Newmarket July Festival Thursday Tips – Dan James Racing

Furthur steps into the spotlight as a leading contender in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy Stakes over 1m5f at Newmarket. Trained by Andrew Balding, the colt has shown steady progression throughout the season, most recently running a strong second at Royal Ascot over 1m4f - form that marks him as a serious threat here. The extra furlong looks ideal for this staying-bred son of Kingman, and his tactical versatility will serve him well on Newmarket’s undulating course.

With Oisin Murphy back in the saddle, connections will be confident of a breakthrough Group success. The Bahrain Trophy often acts as a springboard for St Leger hopefuls, and Furthur fits that profile perfectly. A strong gallop is expected, which should play into his stamina-laden pedigree. If he settles early and finds cover, he could be difficult to stop. Furthur looks primed to deliver a career-best performance and justify his status as NAP of the day.

Do Or Do Not heads into the Group 2 Kingdom of Bahrain July Stakes as one of the most exciting juveniles on the card. Trained by Richard Hannon, this colt has already posted two impressive efforts, showing blistering speed and professionalism beyond his age. With an official rating of 108 and a Racing Post Rating placing him above many rivals, he enters Thursday’s contest with serious credentials. His last run—when finishing a close second in a Listed event at Sandown—showed both grit and class.

The Newmarket July Course, with its straight 6f, is an ideal test for his high cruising speed and late kick. With Ryan Moore taking the reins, the combination of form, pedigree, and race setup could be hard to beat. If he reproduces his best, Do Or Do Not could emerge as one of the standout two-year-olds of the summer. He’s a confident selection as the day’s NB pick.

Hucklesbrook is shaping up as a strong each-way contender in the handicap over six furlongs at Newmarket. Trained by Roger Teal and ridden by the experienced Ryan Moore, this horse has demonstrated consistent improvement throughout the season. His recent dominant victory in a competitive 18-runner handicap at York highlighted his class and resilience. Despite an 8lb rise in the weights, Hucklesbrook’s proven ability to handle competitive fields and his stamina for the 6f distance make him a compelling each-way bet.

The booking of Ryan Moore adds further confidence, as the jockey has a strong record on the July Course. With each-way terms typically paying out to fourth place at Newmarket, Hucklesbrook offers solid value for punters looking to back a horse with genuine winning potential and place prospects in this high-quality handicap.