Rest of Newmarket

The rest of the Newmarket card looks tricky, with the heavy ground certain to play a role and non-runners very likely. The main supporting feature is the Group Two Superlative Stakes for 2yo´s over 7 furlongs at 15.10 CET. Several of these ran in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, where Olympic Glory (Richard Hannon/ Richard Hughes) was runner-up with Artigiano (Mahmood al Zarooni)/ Frankie Dettori) 5th and Lines of Battle (Aidan and Joseph O´Brien) sixth. Over this extra furlong and on different ground the result may well be different this time around. Others to consider are the unbeaten Maxentius (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ William Buick) and Operation Chariot (Andrew Balding/ Jimmy Fortune), who are now facing tougher opposition. Birdman (David Simcock/ Martin Lane) has won on the heavy, which could be a big advantage in today´s conditions.

The big betting race here is the Bunbury Cup, a 7 furlongs handicap at 15.40 with 20 runners, none lof whom can be easily discarded. Quite a few of these ran at Royal Ascpt, either in the Royal Hunt Cup over a mile or in the Buckingham Palace over this distance, amd where Excellent Guest (George Margarson/ Tom Queally) and Jamesie (David Marnane/ Pat Dobbs) were the respective runners-up. Belgian Bill (George Baker/ Richard Hughes) ran in both faces, but was well beaten, he is however not out of it today. This is extremely open, and with the effect of the draw and of the going two unknown factors, stakes should be kept to a minimum.

later: Excellent Guest and Imperial Guest, both trained by George Margarson, have been withdrawn from the Bunbury Cup because of the heavy ground. More non-runners very likely.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Sir John Hawkwood - Ardmay - Andalieb
2. Race: Olympic Glory - Maxentius - Artigiano
3. Race: Jamesie - Decent Fella - Bonnie Brae
4. Race: Society Rock - The Cheka - Ortensia
5. Race: Bircham - Hasopop - Purcell
6. Race: Kimberella - Oasis Cannes - Echion
7. Race: John Louis - Little Rocky - Local Hero