAMESIE, 7. DECENT FELLA & 4. SEAL ROCK

S1-4 Darley July Cup

Connections of BATED BREATH may well think they would have beaten BLACK CAVIAR at Royal Ascot had they opted to take on the great mare, but they can be pleased with the horse's staying-on second to tough Hong Kong raider LITTLE BRIDGE in the King's Stand Stakes. Back over a more familiar trip, Roger Charlton's star sprinter is sure to be popular again, and he'll look to go one better than his half-length defeat to DREAM AHEAD in last year's renewal. He was then beaten a nose by the same rival in the Sprint Cup and is still yet to win a Group 1. As such, he may be vulnerable again, with the rainy weather in the UK again meaning he is unlikely to get his preferred quicker ground.

Behind BATED BREATH at Royal Ascot was Australian challenger ORTENSIA. Her trainer has stated that the mare was overcome by the atmosphere on the day, but the seven years old has since worked well on the July course. The vibes are very positive and she will be fancied by many to return to her Meydan form, where she was a handy winner of the Al Quoz Sprint. Unlike BATED BREATH, she is a multiple Group 1 winning sprinter, who could well land another July Cup for Australia.

The unlucky horse in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, was SOCIETY ROCK, who was going for consecutive victories in the race. However, his chance was all but gone at the start, where his sluggish exit from the stalls cost him a number of lengths. He ran on well though, and his other likeable performance in the Group 2 Duke of York Stakes, identifies him as a horse running into form. Although he is seen to have the best effect at Ascot, he ran a respectable seventh in the 2010 July Cup. He is a better horse now though, and should go close.

We must mention SEPOY, who may be more highly regarded than his compatriot ORTENSIA back home. His previous two starts were disappointing, including when behind the likes of HITCHENS and KRYPTON FACTOR at Meydan. The four-year-old has notched ten wins from thirteen starts though, and a return to form should see him involved.

Others to keep an eye on include LIBRANNO, trained by Richard Hannon. Fourth in the race last year, he has improved again this season, winning in Listed and Group 3 company. He should make another bold bid from the front, but is likely to fall short once more.

Hannon may be better represented by STRONG SUIT, who has an abundance of talent but often disappoints. He has had well documented breathing problems, but this dual Royal Ascot winner is of strong interest to try sprinting again. He is a strong traveller with plenty of class, who should get the strong pace which could suit his style. He wasn't initially entered for the race, with connections stumping up £30,000 to supplement him.

SELECTIONS:
13. ORTENSIA, 1. BATED BREATH, 11. STRONG SUIT & 10. SOCIETY ROCK

DOUBLE TRIO SELECTIONS (9 unit bets):
S1-3: Banker- 6. EXCELLENT GUEST
Selections- 10. JAMESIE, 7. DECENT FELLA & 4. SEAL ROCK
S1-4: Banker- 13. ORTENSIA
Selections- 1. BATED BREATH, 11. STRONG SUIT & 10. SOCIETY ROCK

S1-5 2yo Conditions Stakes

An interesting field assemble for this two year old heat, including several who are on somewhat of a recovery mission after some disappointing efforts at Royal Ascot. These include the Richard Hannon trained THE TAJ, who finished tenth in the Coventry Stakes. His debut win came on soft ground, so he should be feeling like home if the ground comes up testing on the July course. He beat the Marco Botti trained-HASOPOP comfortably on his first start, with that rival since shedding his maiden tag, and reopposing here.

BIRCHAM looks to hold strong credentials here, having skipped any possible engagement at Royal Ascot. Both of his starts to date have been at Ripon. On debut he was sent off the more fancied of the Godolphin pair but only managed second behind stablemate THA'IR. That colt went on to win the Chesham at the Royal meeting, and BIRCHAM made no mistake on his second start, winning by five lengths despite still showing signs of inexperience.

Once-raced ROCKY GROUND is a well-related sort trained by Roger Varian who won on his only start to date at Yarmouth. That win came on good to firm ground and he is likely to face a different test here. Market support would indicate he has the class to take a hand in this contest.

SELECTIONS: 1. BIRCHAM, 5. THE TAJ, 4. ROCKY GROUND & 3. HASOPOP

S1-6 Nursery Handicap

Richard Hannon has elected to run JANOUB NIBRAS in this, having initially entered a number of touted horses. He is a dual winner on the all-weather, although he only scrambled home from a solitary rival on his latest start. His maiden turf form also stacks up well and he must be respected for his trainer who specialises in two-year-old colts.

Michael Bell has booked Frankie Dettori for the ride of KIMBERELLA, who broke his maiden tag at the third time of asking. No horses behind KIMBERELLA that day have since got their head in front, although plenty have run respectably enough. He is open to improvement for his skilled and patient handler.

Sir Mark Prescott has entered OASIS CANNES for this race. An impressive winner at Wolverhampton latest, he had previously finished runner-up on his second start on turf. Sir Mark Prescott is a famously shrewd handler and this horse could prove to be very well weighted in the context of this race.

Mick Channon is no stranger to training winners at the July Meeting at Newmarket and he runs RATED in this, who has plenty of experience, winning twice from four starts. By SIXTIES ICON, he is sure to relish a stamina test in time, but he appears to relish softer ground and looks a battle-hardened individual not to be discounted here.

Marco Botti has not had the most fruitful season in terms of training winners so far, but his horses are still running creditably and SENAFE looks a useful filly with plenty of speed and a good attitude. She stepped up on two good efforts in maidens before making the running at Folkestone to win by four lengths. She is sure to make a bold bid, but is also untested on softer ground.

SELECTIONS: 5. OASIS CANNES, 2. KIMBERELLA, 6. RATED & 4. SENAFE

S1-7 3yo+ 73-90 Handicap

The final race of the day is a typically competitive affair which should include a mixture of seasoned handicappers and unexposed young performers. One of the most interesting horses in the race is the well-bred INTHAR, who will be ridden by Frankie Dettori. After showing promise in his maiden last season, he stepped up on his seasonal debut at Lingfield when shedding his maiden tag. He then returned to turf at Windsor in a strong looking contest and was far from disgraced back in fourth. The step-up in trip looks like it will suit this individual and he has a very good chance.

LOCAL HERO will have the services of the red hot William Buick in this, and still may be well handicapped on the flat. A useful jumps sort and a consistent horse under both codes, he went close on his first two starts on the level this season, before finishing fourth over further trip in a hot handicap at York. He will handle the softer ground and looks to be in good shape but concedes lots of weight to the thoroughly promising INTHAR.

Others to mention include MOUNTAIN RANGE, the mount of Ryan Moore. He has something to find with LOCAL HERO on their run at Newmarket (LOCAL HERO 2nd, MOUNTAIN RANGE 6th). He is a hold up performer who should get the strong pace and needs the courtesy of recent winner JOHN LOUIS, another consistent performer with an excellent attitude. He is up in the weights, and in distance after beating some useful rivals, but is unlikely to let any of his followers down.

SELECTIONS:
15. INTHAR, 3. LOCAL HERO, 8. MOUNTAIN RANGE & 9. JOHN LOUIS

TREBLE SELECTIONS (8 unit bets):
S1-5: 1. BIRCHAM & 5. THE TAJ
S1-6: 5. OASIS CANNES & 2. KIMBERELLA
S1-7: 15. INTHAR & 3. LOCAL HERO

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