5.30pm Newmarket Tips & Betting Preview 16/07/2016

A great contest is in prospect here at Newmarket, our race preview looks at an ultra competitive handicap in which the whole field has a chance of hitting the frame. Our betting tip however picks out an unexposed horse who can power home for powerful connections.

IN SUMMARY: A lot of these can boast good form and this should be an intriguing contest. Muzdawaj improved massively when upped to 1m2f at Redcar latest and could be a tough nut to crack. However, LUSORY posted a brilliant effort first time out at Haydock and although him staying isn’t guaranteed, his pedigree suggests he will and is taken to past the post in front.

1 SHAAN – Posted her best effort yet at Sandown latest (8f, Good to Firm), however, judging by her pedigree she could struggle to make this new trip. 3lb rise also demands more and too much is taken on trust to recommend her for this.

2 STAUNCH – Poor debut effort at Nottingham was then followed up by an impressive effort over the same C&D (8.5f, Good to Firm). Judging by pedigree he should make this trip and has a lot of room to improve. Clive Cox is in form and if improving will be a huge danger, shortlisted.

3 MAINSTREAM – Started the season with two wins, the first at Nottingham (8.5f, Good to Soft) and the second at Salisbury (10f, Good to Soft). Latest two efforts have been at 1m4f and he was soundly beaten in both, this could be due to the trip but he doesn’t seem to be improving nonetheless. If showing improvement he can hit the frame, but judging by latest run improvement is hard to come by.

4 VIVRE POUR VIVRE – Still not fully exposed, best effort came on penultimate start when winning a small field handicap at Leicester (10f, Heavy) in decisive fashion. Latest start not good enough and will need a career best to defy a mark that looks possibly too high for now.

5 LUSORY – Won a fair maiden at Haydock on his one and only start in May (8f, Good to Soft). That was a good effort and saw out the race really well and pedigree suggests that 1m2f will not be an issue. Has an entry in the Great Voltigeur and if improving on his first effort he will be very tough to collar for powerful connections.

6 MUZDAWAJ – Steadily improving and posted his best effort yet when winning at Redcar latest (10f, Good to Soft). Although he edged left final furlong he saw the race out well so the distance definitely isn’t an issue. Haggas’ yard is going well and will most likely be on the premises for powerful connections, but does need to improve again.

myracing Forecast Prices: 2/1 Lusory, 9/4 Muzdawaj, 5/1 Staunch, 13/2 Mainstream, 7/1 Vivre Pour Vivre, 9/1 Shaan