ITV Racing Tips: Can Terebellum see off Nazeef in the Falmouth?
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There’s something for everyone on ITV4 this Friday with Day Two from Newmarket’s July Festival supplemented by two summer jumps contests from Market Rasen.
The Grade 3 Summer Plate Handicap is the highlight of the afternoon’s National Hunt action, while all eyes will be on the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes and the Falmouth Stakes further south.
We’re all set for another fascinating few hours on ITV4, and we’ve previewed the feature contests from across the two meetings in our ITV Racing Tips.
RACE OF THE DAY – FALMOUTH STAKES – NEWMARKET 16:10
This is all about Terebellum. John Gosden’s inmate looks a star in the making and was only narrowly touched off by the more experienced two-time Group 1 winner Circus Maximus when second in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot.
She held her own against the boys that day and this looks easier back against her own sex. The four-year-old won a Group 2 here on her reappearance and is given every chance of continuing her progression with a win in this.
Stablemate Nazeef looks the biggest danger following her success in the Duke of Cambridge, and she’s expected to enjoy the conditions more than Terebellum, who has mixed form with cut in the ground.
One Master finished runner-up in this contest 12 months ago but likely needs shorter, while Magic Wand and Billesdon Brook are two honest sorts and could pick up the pieces if things go wrong for the favourites.
The latter was giving Nazeef 7lb when touched off at Kempton on her reappearance, and despite a disappointing run in the Queen Anne, she can give a good account her providing there’s not too much ease underfoot.
NEXT BEST – DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE STAKES – NEWMARKET, 14:25
Two-year-old races this season are trickier to work out than a Rubik’s Cube covered in grease, but it’s difficult to ignore the appeal of Albany Stakes winner Dandalla in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes.
Karl Burke’s pocket rocket is two from two so far and won with plenty in hand at Royal Ascot against some very nice types. If she gets the run of the race again here from a perfect draw, then she could prove tough to reel in.
Elsewhere, Time Scale won a decent Listed contest here around a fortnight ago, while More Beautiful looked exceptional on debut for Aidan O’Brien and is worth another go after bombing out at Royal Ascot.
Hala Hala Hala’s debut at Thirsk was backed up against the clock and she can also run well in the hands of Frankie Dettori.
ONE TO WATCH – SUMMER PLATE – MARKET RASEN, 14:40
There are plenty of familiar names in contention for this Grade 3 contest including the likeable Bags Groove, who returns to the track as a nine-year-old after more than a year off.
Harry Fry’s inmate is a two-time Grade 2 winner over fences but seemed to have lost his way on his last start when tailed off in a Grade 1 contest at Kempton.
He’s undergone wind surgery since then which could open up further improvement, and with his experience in big-field hurdle contests, he looks like the one to beat.
San Benedeto should also be there or thereabouts after dusting off the cobwebs with a spin on the flat at Royal Aascot, while Solomon Grey and summer specialist Fidux are also of interest.
More is expected of Lough Derg Spirit, too, after making the switch from Nicky Henderson to Paul Nicholls in the summer. He’s another who has the benefit of a breathing operation.
FRIDAY 10TH JULY, ITV RACING SCHEDULE
13:50 Newmarket – Price Promise Handicap
14:05 Market Rasen – Summer Handicap Hurdle
14:25 Newmarket – Duchess of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2)
14:40 Market Rasen – Summer Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
15:00 Newmarket – Trophy Handicap
15:35 Newmarket – Class 2 Handicap
16:10 Newmarket – Falmouth Stakes (Group 1)
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
