Newmarket July Festival 2020 – The Complete Guide

The July Meeting at Newmarket kicks off on Thursday and provides us with some top-quality action, all leading up to the July Stakes on Saturday, a Champions Series Group 1.

What To Expect From The July Meeting

Run over three days, the July Meeting sees the introduction of the July Course at Newmarket. It has a mile straight, but also utilizes the “Cesarewitch” course for longer races, which sees a right-hand bend into the straight.

Featuring eight pattern races over the course of the meeting, it’s one of Newmarket’s high profile meetings outside of the Guineas. It is headlined by the Group 1 July Cup, a six-furlong sprint that has been won by the likes of Muhaarar, Limato, Harry Angel and Ten Sovereigns in recent years.

The other Group 1 on the card is the Falmouth Stakes for fillies and mares, raced over the mile distance. It’s another race from the British Champions Series, Goldikova, Alice Springs and Alpha Centauri is just a small selection of the incredible recent winners of the contest.

Those races are flanked by four Group 2 races and four Heritage Handicaps, including the Bunbury Cup, one of the biggest handicaps of the season.

July Meeting Races

Day 1 (Notable Races)

1.50pm – Bahrain International Sir Henry Cecil Stakes (1m, Listed) (ITV4)
2.25pm – Bahrain Trophy Stakes (1m 5f, Group 3) (ITV4)
3.00pm – Tattersalls July Stakes (6f, Group 2) (ITV4)
3.35pm – bet365 Handicap (6f, Heritage Handicap) (ITV4)
4.10pm – Princess Of Wales’s Tattersalls Stakes (1m 4f, Group 2) (ITV4)

Day 2 (Notable Races)

2.25pm – Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (6f, Group 2) (ITV4)
3.00pm – bet365 Trophy (1m 6f, Heritage Handicap) (ITV4)
3.35pm – bet365 Handicap (1m 2f, Heritage Handicap) (ITV4)
4.10pm – Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (1m, Group 1) (ITV4)

Day 3 (Notable Races)

3.00pm – bet365 Superlative Stakes (7f, Group 2) (ITV)
3.35pm – Darley July Cup Stakes (6f, Group 1) (ITV)
4.10pm – bet365 Bunbury Cup (7f, Heritage Handicap) (ITV)

Where to watch the July Meeting

We’re still very much in unprecedented times and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, racecourses are still operating with strict entry policies and are racing without the public behind closed doors. That doesn’t mean you’ll be unable to watch the racing, however, as there are plenty of ways to keep up with the superb action.

ITV will be broadcasting all three days of the July Meeting, with the first two days on ITV4 before July Cup Day takes center stage on the ITV main channel on Saturday.

Another simple way to watch the action is by streaming the races through a bookmaker such as bet365. Most bookmakers have the facility to stream the racing, but you’ll either need to place a bet on the race of have money in your account to do so.

Every bookmaker has different T&Cs, so make sure to thoroughly check them so you don’t miss out on being able to catch a glimpse of the top-class action. If you’re looking for a new bookmaker to make the most of the July Meeting, then make sure to check our free bets page for all the best offers.

July Meeting Betting Guide

Jockeys To Follow

In terms of wins, James Doyle is the man to follow on the July Course, successful on 49 of his 203 mounts. Although there is no “top jockey” in significant profit over the past five seasons, Oisin Murphy had a very fruitful 2019, scooping a £17.40 profit to level stakes thanks to his 16% strike rate from 43 rides.

Trainers To Follow

Mark Johnston is the man to follow if you’re looking to make a profit, with the trainer boasting of a £32.89 profit to level stakes. Holding a 22% strike-rate from 176 runners, he’s certainly used to the winning feeling on the July Course.

There is less of a sample size, but Saeed bin Suroor can also boast of a £6.24 profit to level stakes from a 24% strike rate. He is another trainer to watch out over the three days, especially with his string coming into form.

Draw Bias

There isn’t a significant draw bias on the July Course, though it does tend to favour horses who front-run, especially if the ground is on the softer side. It ranks as one of the top courses for those who like to lead, so picking a front-runner could pay dividends over the three days.