Newmarket July Festival Saturday Tips – Dan James Racing

Bedouin Prince looks primed to land the spoils in Saturday’s Mile Handicap at Newmarket. Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, this Godolphin colt has impressed on fast ground and is well-suited to the July Course’s demands. A commanding win earlier in the season and a close-up finish at Royal Ascot indicate he’s peaking at the right time.

With Appleby’s team in flying form and Buick’s familiarity with this track, Bedouin Prince holds major claims in what looks a winnable seven-runner contest. His pace, tactical positioning, and turn of foot make him a standout in the field. The market support throughout the week signals stable confidence, and Timeform has marked him as their top-rated selection. With conditions in his favour and scope for further improvement, he should prove hard to beat. A strong contender worth backing either outright or in multiples.

Whistlejacket enters Saturday’s July Cup as a live each-way threat in a high-class renewal of the prestigious Group 1 sprint. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the three-year-old has drawn significant market attention after a strong showing at Royal Ascot. Already a Group performer with blistering early speed, Whistlejacket has reportedly been thriving at Ballydoyle, with insiders calling him “so fast it’s scary.” With a pedigree built for sprinting and O’Brien’s record in this race, expectations are high.

The July Course’s fast ground and stiff finish could play into his strengths, especially against older horses that may not have his acceleration. At around 7/1, he offers good each-way value, particularly if the race sets up for a stalk-and-strike finish. O’Brien is no stranger to springing surprises in top-level races, and Whistlejacket might be the latest to follow that trend. He’s an exciting player in one of the season’s sprinting highlights.

Orion’s Belt is the standout contender in Saturday’s competitive seven-furlong maiden fillies’ race at Newmarket. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the filly arrives with strong market support and high expectations after impressive work at home. Appleby’s juveniles are noted for their readiness and often produce immediate impact on debut, and with Ryan Moore booked to ride, Orion’s Belt benefits from top-class race-riding experience.

While maiden races for two-year-olds can be unpredictable, Orion’s Belt’s pedigree and connections give her a strong edge over other newcomers. Her galloping style and tactical speed suit the Newmarket July Course perfectly, where she can settle well and finish strongly. Market confidence suggests she is expected to run a big race, and with the prize money on offer, the stable is likely to target this as a priority. A leading fancy in this opening contest, Orion’s Belt is worth following for early-season success.