Wednesday, 11 July 2012: On what according to the weather forecast may be the nicest day of the week, the Newmarket July meeting will kick off with the Bahrain Trophy G3.
The current going is good to soft but that may change as heavy rain is anticipated between now and the first race Thursday. That race is for the 3yos and is over 2600m so a St Leger trial in many ways. Shantaram won here in June, and has the top team of Gosden/Buick in his corner. He's on 7/4, with Rewarded on 5/2 and Valiant 3/1.
The July Stakes is for 2yos over 1200m with 9 to run at present. Sir Prancealot is on 7/4, Gale Force Ten is on 7/2 and Alhebayeb 5/1.
The Princess of Wales's Goldsmiths Stakes is G2 over 2400m and has 9 runners, many of whom are planning a trip to Melbourne later in the year, including last year's runner-up Red Cadeaux who tops the quote at 11/4. Harris Tweed is on 3/1, and the Gran Premio di Milano winner Jakkalberry, already a seasoned globe trotter, is on 5/1. Marco Botti also saddles Joshua Tree, but has said both horses would prefer firmer going.
The weather forecast is not good for the rest of the week including Saturday, when Ortensia runs.
