Oli Bell's TV race tips: London Prize rates the best bet

After the brilliant week that was Royal Ascot, the show rolls on this weekend as ITV heads to Newmarket and Newcastle.

It was a real team effort at Ascot and great fun to be part of, with some amazing stand out performances and unforgettable races.

From a personal point of view - and as everyone will have seen from from my highly embarrassing charge down the track - Big Orange produced a run I will remember for the rest of my life.

Caravaggio’s display was extraordinary and if the promised re-match between him and Harry Angel comes off in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket we will have something to really look forward to.

In fact, Royal Ascot has set up a number of fascinating clashes for later in the season. Big Orange v Order Of St George again really whets the appetite, as does Caravaggio v Harry Angel. 

Where does Barney Roy go after his St James’s Palace Stakes heroics and what happens with Churchill? A lot of talking points have come out of a brilliant meeting.

A big thank you also has to go to the trainers, jockeys, owners and grooms who allowed me to stick a microphone in their face. Everyone was really helpful and it makes our jobs a lot easier in trying to convey the thrills of the sport - so thank you!

After such thrills and spills, what does this weekend have in store? Take a look at my picks…

1.50pm - Newcastle, Betfred Celebrating 50 Years Of Success Handicap, 6f

Selection: Amazour is two from two over the six furlongs at Newcastle and won this race last year. 

He finished 11th of 26 in the Wokingham Stakes at the Royal meeting on Saturday and for all that he was on the right side in terms of where the winner came from, he did meet a bit of trouble in the race and perhaps could’ve finished a bit closer. 

Back on the All-weather at Newcastle, I think this horse can go pretty close even if he does have to carry a lot of weight in relation to his rivals, with him and Al Qahwa both going off top mark.

Alternative: Another to consider is Mazzini for Diamond Jubilee-winning trainer James Fanshawe. This is a talented sprinter but he does need things to fall right.

I think he’s best with a strong pace and targets to aim at, but the caveat is that he can find trouble and can be bit frustrating. If the cards fall right he will put in a strong effort.

2.05pm - Newmarket, Betway Fred Archer Stakes, 1m 4f

Selection: Second Step was impressive at Goodwood last time out, taking on a prolific winner in Desert Encounter. 

This horse won a Group One in Germany in 2015 so has been a good horse through the years and beaten some very good opponents in his career.

He does have to carry a 3lb penalty for that Listed win in May, but I believe Second Step offers the most stable claim.

Midterm’s profile has been a little bit disappointing and he hasn’t quite delivered on the reputation he has. Red Verdon hasn't been in much form this year and there are a lot of horses in this race I wouldn’t be confident in backing, although they clearly have talent.

2.25pm - Newcastle, Betfred TV Chipchase Stakes, 6f

Selection: Kimberella has had a brilliant season already this year, including winning the All Weather Sprint Championships back in April.

He's had a number of trainers through the years and Richard Fahey seems to be really getting the best out of him.

Kimberella is near the top of the market, but it’s interesting that Paul Hanagan rides him ahead of the horse’s stable mate Don’t Touch. I don’t know if Paul had the choice - I’m assuming he did - but Kimberella is a very talented sprinter who knows how to win. I think a horse with his credentials is worth keeping onside.

Alternative: I wouldn’t rule out Aeolus at a big price having won this race two years ago when it was on turf. He hasn’t won since but has ran some good races in defeat.

On his day, he’s a big talent. Ed Walker is a very good young trainer who places his horses well and I expect a decent run from him.

2.40pm - Newmarket, Betway Empress Fillies Stakes, 6f

Selection: I thought Dance Diva did well to win last time out at Haydock this month. She’s very much a work in progress and has been very green on her first two starts. But she’s overcome that to win despite also having a 4lb penalty.

She clearly has plenty of talent but is not the finished product and could be a diamond in the rough.

3.00pm - Newcastle, Betfred Northumberland Vase Handicap, 2m 56y

Selection: I think London Prize will win this. He bolted up on his most recent run at Goodwood earlier this month, winning by eight lengths and powering clear of some last-time-out winners.

Ian Williams’ six-year-old’s form is strong and he’s proved himself versatile as a jumper and Flat performer. He finished second on the All-weather at Newcastle in February behind Natural Scenery, proving that he handles the surface and the track.

I think he’s a talented stayer and to put it bluntly I think he's better than his rivals in this race. London Prize will be the best bet of the afternoon.

3.15pm - Newmarket, Betway Criterion Stakes, 7f

Selection: Richard Pankhurst was a Group Two winner last year and is one of three runners in this race for Godolphin. 

He has won on good to soft ground, but could be considered a bit of a lottery to a point. He hasn’t had that much racing and can be very good or just disappointing.

But on his seasonal reappearance he offers value against the obvious contenders; Home Of The Brave is very talented, while Breton Rock is your go-to horse in this race with soft going. For me, Richard Pankhurst may just slip under the radar.

3.30pm - Newcastle, Stobart Rail Northumberland Plate Handicap, 2m 56y

Selection: I fancy the favourite in this. The form when Flymetothestars finished quite convincingly in front of Endless Acres has taken a massive boost with Endless Acres finishing second to Thomas Hobson in the Ascot Stakes last week.

Sir Mark Prescott needs no introduction as a master of this sort of race and getting horses to big races while well handicapped.

There are literally very few flaws in this horse’s chances. He's got a decent draw in stall eight, he’s trained by the best trainer you would want for this race and he’s won over course and distance. Flymetothestars heads the market in a competitive race and I’ll be backing him on Saturday.

Alternative: One at a particularly big price who appeals is Winterlude. He broke a blood vessel last time out and had a zero against his name. But Jennie Candish is an excellent trainer and the 78-day break may be just what the doctor ordered.

I can see this horse staying on. I think the favourite will be hard to beat but it won’t be a surprise to see Winterlude returning to form.

More betting previews

Racing: Simon Holt's best bets
Racing: Irish Derby horse-by-horse guide
Northumberland Plate horse-by-horse guide
Racing: Ben Linfoot's daily nap