Newmarket July Meeting Day 2 Preview

Sky Lantern is undoubtedly the star attraction on day 2 of the Newmarket July meeting after her sensational victory in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. She has a strong supporting cast including Queen Mary Stakes winner Rizeena who bids for further glory in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes.

The meeting starts at 1.40 with a potentially hazardous fillies’ handicap over seven furlongs. Several of the leading contenders have been running over shorter distances including Jubilante and Nardin. Indignant represents the Sky Lantern team of Hannon and Hughes whilst Dream Wild has crept in at the foot of the handicap for Sir Michael Stoute.

The Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at 2.10 sees Clive Brittain’s Rizeena put her reputation on the line as she steps up to six furlongs for the first time. She holds many of these on Ascot form including Aidan O’Brien’s Bye Bye Birdie and Godolphin’s Fire Bird. Hannon and Hughes are again prominent in the betting with the diminutive but talented Fig Roll.

The Group 1 Falmouth Stakes at 2.40 is the feature race on the card and 1000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes winner Sky Lantern will be a warm order to beat her three rivals. Giofra and Elusive Kate were first and second in this race 12 months ago. Purr Along makes up the quartet and tactics could be interesting here with the favourite expected to be anchored in behind for a late run.

The handicap at 3.15 looks the most competitive event on the card with Moviesta, Heaven’s Guest and Rivellino renewing rivalry after finishing close up in a valuable sprint at York. Equity Risk has only been beaten once in four starts and could still be improving.

The maiden race at 3.50 features several nice types including Godolphin’s True Story and Richard Hannon’s Edge. Sir Michael Stoute introduces his Champs Elysees colt Good Value and any market move for him should be noted.

The three-year-old maiden race at 4.25 looks likely to go the way of Luca Cumani’s Vermont who made a promising debut at Sandown recently. His chief rival may be Mark Johnston’s Lions Park.