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'It could be at Glorious Goodwood this month when he finally lands a big one'

Five eyecatching performances to take from a brilliant Newmarket July festival

Masekela (left) and Lady Bowthorpe: two who shaped with great promise at Newmarket
Masekela (left) and Lady Bowthorpe: two who shaped with great promise at Newmarket

With Newmarket's July festival now over, here are five horses who are worth taking forward following a spectacular three days of racing.


Third, Group 2 July Stakes, Thursday

A thrilling finish to the Group 2 Tattersalls July Stakes resulted in Lusail pipping Asymmetric to victory by a head, but just another head back in third was the Tom Dascombe-trained Sam Maximus, who outran his 40-1 odds.

The colt was a winner on his debut at Haydock in June before enduring a luckless trip at Pontefract, where he finished third.

An afterthought horse heading to Newmarket, he ran a monstrous race despite sweating beforehand and is one to follow wherever he heads next.

Sam Maximus (left): close third in the July Stakes at odds of 40-1
Sam Maximus (left): close third in the July Stakes at odds of 40-1Credit: Edward Whitaker

Watch: replay of the July Stakes


Fourth, 6f handicap, Thursday

Four out of the first five home in Thursday's heritage handicap came from the far-side group. The sole exception was the Clive Cox-trained Royal Scimitar, who produced a career-best effort to run the front three close after emerging from the larger pack on the stands side.

Losing out by only half a length under Rossa Ryan, the three-year-old had been underwhelming in three starts this season. However, he firmly put those runs behind him.

Royal Scimitar beat Line Of Departure – who was supplemented for Saturday's July Cup – on his debut and is perhaps now beginning to realise his potential.


Fourth, Group 1 Falmouth Stakes, Friday

William Jarvis was in tears at the end of the Tattersalls-sponsored Falmouth and it is understandable why, as Lady Bowthorpe came close to ending the Newmarket trainer's 27-year wait for a third Group 1.

The five-year-old has taken her form to a new level this year and was beaten a length by Snow Lantern, with Mother Earth and Alcohol Free in between, despite starting awkwardly and struggling for a clear run.

Lady Bowthorpe had to give 9lb to that younger trio, and would have to concede weight again in the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, but a breakthrough triumph cannot be far away if she continues to perform to this level.


Watch: replay of the Falmouth Stakes


Second, Group 2 Superlative Stakes, Saturday

Andrew Balding's inmate had been well fancied for the Chesham at Royal Ascot, following an impressive debut victory at Goodwood, but could manage only a one-paced fifth.

There were signs at Ascot a step up in trip would be beneficial, and that was emphasised in the Superlative Stakes after an agonising short-head defeat to Native Trail.

Inside the final two furlongs Masekela was last of the nine runners, before gaining ground and rallying to stay on stoutly under Oisin Murphy.

Unfortunately, the line came a stride too soon, but this juvenile looks one to keep on side with another attempt over seven furlongs in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood in the offing.

Masekela (left) could improve with a step up in trip after staying on strongly in the Superlative Stakes
Masekela (left) could improve with a step up in trip after staying on strongly in the Superlative StakesCredit: Getty Images

Third, Bunbury Cup, Saturday

A 33-1 chance, he once again outran his odds to perform well in a big handicap.

Lord Rapscallion finished third of the 18 runners after leading for much of the way. That followed a Royal Ascot fourth in a field of 28 in the Buckingham Palace at 25-1, as well as a fourth in a handicap at Epsom's Derby meeting.

The switch to turf seems to have transformed the grey, who had six uneventful runs on the all-weather for Stuart Williams after arriving from Johnny Murtagh.

After finishing second on his first turf start for Williams at Newmarket's Guineas meeting, Lord Rapscallion was beaten only half a length at Goodwood next time at 16-1. It could be at Glorious Goodwood this month when he finally lands a big one for connections.


Read more from the Newmarket July festival:

'She stands apart' – super Sandrine favourite for 1,000 Guineas after easy win

'It's a great feeling' – Walker revels in Group 1 success as Starman comes good

Snow Lantern mows down Mother Earth and Alcohol Free in epic Falmouth

Starman's July Cup triumph the icing on the cake for owner-breeder David Ward

Group 1 glory for Snow Lantern eight years after her dam was denied


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Sam HendryDigital journalist

Published on 11 July 2021inNews

Last updated 11:46, 11 July 2021

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