There are a number of interesting, unexposed two-year-olds in this year's July Stakes (14:10), but the Aidan O'Brien-trained Sir John Hawkins is a worthy favourite. A son of the remarkable Peeping Fawn, Sir John Hawkins has already looked a lot more precocious than his dam, winning a strong Curragh maiden on debut prior to showing improved form against better-quality opponents when finishing third in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. He looked as if he would benefit from the experience at Ascot, wandering slightly under pressure, and he seems sure to carry on improving.
This is a good time of the season to be backing improving three-year-olds against their elders in middle-distance handicaps, and the trio lurking at the foot of the weights in the 16:15 at Doncaster all catch the eye. The one that appeals most, however, is the Marco Botti-trained Renew. A comfortable winner at Thirsk on his first start since leaving Aidan O'Brien, Renew went on to show improved form behind an unexposed horse of John Gosden's in an intriguing handicap at Newmarket, looking unlucky bump into such a progressive rival. The third has since won in good style, the form looks solid and Renew can show further improvement this afternoon.
Those who were hoping for a revival from Chunky Diamond were surely starting to lose patience as he put in a number of laboured efforts, but he suddenly sprung back to life at Haydock, comfortably winning a five-furlong handicap on fast ground and he should take plenty of beating under similar conditions in the 16:50 at Doncaster. Chunky Diamond is extremely well treated based on the pick of his form as a two-year-old for Peter Chapple-Hyam and he should prove far too good for his rivals if turning up in the right mood.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Sir John Hawkins @ 3.39/4 in the 14:10 at Newmarket
Back Renew @ 3.929/10 in the 16:15 at Doncaster
Back Chunky Diamond @ 3.1511/5 in the 16:50 at Doncaster
Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!
