5 Horses to Watch at Newmarket July Meeting

This weekend at the Newmarket July Meeting (or to give it its full name The Moët & Chandon July Festival, because who doesn’t love a glass of the bubbly stuff?), there are a number of top horses vying to make a big mark on this famous flat course.

Which fillies and colts could be grabbing the headlines? We’ve taken a look at five potential stars that might just light Newmarket up:

Integral (The Falmouth Stakes)

In the big race of Newmarket’s second day, all eyes will be on Integral. The Newmarket-trained filly is back, bidding to become the first horse to win consecutive Falmouth Stakes in 10 years.

It’s true that the signs don’t look too good. The five-year old has failed to fire this season and may struggle on hard ground, in a Group 1 race that’s only seen one filly her age win in 14 years. But there’s no doubt that the old girl will be up for the fight.

Amazing Maria (The Falmouth Stakes)

While Integral disappointed at the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Ascot, Amazing Maria delivered the highlight of her career to win at 25-1.

She beat other horses appearing at The Falmouth Stakes that day, including two-time Royal Ascot winner Rizeena, and there’s a sense that this improving four-year old filly could be well worth a watch in this Group 1 showdown.

Anthem Alexander (The July Cup)

The highlight of the July Meeting is the Darley July Cup, the winner of which traditionally goes on to end the season as Europe’s top sprinter. And while the two frontrunners Brazen Beau and the Commonwealth Cup winner Muhaarar are strong shouts, many will be keeping an interested eye on 12-1 shot Anthem Alexander.

The Chestnut 2014 Queen Mary winner finished third to Muhaarar in the Commonwealth Cup, but travelled well enough in the early stages to hint at something even better. With a little more staying power, Anthem Alexander could give trainer Eddie Lynam his second consecutive July Cup winner – and become the youngest filly to do so since 1983.

Check out our free Darley July Cup ante-post tips!

Suzi’s Connoisseur (The Bunbury Cup)

Bought from Hugo Palmer’s stable last Autumn by Qatar Racing, Suzi’s Connoisseur could be one to watch in the Bunbury Cup. He surprised many in the Ascot Wokingham Stakes, leading on the fair side with an aggressive ride before falling away slightly and it will be interesting to see if a slightly more patient run may pay dividends on Saturday.

In the last 10 years, 7 winners have been rated 98 to 105 and many are tipping the 99-rated Suzi’s Connoisseur to continue that trend.

Check out our free Bunbury Cup Ante-post tips!

Mahsoob (Princess of Wales’ Stakes)

Lastly, it may be somewhat of a cop-out to choose a 2-1 favourite as ‘one to watch’, but there will be plenty focusing on Mahsoob to see if the John Gosden-trained colt will continue his very impressive season.

He’s unbeaten in three races this season, all 10-furlong handicaps (including at Royal Ascot) against tough opposition, leading many to wonder if a career above handicaps beckons. Does he have the fight and the quality to back up his undoubted potential? This mile and half race will be the biggest test yet – literally and figuratively.

Check out our free Princess of Wales’ Stakes Tips!