Prosser resists urge to water after day of quick times

Newmarket clerk Michael Prosser will not water the course overnight on Friday prior to what he described as a great card to conclude the July festival on Saturday, with the highly anticipated Darley July Cup the feature.

Conditions at the July course continued to dry throughout Friday, with the going changed from good to good to firm, good in places following the first race.

Fast times were recorded but Prosser put that down to a prevailing tailwind and said it would be a mistake to conclude that he ought to be watering.

"We're not going to water, there's plenty of moisture through the profile," he said. "Yes, it's dried up and the times have been quick, but there's been a strong tailwind.

"There is a great cover of grass and it would be remiss of us to water on the basis that we've had two days' racing on there. Any amount of water we put on could just make it loose on top. There is the possibility of light drizzle tomorrow morning."

Prosser is anticipating Saturday being warmer than Friday, with the temperature forecast to reach as high as 23 degrees on what is set to be a muggy day.

Saturday's cards at Newmarket