British Spot Plays: Newmarket Selections July 10

The three-day July Festival at Newmarket begins Thursday, admittedly with disappointing field sizes in the three Group races on offer. However, with potentially vulnerable favorites in a couple of the races, I'll take a swing with a couple of win wagers.

After last month's Royal Ascot fixture, my bankroll for the British flat season stands at $389.80 from an original starting point of $500. Each win play is equal to 5% of the outstanding balance. The first bet on Thursday will be for $19.

Race 1: Bahrain Trophy (G3), 8:50 a.m. ET

While most of the contenders exit the Queens Vase (G2) at Royal Ascot, #3 Nightime Dancer (5-1) enters a bit fresher having contested the Epsom Derby (G1) on June 7. Given little chance at 100-1, he at least beat more than half of the 18-horse field, including the favored Delacroix, who bounced back to win last weekend's Eclipse (G1).

Although he lacked late punch in the 1 1/2-mile Lingfield Derby Trial two back, Nightime Dancer seems best served making one late run from farther back. There's plenty of stamina to be had in his pedigree (he's by Ghaiyyath and out of a Sea the Stars mare), and reuniting with jockey Sean Levey, who was aboard for his maiden win at Southwell in early April, is a plus.

Race 2: July (G2), 9:25 a.m. ET

Generally considered the oldest juvenile stakes in the world, this six-furlong test has attracted a field of six. Unsurprisingly, Coolmore and Godolphin have the betting choices, but #4 Jel Pepper (7-1) appears to have potential as well.

Debuting at Goodwood last month, Jel Pepper contested the pace and kicked clear late to win by 3 1/2 lengths. He tackles ground expected to be much faster than what he encountered on debut, but it probably won't be a massive issue. Also worth noting is that his half-brother, Ballymount Boy, was precocious enough to place in the Richmond (G2) and Acomb (G3) during the summer of his two-year-old campaign.