Newmarket July Meeting – Day One – CopyBet

The Sir Henry Cecil Stakes often throws up a good three-year-old miler, with several previous winners going on to bigger and better things. Godolphin often target this event and this year they have three representatives.

Charlie Appleby and William Buick combined for Godolphin’s last win in this race in 2020 and the classy OPERA BALLO can be the one to help them return to the winner’s enclosure.

The son of Ghaiyyath fetched €600,000 as a yearling and won the same Kempton maiden race as the subsequent 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech. He followed that performance up with another at that venue before disappointing in the Craven Stakes behind Juddmonte star Field Of Gold.

His latest performance in the Heron Stakes at Sandown saw him sport a hood for the first time and, while he still raced keenly, it assisted him enough to run out a cosy winner.

He has bags of potential and the reapplication of the hood is a big positive. He looks to have been given a great opportunity to follow up.

Wathnan Racing enjoyed a great few days at Royal Ascot and it is harsh to say that one of their horses didn’t live up to expectations. However, the William Haggass-trained REALIGN was well supported for the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes after his facile success at Salisbury, but could only finish ninth.

However, he can be forgiven for that performance. It was his handicap debut and he was handed an awkward draw down the center of the track, with a lot going against him. Another factor that may have not helped his chance was the decision to drop him down to five furlongs for the first time as his pedigree suggests six furlongs is what he needs.

A wide draw has been a positive in this race in recent years and he will enjoy having the additional benefit of stall 16.

The final race on day one of the July festival is a competitive Class 3 handicap.

Since his victory over this course and distance in July 2023, the Charlie Johnston-trained DUTCH DECOY has seen his handicap mark drop by 14lb. Despite being well-backed as favourite last time out, he couldn't justify the market support. However, he has been showing signs of promise recently.

With this in mind, connections will be hoping a return to the July course at Newmarket, where the eight-year-old boasts a record of three wins from five starts, can see him return to the winner’s enclosure.