Racing

July Festival: Handicap Best Bets

Calico Blue (Betway Handicap, Thursday)

I really like the claims of Roger Varian’s CALICO BLUE, who was a big eye-catcher behind Bacio when fourth of 27 at Royal Ascot in a competitive handicap and has surprisingly been left on the same mark. The return to six furlongs should be right up his street given how well he finishes his races and I think he’s got a serious chance of collecting this pot on just his third start in these ranks.

Goblet Of Fire (Betway Trophy, Friday)

On Friday, GOBLET OF FIRE must be worth a second look. Nicky Henderson’s charge has been in good form in this sphere and was last seen beating Align The Stars with a lot up his sleeve last time out. That form has been significantly boosted as the runner-up has subsequently landed the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle. He’s gone up 7lb but there’s surely more to come and I can see him having a massive say in the outcome with Saffie Osborne retained for the ride.

Great Acclaim (Bunbury Cup, Saturday)

In the big handicap on Saturday, GREAT ACCLAIM stands off the page. The five-year-old has an amazing, consistent record over this trip, with figures reading 421224323. He’s placed in both the Victoria Cup and Buckingham Palace on his last couple of starts, just about touched off in a three-way photo last time out and has miraculously been left on the same mark. If he can continue his good work ethic, then I see no reason why another big effort isn’t on the cards.