Channel 4 Racing Tips, Saturday 9th July

A huge day of racing lies ahead for us. There are no fewer than ten races being televised on Channel 4. The highlight is arguably the July Cup from Newmarket, 4:35pm. This Group 1 6 furlong race looks to be the best sprint race seen on UK soil in some time.

Newmarket 2.45 Tote Scoop 6 Heritage Handicap 5f C2

David Baron’s Robot Boy is of interest as he has come down from 103-95 and had only the one run in 2016 from which he will definitely sharpen up and he is well capable of winning a race of this type. Surely the ground will stay too quick for Jack Dexter but any rain is an advantage for him and if the word soft appears anywhere in the going we will have to get involved. Stepper Point is the class act in the race and runs in handicap company off 100 having been 114 and Willie Muir is hitting his straps now with winners. The final consideration is Lexington Abbey who is a horse on the improve for Kevin Ryan with 2 wins and a 3^rd in 2016 over both 5 and 6f.

York 3.00pm John Smiths Racing Handicap  1 mile Class 2

Three horses that we have been following feature in this race. Ed Walkers Ghalib really takes the eye. 1 run in 2016 and it was 2^nd at Yarmouth over this trip beaten ¼ length in a C2 on this type of ground. He strikes at 20% and whilst Ed has been quite now is the time to catch him. Kings Pavilion is a horse we like and is also capable of winning this for Mark Johnston after a decent run last time out. Finally this may seem odd but Firmament for O’meara and Tudhope is one that we can’t stop looking at. So far he hasn’t achieved what he is capable of but he wouldn’t be at this mark if he had. He could bolt up if turf brings out that true ability.

Ascot 3.15 Fred Cowley Summer Mile Group 2

Convey is a horse who has a touch of class and with the team of Stoute and Smullen you need to pay attention. We love Gabrial, always over priced and always honest. Has a turn of foot at a mile and was only 1.5 lengths behind Solow in a Group 1 at this track last year. His recent win at Windsor didn’t go unbacked by us and we will support him again. Kodi Bear is probably the class act and isn’t just a slow ground horse.

Newmarket 3.25 Bet 365 Mile Handicap Class 2

Godolphin seem to have the answer here with Silent Attack and Hornsby. Out of the two our preference is for the Saeed Bin Suroor trained Silent Attack who looked a little stronger than Hornsby and full of promise. Perkunas for Brian Meehan has achieved more than most in this race in his short but eventful life and after two good runs in Doha and a break if he is wound up he will give them most to do.

York 3.40 John Smiths Silver Cup C2 1 mile 6f

Quest for More will take all the beating after a great run here last time out in a listed race going down by less than a length. Sir Chauvelin’s run in the Northumberland Plate was mighty impressive. He travelled like a good horse and his pilot may have gone a bit early. This trip suits more. Suegioo at big prices is interesting as he looks to be running in to form and likes this track.

 York 4.15 John Smiths Cup

If Top Notch Tonto gets the trip then he has real class for Brian Ellison. Ascot form throws two up those being Revolutionist for Mark Johnston who has an awful draw in 21 and Arthenus who was just behind him, drawn 10 which could be the clincher. Belgian Bill could also be a snip as well as he loves big fields and the long straight allows him to run through horses. It’s another great race on a great Saturday of punting.

Newamrket 4.35 The Darley July Cup   6 furlongs     Group 1

A fantastic race every year. Sole Power has been a legend but surely his powers are waining now. Four 3 year olds have won this race in the last 10 years so the chances of Air Force Blue and Quiet Reflection have to be considered. The first because he was the highest rated 3yo in Europe before his flop in the Guineas and the latter because she just keeps winning and getting quicker. Limato, Twilight Son and Profitable head up a long short list of possible winners. It’s a great race and these selections might seem unorthodox but believe your eyes, is our punting mantra.

York 4.50 The York City Walls Sprint

Only two horses can win this race. One is Muthmir and the other is Easton Angel. Easton Angel cruised to victory last time out and the manner of a truly strong sprinter and will win.

 5.10 Bunbury Cup  7 furlongs  Class 2

We wouldn’t normally get involved in this race but having backed Growl last time out to win at Windsor and seeing how well he moved in a big field and knowing that he gets 7 furlongs we want to back him again.