Friday sees day two of Newmarket’s July Festival which makes up three our of four in our Lucky 15 today. The other selection comes at York. Racing Editor Rob Plumbridge picks his Lucky 15 selections for Friday .
Check out our 4,837/1 Lucky 15 and all our best bets here
Signcastle City (1:15 Newmarket) 8/1
In a race where the majority are all unknowns, it could pay to side with SIGNCASTLE CITY. Richard Hannon has a fantastic record with his juveniles at the July Festival – sending out 15 winners from 74 runners (20% strike-rate) and he could boost that record in Friday’s opener.It’s difficult to be overly confident with anything in here as the majority are making their debut, but the Dark Angel colt has a fine pedigree and with his trainer’s superb record in the race, he’s our tentative selection.The booking of Andrea Atzeni is a welcome boost to the selections chances. The in-form jockey is currently at a 43% strike-rate in the past two weeks (at time of writing) and has a solid enough record at the July course. With both Godolphin horses being short enough in the betting, we’re happy to take them on with Signcastle City.
War Horse (1.50 Newmarket) 9/1
WAR HORSE was a huge eye-catcher at Epsom when last seen on Oaks day overcoming a terrible start, racing in rear and having to weave his way through at the end to finish 3rd. That was a really smart performance when things never went away, and he showed great stamina at the distance as well as a great attitude to keep going despite never being able to get to the winner.
The winner that day Swilcan Bridge re-opposes here, but we expect War Horse to get the better of that battle today with better luck. Previously he’s won at Sandown the start before and looks like one who is sure to give you a run for your money. His form figures read 21-2513, and therefore we’re confident he’ll be thereabouts come the business end here.
Flotus (2.40 York) 2/1
FLOTUS is a really likeable horse, who has shown great consistency and class in good races already.
He was a superb 3rd in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last time out going down to the brilliant Perfect Power and Flaming Rib. Those rivals are at the top of the market for Saturday’s feature G1 July Cup. There’s nothing of that class here in this and a similar run should be more than enough to take this event.
She’s already accounted for Hala Hala Athmani and Zain Claudette who are the main market rivals and we’ll take her to be the lynchpin of today’s Lucky 15.
Trawlerman (3.00 Newmarket) 8/1
A tricky-looking handicap where Duke Of Endiburgh Stakes winner Candleford and a host of others re-oppose on the July Course. Candleford is hiked a huge 13lb for that win and certainly hasn’t been missed by the handicapper. We’re therefore happy to oppose him here, with the likelihood that a combination of weight and a tough race last time may be enough to prevent him winning.
We’re going with TRAWLERMAN who was 10th in that race, and never really got going. He was in the rear throughout and didn’t get into contention. He wasn’t given a hard time at all there and should be just fine for this. His win on reappearance reads well in this context and he should be able to get much more competitive with a more positive ride.