Saturday Racing Tips: Spy Chief Can Cause A Shock In July Cup
Last weekend we managed to pick out an 11/2 winner and we have Ryan Moore to thank after a masterful ride on board Delacroix.
There was also a second-place finish for a 9/1 each-way pick, which gave us a nice return on the day.
This Saturday, the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket will take centre stage in Britain.
One of this weekend's tips comes in that race, and we are taking on the handicapper and betting sites with two each-way hopes at Newmarket and York.
Saturday's Selections
- 14:50 Newmarket - Akkadian Thunder - 0.5pts Each-Way - 6/1 With Bet365 (4 Places)
- 15:10 York - Mirabeau - 0.5pts Each-Way - 33/1 With William Hill (5 Places)
- 16:35 Newmarket - Spy Chief - 0.5pts Each-Way - 22/1 With William Hill (4 Places)
14:50 Newmarket - Akkadian Thunder - 0.5pts Each-Way - 6/1 With Bet365 (4 Places)
Starting with the always interesting Bunbury Cup Handicap at Newmarket, where 13 runners are set to go to post.
The ultra-consistent More Trouble is the one to beat, but he is likely to go off as a short-priced favourite with horse racing sites.
For that reason, we are going to look elsewhere for some value.
Akkadian Thunder should give the favourite plenty to think about here and is worth siding with at a decent price.
The five-year-old turned a corner in his form last month, winning nicely at Doncaster before running a cracker to finish second in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He had some of today's rivals behind him on that occasion and should have their measure again here off the same mark.
15:10 York - Mirabeau - 0.5pts Each-Way - 33/1 With William Hill (5 Places)
The second of today's selections comes in the John Smith's Cup handicap over a mile and a half.
With 18 horses lining up, and with most betting apps paying out to five places, it is the perfect race for an each-way bet.
There is little to choose between the market leaders, and the majority of trainers and jockeys will fancy their chances.
Mirabeau may not stand out, but he could be worth a try at a big price.
Third in a Group 3 as a two-year-old, he is still open to some improvement, particularly over today's trip.
He steps into handicap company for the first time here, and a mark of 98 is fair.
He may not have enough to win a competitive race like this just yet, but it would be no surprise to see him grab a place.
See That Storm and Naqeeb are others to consider.
16:35 Newmarket - Spy Chief - 0.5pts Each-Way - 22/1 With William Hill (4 Places)
On to the standout race on Saturday, the Group 1 July Cup Stakes at Newmarket.
Notable Speech is a strong favourite, given his exploits so far in his career.
Once again, however, his odds are too small for a race like this, and it is worth taking him on.
Fellow Godolphin runner Spy Chief is a brave choice, but he is still an unexposed three-year-old with plenty of room to improve.
He has had just four starts in his fledgling career and showed his inexperience when runner-up to another progressive three-year-old in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
A strong travelling frontrunner, if he can dictate things from the front, he may not be easy to pass.
*Prices correct at time of publish - 11pm 11/7/25
