For the first time in 12 weeks, after 72 points staked (and thanks to the whopping 25.80 points loss of Royal Ascot) the P&L has dropped into the minuses at -0.65 after yesterday’s two losses.
Although Tower Of London’s loss will continue to haunt me all week, we shall kick on into day two on what looks like a competitive day all around.
1:50 Newmarket – LOCAL DYNASTY @ 9/2 with BetVictor – 2pt WIN
Yesterday, the opening race didn’t go the way I planned with Tower Of London finishing second; today, I hope my fortune can change with Local Dynasty.
Although I’m taking a chance on the apparent Godolphin second-string, something that is a difficult game at times, I am a bigger fan of this three-year-old by Dubawi over his stablemate Tagabawa, the 7/2 favourite.
Last time out, Local Dynasty ran in the Golden Gates Stakes and finished a good third following a rear-of-the-field ride, forcing him to make up at least six lengths after the bend.
Burdett Road holds on to win the Golden Gates Stakes
It's a 2nd win of the week for @neilcallan78 #ITVRacing | #RoyalAscot | @MikeBellRacing pic.twitter.com/X5qxD9NlrM
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 24, 2023
Furthermore, his run in the Dee Stakes at Chester two starts ago was another pleasing contest on soft ground.
With the late San Antonio and Donnacha O’Brien’s Alder ahead of him, that form looks strong and it shows he ground versatile if the rain does hit today.
Hard to fault this one! 🚀
San Antonio gets the better of Alder to take the Boodles Dee Stakes 🥇#ITVRacing | @ChesterRaces | @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/WSDU7adHWK
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) May 11, 2023
Hopefully, he is the classic ‘Group horse in a handicap’ as he will need to be off a mark of 101, but that feat should be accomplishable and he is my opening bet for the second day of the July Cup meeting.
2:40 York – SWINGALONG @ 15/8 with BetVictor – 3pt WIN
Coverage on ITV Racing today also comes from York alongside HQ and in their feature race of the day, the Group 3 Summer Stakes, the favourite, Swingalong, is the NAP.
Firstly, on pure numbers, Karl Burke’s contender is the second-highest rated in the race while also receiving a three-year-old and fillies allowance, putting her best at the weights by two pounds to the second-favourite, Mammas Girl.
That is a good start to her claim, and her case gets even stronger based on her form thanks to her big-odds third in the Commonwealth Cup last time out, second to Remarquee three starts ago, and fourth in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at the end of last season.
Oh, my. That was superb! ⭐️
Lezoo (Zoustar) wins the @JuddmonteFarms Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket for @RalphBeckett and William Buick pic.twitter.com/10asViIlA5
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 24, 2022
The return to six furlongs at Royal Ascot has seemingly brought this Showcasing filly back to her best and with this being one of her easiest assignments of the last 11 months, hopefully, she can oblige in due fashion.
3:35 Newmarket – REMARQUEE @ 4/1 with William Hill – 2pt WIN
And finally, after much consideration of this selection, Remarquee is the final player in the team for the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes.
There is a lot of impending rain about to hit Newmarket, something that made me take out my pencilled fancy of Persuasion in the penultimate race, but now she is out, Ralph Beckett’s filly is her replacement.
The Kingman three-year-old receives a nine-pound weight allowance from the favourite, Via Sistina, which does put her best at the weights on official ratings.
That mark of 111 is thanks to her remarkable second in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot where she was stopped in her tracks one furlong from home, but still managed to rally down the outside to only be beaten by one length to Tahiyra.
Tahiyra is all class as she wins the Coronation Stakes for @chrishayes24 and Dermot Weld at #RoyalAscot! @Ascot pic.twitter.com/AW6nFP0Zw6
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 23, 2023
The favourite, seeking her second Group 1 in less than two weeks, has a question to answer about her suitability dropping back down to a mile whereas Remarquee should have no problems with the trip or any potential soft ground.
Hopefully, a three-year-old can win this race for the second time in a row under a double-seeking Rob Hornby after his memorable victory 12 months ago on Prosperous Voyage.
Expert Analysis and Tips for July Cup Day Two Races
Below we expand on the race-by-race thinking, how to judge the likely impact of weather and ground, and practical ways to find value without over‑risking your stake. All content is for information only and aimed at readers aged 18 and over.
How to Assess Form, Ground and Draw for Selections
Form assessment blends race replays, recent finishing positions, and the context of those performances, such as pace and trip suitability. Putting those elements together helps you decide how strongly a horse’s recent run translates to today’s conditions.
Ground and draw often change the interpretation of a horse’s form; a good run on soft ground can elevate a contender when rain is forecast, while a wide draw on a sharp track may put a hold on a sprinter’s chances. Use ratings and sectional data to identify where a selection would typically position in the race.
Newmarket 1:50 Local Dynasty Detailed Form Notes
Local Dynasty’s recent third in a step‑up event and a solid run in the Dee Stakes suggest he handles cut in the ground and can travel through a race from off the pace. The Dubawi pedigree and pattern of improvement at three make the switch back to Newmarket and six furlongs a reasonable test for his handicap mark.
Keep an eye on his draw and the likely early leaders, as a strong early pace could set it up for a closer to pick up the pieces. If the ground comes up softer, that should not be a negative given his Chester form on soft going.
Interpreting Official Ratings And Weight Allowances
Official ratings give a baseline for comparison but should be balanced with weight allowances and the race’s conditional claims. A three‑year‑old allowance or a filly’s weight concession can be worth several pounds and change relative chances in a tight contest.
When a horse drops in class or carries less than a previous rival, use the rating alongside form lines to model whether the swing in weights is sufficient for a realistic chance. Avoid overstating small rating gaps without supporting form evidence.
York 2:40 Swingalong Strengths And Weaknesses
Swingalong’s pattern of Group performances and recent return to form at Royal Ascot underline her class at this trip, especially with the three‑year‑old and filly allowance in play. The step into this Group 3 looks weighted in her favour given her speed and ability to handle the cut in the ground if necessary.
Potential weaknesses include how she handles cut‑back in trip and whether she repeats her Ascot effort on different ground and a different track profile. Compare her sectional pace figures to the likely pace map to confirm she will be able to hold the necessary position throughout.
Trainer And Jockey Form Trends To Monitor Closely
Karl Burke and the listed trainers in these races have distinct patterns for readiness and placement, so check recent strike‑rates at these tracks and distances before committing. Jockey bookings can be a short‑term form indicator, especially if a rider has been striking regularly on similar horses.
Look for jockeys who have produced strong late rides on similar courses recently, and trainers who target these meetings with specialists; that combination often mirrors expected race tactics and improving fitness. Avoid basing a bet solely on a trainer name without concrete, current form evidence.
Newmarket 3:35 Remarquee Tactical Considerations
Remarquee’s mile credentials and strong Coronation Stakes performance show she handles a stiff test and can travel into a race well. With the weight allowance and expected ground, she looks equipped to handle any stamina test over a mile while retaining tactical speed.
Assess whether the likely early fractions will suit a filly who needs a clear run; in a slowly run race she may be vulnerable to hold‑up horses pounced upon by those with explosive speed. If rain arrives and the ground softens, her stamina influence could be the deciding factor.
Responsible Betting Checklist Before Placing Wagers
Only bet if you are 18 or over, set a strict staking plan, and never chase losses; sensible stakes protect your enjoyment of the sport. Use limits available from bookmakers and consider smaller unit stakes when markets are uncertain or when weather makes form harder to read.
Remember that the information here is editorial and not financial advice; avoid staking beyond what you can afford to lose and seek help if gambling stops being enjoyable. You can explore bookmaker comparisons through our tools if you choose to bet responsibly.
How Weather And Ground Could Shape Race Outcomes
Rain forecasts for Newmarket and York mean the going may move from good to soft, which tends to favour horses with form on underfoot rain or those bred to handle cut. Horses with a history of strong finishing runs on testing ground gain relative advantage when the going worsens.
Conversely, quick ground benefits horses with sharp early speed and a high cruising pace; check breeding and past form to determine whether a selection is likely to relish a drying surface. Market moves after overnight rain advisories often reflect important changes to expected outcomes.
When To Shop For Prices And Market Movement Guide
Early markets often reflect headline form while late market moves incorporate team reports and last‑minute ground updates from stables and jockeys. If a selection shortens notably in the final two hours, it may indicate stable confidence or bookmakers balancing liability, both useful signals for decision making.
Use price comparison tools to find the best available odds and consider taking a bet earlier if value exists, rather than waiting for marginal reductions that erode return. Avoid impulse bets on dramatic late market swings unless you can justify the change using new information.
Putting The Day’s Bets Together Strategically
Construct a small portfolio of selections combining a core bet or two and a couple of smaller speculative stakes where the odds offer genuine value. This approach keeps exposure sensible and allows you to back longer‑priced runners for coverage while keeping most of your stake in higher‑confidence picks.
Consider bookmakers’ extra places, each‑way terms, and spread across different operators to extract maximum value within safe staking limits. Remember, diversification in small stakes is a risk‑management tool and not a guarantee of profit.
Using Bookmaker Comparisons To Find Best Value
Comparing odds, each‑way terms and small promotions across bookmakers can materially change the expected return on a bet without altering the selection. Use unbiased comparison tools to ensure you are getting a fair price and the most favourable terms for the market you plan to back.
Where affiliate links or offers are shown, these are informational and may include operators we work with; always read terms and bet responsibly. If you want to explore offers, our comparison pages list current free bets and casino bonuses for new customers.
We aim to offer practical race analysis and a measured approach to staking on high‑profile racemeetings, with clarity on how ground and form influence chances. Keep a record of selections and outcomes to refine your own process and learn from patterns over time.
All readers must be 18+ to place bets and should prioritise responsible gambling at all times. If gambling causes concern, contact your local support services for help.
You can compare current free bet offers from recommended bookmakers on our free bets page.
Common Questions About Day Two Betting And Tips
How should I interpret a horse’s official rating today?
Official ratings are a starting point that compare horses across classes and distances but should be viewed alongside recent form and race context. A horse improving rapidly can outrun its rating, while one in decline may underperform despite a solid mark.
What is the best way to judge soft ground form lines?
Look for previous runs on soft or heavy going, especially those with strong finishing positions and pace maps that match the current race. Sires and dam lines can also indicate an individual’s likely ability to handle testing surfaces.
When is backing a three-year-old filly sensible for these races?
Backing a three-year-old filly is sensible when she carries age and sex allowances against older rivals and has proven form at the trip or on expected ground. Consider that physical maturity and recent race experience are key to assessing her readiness for Group company.
How can I use jockey and trainer form to my advantage?
Use recent strike‑rates and course/distance statistics for both trainers and jockeys to spot positive trends, but prioritise live, relevant form over historic reputation. A consistent partnership that has delivered strong finishes recently is a useful positive indicator.
Are there safe staking methods for race day betting?
Safe staking methods include flat unit staking, percentage of bankroll, or fractional Kelly approaches used conservatively to limit downside. Always set loss limits and avoid increasing stakes to chase losses.
Where can I compare bookmakers and responsible offers for these races?
Use our bookmaker comparison pages to review odds, each‑way terms and responsible gambling tools offered by operators. All offers and links are for informational purposes and readers must be 18+ to participate.





