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Newmarket July Meeting Day 1

 It is the opening day of the July Festival at Headquarters tomorrow and it presents a very competitive card to commence festivities. I felt the other days present more betting opportunities if I'm honest and contemplated keeping my powder dry entirely. I had no strong opinion regarding taking on Al Aasy given the opposition he faces as they are far inferior on all known form. Stowell was a tentative selection but not a bet at the prices in the Bahrain Trophy and I had a rather large shortlist for the 6f handicap. 

In the end, I decided I couldn't let Eldrickjones go unsupported at the current price based on the impression he left on me at Royal Ascot in the Coventry. Having travelled ominously well on that occasion, he was stopped in his tracks inside the 2f pole (having waited patiently behind a wall of horses up to that point) when making his initial challenge. Once he re-gathered his momentum, he came with an eye-catching late run, despite racing on the part of the track that was disadvantaged. The race was probably run to suit those held up but it is easy make the case that he was the best horse in the race, particularly if you believe (like I do) that the winner who came up the stands side had a major advantage. That represented a big step forward from finishing second in his maiden just twelve days previously and I would be surprised if he doesn't step forward again here. Given that he has the best form on offer at the trip, I think he should be clear favourite. That position is currently held by Project Dante and I have the suspicion that he may have been slightly flattered by his finishing position in the Norfolk. While the extra furlong looks like it will suit on that running, I am not so sure and of the two I prefer Roger Fell's charge to build on his unlucky Ascot defeat.


1pt win Eldrickjones (7/2 General) Newmarket 2.25


Current P/L since June 2020:

Total Staked: 98.5 points

Total Returned: 145.3 points

Total Profit: 46.8 points

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