ITV Racing Tips: Two Main courses at Newmarket and York today?
Published:
The flat racing action continues this afternoon with further coverage from the July Meeting at Newmarket and two intriguing contests from York.
Alpha Centauri is the heavy favourite to land the Falmouth Stakes in the feature race of the day. Can Threading, Clemmie or another stop the filly from reeling off a hat-trick?
We’ve had our say on that one, and the other five live races, in our ITV Racing Tips…
After racking up a quickfire double in novice contests, Main Edition produced the goods in Group company last time out by landing the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Mark Johnston’s filly kept on well over 6f and could be set for a repeat performance against a number of her rivals that day again here.
The trainer also has an exceptional record with two-year-old’s this season. Johnson has a 30% strike-rate with them on the turf over the last 12 months.
Victory at Newmarket would make it four wins from four starts for the daughter of Zoffany, who could target the Lowther Stakes at York next month.
We’re off to York next, where it’s another Main who is taken to serve up just desserts over the 6f distance.
Michael Bell’s Main Desire was found wanting in Group company at Royal Ascot but can bounce back against weaker rivals on the Knavesmire.
He was beaten at the Royal meeting by the likes of Eqtidaar, Sands of Mali and Inivincible Army, all of whom contest the July Cup on Saturday.
That may have been too much too soon for the three-year-old. So a return to the place where she won back-to-back Listed contests in May should do the raider the world of good.
Her form trends stack up, and we think she has a game chance to resume her progression in familiar surroundings.
Let’s be realistic here. Irish 2,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes winner Alpha Centauri is odds-on favourite for the Falmouth Stakes for a reason.
She’s a class act. So we’re looking at a potential each-way play to end the day with Opal Tiara.
Mick Channon’s five-year-old finished plum last in this contest 12 months ago. Three runs over the winter at Meydan did little to get the heart pumping either.
But a recent victory at the Curragh over dual-Group 1 winner Hydrangea has caught our attention.
This race isn’t exceptionally strong save the market favourite. If Opal Tiara can produce something near to her best then there’s every chance she could hit the frame at a very nice price.
ITV Racing Tips:
1:50 Newmarket – Maksab
2:25 Newmarket – Main Edition (NAP)
2:40 York – Mister Belvedere
3:00 Newmarket – Wissahickon
3:15 York – Main Desire (NB)
3:35 Newmarket – Opal Tiara (Lively Longshot)
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
