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Horse racing tips: ‘He was the ultimate Royal Ascot eyecatcher' – Templegate's giant 12-1 NAP at Newmarket on Thursday

Horse racing tips: ‘He was the ultimate Royal Ascot eyecatcher' – Templegate's giant 12-1 NAP at Newmarket on Thursday

The Sun09-07-2025
TEMPLEGATE tackles Thursday's racing confident of bashing the bookies on day one of the Newmarket July Festival.
Back a horse by clicking their odds below - and check out this 1,858-1 Oisin Murphy treble worth an each-way play.
ZAYER (3.00 Newmarket, nap)
He caught the eye when coming home quickly to finish fourth in the Palace Of Holyrood at Royal Ascot last time. He was just hitting top speed at the end of five furlongs and this longer trip should be ideal. Quick ground suits and he looks a fair price.
OPERA BALLO (4.45 Newmarket, nb)
He got his career firmly back on track when winning a Listed contest at Sandown last time. He relishes this mile trip and looks well ahead of this standard.
MAXIMIZED (2.25 Newmarket, treble)
He has done little wrong in winning both starts and improved at Epsom last time. He likes this trip and looks well up to this Group 2 standard. Do Or Do Not was an 80-1 second in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. He was ahead among the low numbers and enjoyed the quick ground. A repeat of that would take him very close.
1.50
FURTHUR can go one better after a power-packed second in the Queen's Vase, shaping like a proper stayer and relishing the step up in trip.
With Oisin Murphy back aboard and a weak pace predicted, he may prove hard to peg back if allowed to dictate matters from near the front.
Hallelujah U caught the eye finishing off well in the Queen's Vase and is a serious player if he continues that upward curve.
Scandinavia wasn't far behind either and will be suited by a more searching gallop but this small field may again find him out if they crawl early.
Nightime Dancer wasn't disgraced when eighth in the Derby.
He looks the type to enjoy this stiffer test while Titanium Emperor is bred for middle distances and looked to be running out of petrol when seventh in the Queen's Vase.
2.25
TAKE it to the Max with the boys in blue.
MAXIMISED has done little wrong in winning both starts and improved at Epsom last time.
He likes this trip and looks well up to this Group 2 standard.
Do Or Do Not was an 80-1 second in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot last time.
He was ahead among the low numbers and enjoyed the quick ground. A repeat of that would take him very close.
Brussels wasn't particularly strong in the betting when making a winning start for Aidan O'Brien at The Curragh in May.
He showed good pace and Ballydoyle won this race 12 months ago.
Comical Point shapes as though this move up a furlong will help after a decent fourth in the Norfolk last time.
Trainer Andrew Balding is in excellent form.
Jel Pepper won a decent maiden at Goodwood and clocked a solid enough time.
This is much hotter but there's more to come.
Zavateri didn't have a lot to beat at Salisbury and will have to raise his game in this company.
3.00
ZAYER caught the eye when coming home quickly to finish fourth in the Palace Of Holyrood at Royal Ascot last time.
He was just hitting top speed at the end of five furlongs and this longer trip should be ideal.
Quick ground suits and he looks a fair price.
Hucklesbrook had a bit in hand when scoring at York 26 days ago and relishes this trip.
An 8lb rise gives him more to do but the booking of Ryan Moore takes the eye.
Double Rush was third in that Knavesmire race from what turned out to be a poor draw. He could be a fair bit closer today.
Crestofdistinction was an impressive winner at Wolverhampton last time and would have each-way claims if repeating that back on turf.
Invictus enjoyed himself on the Rowley course here last time when winning with plenty to spare.
An 11lb rise for that is harsh but he should be competitive again as should dual winner Tawasol who likes this trip.
3.35
GHOSTWRITER ran a good race in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot last time and was gaining on winner Rebel's Romance at the line.
This is clearly a weaker race over a trip that suits and he can repay another slice of his £2m fee to Amo Racing.
Palladium was a place behind the tip latest and there's no obvious reason why he would turn that around.
He is likely to fill the runner-up spot here.
Wimbledon Hawkeye keeps running well in group races without being quite good enough to win one.
He ran well again in the King Edward last time but is likely to find one too good.
The Appleby pair both look a bit short of this level.
El Cordobes was held in Listed company at York and Arabian Crown was poor in the Gordon Richards at Sandown and has had a little break since.
Templegate's tips
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Bournemouth captain ‘shocked' and ‘angry' after Antoine Semenyo reports racist abuse in Liverpool match at Anfield
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