We kick off proceedings with the Group 2 July Stakes over six furlongs (14:10) and it looks an intriguing renewal. Although several of these bring solid Royal Ascot form to the table, preference is given to Ivawood. He made plenty of appeal on paper prior to his racecourse debut at Sandown last month, for which he was heavily supported. He justified that support in fine style, leaving a lasting impression when scooting away to score by two-and-a-quarter lengths. Although all of these should be capable of better in the future, the selection is taken to improve past his rivals and give the Hannon team their fourth win in the last five years in this race.
We remain at Newmarket's July meeting for the second contest under consideration, another Group 2 in the Princess of Wales's Stakes over 12 furlongs (14:40). Sir Michael Stoute holds a very strong hand with Hillstar and the unexposed Arab Spring, with the latter taken to give him a remarkable tenth success in the race. Even though he's yet to race in Group company he's the equal of his more experienced stablemate in terms of Timeform ratings, and Arab Spring is taken to continue his rapid rise through the ranks and extend his unbeaten run in 2014 to five. That said, Pether's Moon has enough form in the book to give him something to think about and is respected.
We head to Epsom for our final bet of the day, which comes in a handicap over an extended mile (19:15) and although Desert Society looks sure to regain the winning thread before too long, it's best to keep Sir Guy Porteous onside this evening. He produced a dominant display at Carlisle on Saturday to record the third victory in his last five starts (he placed in the other two) and although he has a penalty to defy for that success, he's in the form of his life at present. He encounters another furlong-and-a-half in this contest but he' has winning form over a mile and he won from the front on Saturday, suggesting he won't have a problem seeing out the trip.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Ivawood @ 4.131/10 in the 14:10 at Newmarket
Back Arab Spring @ 2.166/5 in the 14:40 at Newmarket
Back Sir Guy Porteous @ 2.757/4 in the 19:15 at Epsom
