Newmarket (July) Tips: Friday 21 August 2026

Newmarket (July) Tips: Friday 21 August 2026

Good to firm ground at Newmarket’s July course sets the stage for a six-race card that rewards horses who travel well on a quick surface. Charlie Appleby dominates this track statistically with a 29% strike rate from 560 runners, and Billy Loughnane knows his way around here too, clocking 23% winners on the course. When those two combine, it pays to pay attention. Three races stand out for punters hunting genuine value today.

2:35 British EBF Novice Stakes (7f, Good To Firm)

Six two-year-olds, and the market has already made up its mind: Al Jabbar and Majestic Jude dominate the betting. The Appleby/Loughnane combination at a track where that yard wins nearly one in three gives Al Jabbar serious claims, and the 8/11 with BoyleSports reflects exactly that.

But 8/11 on an unexposed juvenile in a novice is a short price to swallow. Majestic Jude at 6/4 is the more interesting play. Trained by William Haggas, who has sent out 7 winners from 38 runners over the past fortnight, this colt ran fifth on debut and the form of that race deserves scrutiny before dismissing him. Debut experience is a genuine advantage in maiden/novice company at this trip, and Haggas regularly improves his horses sharply at the second ask. Harry Davies takes the ride.

The selection here is Majestic Jude at 6/4. Not a betting heat for those who need value, but if you are opposing the Appleby hotpot, this is where the money goes.

3:10 Racing TV Fillies’ Handicap Stakes (6f, Good To Firm)

Eight runners over six furlongs on fast ground, and this has far more going on beneath the surface than the market suggests. Three fillies merit serious consideration, but one angle stands above the rest.

Powdering Each-Way at 6/1 (BoyleSports and Betfred) is the selection. Michael Herrington’s yard has been in exceptional form over the past fortnight, winning 4 from 13 for a strike rate of 31%, and at this course specifically his record reads 28% with an A/E of 1.33, meaning runners routinely outperform their prices. That is a trainer flying under the radar. Powdering herself arrives having won two starts back and placed at third last time, so the form is live. She has run over today’s trip and going, carries 135lbs from stall seven, and jockey Dylan Hogan is a competent partner at this level. Three places on offer at 1/5 odds makes an each-way play genuinely appealing at 6/1.

Zighy at 5/2 (BoyleSports) is the market’s pick and has real ability, shaped well last time when second, and Billy Loughnane takes over in the saddle. The question is whether 53 days off the track dulls her enough to let others in. If she is spot on, she wins. If she needs the run, Powdering picks up the pieces.

Elara May Each-Way at 11/1 (Betfred) also warrants an each-way interest at that price. Two wins in her last five, experience of the trip and going, and the bigger price offers value for the place pockets even if her form needs some explanation after finishing eighth last time. Philip McBride has a small sample here but the horse is unexpectedly well-priced given her recent profile.

4:20 End Of Summer Season Handicap Stakes (1m4f, Good To Firm)

Four runners over a mile and four, and despite the small field this is the most compelling race of the day.

Rizal at 5/6 (BoyleSports/Betfred) has won back-to-back, handles today’s trip and going, and Billy Loughnane continues the partnership. The 35-day absence is the only flag, and for a horse who has strung two wins together, that gap is not alarming. George Scott’s yard has returned 3 winners from 16 runners in the past fortnight.

The one who makes this interesting is Zurna at 11/4 (BoyleSports/Betfred). Won last time out, has course-relevant experience, and the Birkett yard has a 1/3 record in the past two weeks. Forty-three days off is the concern, but a horse coming into this race on the back of a win and placed efforts either side carries obvious claims. Dylan Hogan, who rides Powdering in the race before, stays busy on the card.

The selection is Rizal at 5/6, but at that price you are backing winning form, a top jockey, and a horse suited by conditions rather than finding value. Treat accordingly.

Today’s NAP

Powdering — Racing TV Fillies’ Handicap Stakes (3:10, Newmarket July)
Odds: 6/1 — BoyleSports (others: 6/1 Betfred, 6/1 LiveScore Bet)

Michael Herrington is a trainer worth following at Newmarket’s July course. His 28% course win rate and A/E of 1.33 tells you his horses are delivered ready to run and routinely beat the market. His yard has been firing hard in the past fortnight too, hitting 31% from 13 runners. Powdering brings live form to this six-furlong handicap, having won two starts back and placed third last time, with proven ability over today’s trip and going. At 6/1 in a race paying three each-way places at 1/5 odds, the value on both sides of the bet is genuine.

Each-Way Recommended — 3 places at 1/5 odds