NEWMARKET’S July meeting kicks off in glorious sunshine today and there are two Group Two races and a Group Three to look forward to. Most of the contests look trappy from a betting perspective but I’ll be keeping a close eye on the fillies’ maiden at 3.50, which was won last year by Certify. Horses with form will probably dominate the finish, notably Oriel and Qawaseem, but there are some choicely-bred newcomers to keep an eye on. SPIRIT OF ALSACE is worth a special mention as she has been pleasing Roger Varian and could well be one to put in the notebook.

Elsewhere LADY RED OAK is my strongest fancy today. Although she was unfancied, the form of her debut run at Haydock is working out pretty well with two horses who finished behind her both winning. She looks overpriced at 6/1 in the opener at Warwick.

And also keep an eye on HOT AMBER (Epsom 6.50), who is expected to run very well on her racecourse debut.