The pick of the prices on Day 1 at Newmarket....

Wednesday, 8th July 2026

The pick of the prices on Day 1 at Newmarket….

In ATC today….

…. I bring you my best pick on Day 1 at Newmarket….

I’m on RIVER SPEY in the 3.00 – up at 16s….

That’s the summary….

…. you’ll find all my reasoning below – as per usual….

Oh…. and if you’re looking for the standout place terms on offer – you’ll find them in the Bet Box below….

Read on….

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…. the Betway Handicap – Newmarket – 3.00....

I’m never afraid of a price….

…. and whist there are clear cases to be made for the horses that showed up well over the minimum trip at Royal Ascot in the Palace of Holyroodhouse….

…. preference is for Ed Walker’s RIVER SPEY at the general 16s….

He’s a bit fresher than most of these – given that he’s only appeared twice on the track this term….

…. and it’s likely the case that he had a bit of a problem after his reappearance at Kempton in March where he was disappointing….

He took a big step forward from that performance at Windsor at the start of last month….

…. running out a more comfortable winner in a Sprint Series Qualifier than the 0.5l margin of victory suggests….

He wasn’t fancied in the betting that afternoon – but he did it well after fluffing the start….

…. and whilst he’s up 4lb in the weights, he gave the impression there’s plenty more in the tank yet….

Ed Walker has a bit of form in this race – having hit the frame with Ultimate Avenue and Popmaster from seven runners in total over the last decade….

Granted, this is a much tougher assignment than River Spey’s last go at Windsor….

…. but he gave a very good account of himself in valuable races at Goodwood and York as a juvenile….

…. and – on that evidence – I don’t think he’s out of his depth tomorrow….

Bottom line: I reckon he’s the one up at a price this morning that can improve again and figure in the finish….

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Now, just to recap….

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That’s all for today….

I’ll be back with more tomorrow….

Meantime – contact me at – nick.pullen@spapublishinggroup.co.uk

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd