Andrew Balding: My thoughts on our 11 Friday runners
The Betway ambassador previews all of his runners at the Newmarket July Festival, Ascot, Chester and Chepstow on Friday.
Newmarket July Festival
Prince Of Rebels is making his debut in what is always a competitive maiden. I like the way he’s going but I get the feeling he’s going to need the experience (13:15).
Foxes Tales was very impressive at Royal Ascot and should be OK with the faster ground, but it’s a tough to ask giving weight away in these competitive handicaps. He seems in good form at home, though, and it’s a valuable prize (13:50).
Sandrine was very good when winning at Royal Ascot. She travelled very well but that was on much softer ground. She has worked well on quicker ground, so we’re hopeful that she’ll handle it in a race (14:25).
Alcohol Free was brilliant in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. This is a very strong renewal of the Falmouth Stakes, which appears to have all the best fillies over a mile competing in it. It would be great if she could back her Ascot win with a success here. She’s in great form at home (15:35).
Ascot
Robasta is still a maiden but is fairly treated. He wouldn’t want it too soft, though. He brings some good form into the race and could go well (13:05).
Damned Elusive is consistent and has some form which suggests she could run well. Some of her relatives have gone well on the ground, too. The race has cut up and a reproduction of her second last time would see her be competitive (13:40).
Melody Of Life is another who has been very consistent all year. He won well last time and, while stepping up in trip is an unknown for him, doing it around a turning track should help him (14:15).
Goolwa would have a question mark on the ground. She won well at Kempton on her penultimate start and I still think she’s on a fair mark. It will be interesting to see how she goes (14:50)
Chester
Group One Power has held his form all season and keeps running well. This is a large field by Chester’s standards and I’m glad he’s drawn well, which is a huge help. The trip and ground should be fine, so he should be competitive (19:00).
Spring Glow is stepping up in distance, which should suit her. The obvious question mark is on the ground, but we won’t know until we try it (21:00).
Chepstow
Bashful did nothing wrong in finishing second at Chepstow last time. Callum Hutchinson has been riding really well and he takes the ride. They will have every chance (20:45).
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