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Horse racing fans in the United Kingdom have plenty to look forward to in July, with the schedule packed with a host of Group 1 events and top-class handicaps.
The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot is the highlight on July 29, with this year’s renewal shaping up to be a cracker.
Read on as we preview some of next month’s standout races, starting with a competitive handicap that always generates a ton of interest on sports betting sites.
Northumberland Plate Handicap – Newcastle – July 1
This big-field handicap over two miles can be a tricky puzzle for punters to solve, although the scales have tipped in their favour in recent times.
The favourite has won the Northumberland Plate in three of the last five years – Withhold (2018), Caravan Of Hope (2020) and Trueshan (2022).
Post Impressionist is towards the top of the horse racing odds for 2023 edition and could give trainer William Haggas his first success in the race.
He showed he handled the all-weather surface at Newcastle in May 2022, finishing second behind subsequent St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov in a ten-furlong maiden.
The horse improved for a step up in distance later in the season, running out a hugely impressive winner over one mile six furlongs at York in October.
Haggas won that race with subsequent Group 1 winner Hamish four years ago and Post Impressionist could be the type to follow in his footsteps.
Irish Derby – The Curragh – July 2
Impressive Epsom Derby winner Auguste Rodin is in line to attempt to complete a double in the Irish equivalent at The Curragh on July 2.
The Irish Derby has lost some of its lustre in recent years, but an additional €250,000 in prize money looks set to boost the race’s fortunes.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien has made no secret of the esteem in which he holds Auguste Rodin and his presence in the line-up would be excellent news.
O’Brien has won the race a record 14 times and would love nothing more than to add to his tally with a horse that is clearly the apple of his eye.
White Birch and Sprewell – third and fourth at Epsom – are likely to renew rivalries with Auguste Robin at the Curragh, while Arrest may also be in the line-up.
However, it would be a brave move to back against O’Brien recording another victory with a horse who looked superstar material at Epsom.
Eclipse Stakes – Sandown Park – July 8
Coronation Cup winner Emily Upjohn will drop back in trip to ten furlongs for her next start in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park on July 8.
Having been narrowly denied in the Epsom Oaks last season, the daughter of Sea The Stars ran a stinker in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
She bounced back to form at the same venue in October, romping away with British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.
Emily Upjohn then returned from a seven-month absence to win the Coronation Cup and is now scheduled to reappear in the Eclipse Stakes.
Trainer John Gosden has won the race on four previous occasions with Nathaniel (2012), Golden Horn (2015), Roaring Lion (2018) and Enable (2019).
Emily Upjohn looks a good bet to add her name to the roll of honour, with the stiff finish at Sandown likely to play to her strengths.
July Cup – Newmarket – July 15
Little Big Bear was sent off a hot favourite for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot but was overhauled in the final furlong by Shaquille.
The winner overcame a tardy start to run down O’Brien’s sprinter and make it three out of three for the season.
However, O’Brien is eager to take on Shaquille again in the July Cup at Newmarket and the outcome may be different next time around.
Jockey Ryan Moore did not cover himself in glory at Ascot, making too much use of the horse and leaving nothing in the tank for the latter stages.
Moore has come in for plenty of criticism over the past few years despite winning a plethora of top-class races for the Ballydoyle operation.
He will be eager to make amends in the July Cup and it would be no surprise to see Little Big Bear reverse the form with Shaquille at Newmarket.
King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Ascot – July 29
With over a month to go before the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes is staged, it is tough to be too confident about picking the winner.
Several potential contenders are due to run over the next couple of weeks, and their performances will determine whether they line-up at Ascot.
However, impressive Epsom Oaks winner Soul Sister may be kept fresh for the race, which could give her a crucial edge against her rivals.
The Gosden-trained filly is bidding to give the stable a record-equalling sixth success in this race, putting them alongside Sir Michael Stoute.
Jockey Frankie Dettori has been even more prolific, winning it seven times. Another success would put him ahead of Lester Piggott at the top of the list.
If Soul Sister gets the job done, do not be surprised to Dettori reverse his retirement decision so he can ride her again during her four-year-old campaign.
Michael specializes in journalism, digital content production and social media management. He has a passion for numerous sports including football, horse racing and ice hockey. Michael currently works on a freelance basis, producing daily content for various outlets within the sports industry.
