Hollie Doyle predicts Thunder’s chance in Ascot Summer Mile showdown

Hollie Doyle - the leading jockey‑turned‑ambassador - took to the mic on 10 July 2026 to flag More Thunder’s breakout chance in the Juddmonte Summer Mile at Ascot, while also previewing the July Cup at Newmarket and the John Smith’s Cup at York.

More Thunder, a five‑year‑old who finished second in the Lockinge at Newbury and the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, starts from stall 1. Cieren Fallon will replace Hollie’s husband Tom Marquand, giving the colt a front‑row draw that suits his strong turn‑of‑foot. Karl Burke’s colt is a solid back‑marker, but French runner No Lunch, fresh off a six‑race winning streak at Saint‑Cloud, could upset the order. Seagulls Eleven, the runner‑up in the Saint‑Cloud Group Two, has added a Group Three win at Epsom, making the field unusually deep.

Almeraq, the July Cup hero for William Haggas and Shadwell, heads to Newmarket with a strong chance of a Group One double after his Royal Ascot triumph. Tom Marquand will be aboard, testing the colt on a slightly quicker, undulating July Course. The confidence in the stable is high; a win would cement Almeraq’s status as a top‑class sprinter. A secondary hope for Haggas is Division, a horse that often misses the break but makes up ground quickly-a potential surprise if the pace unfolds favourably.

Venetian Sun arrives with an impressive résumé, having dominated the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. Yet the Group One July Cup presents a stiffer test, especially for Karl Burke’s filly, who must handle a longer trip and a stronger field. The betting market lists Venetian Sun as the odds‑on favourite, but the presence of Almeraq and Division means the race could be anything but a walk‑over.

Abraham Lincoln steps up to the 1 mile distance in the Group Two Boodles Superlative Stakes at Newmarket on 10 July. After a striking debut over six furlongs at the Curragh, the son of Wootton Bassett looks ready for the extra furlong. Aidan O’Brien, who guided City Of Troy to victory in this race a few years back, hopes the colt can repeat that success. The main rival is Godolphin’s Al Hudaiba, but the trainer’s recent double win in the race gives Abraham a solid pedigree advantage.

Doyle’s insight carries weight because she blends riding experience with a deep understanding of trainer tactics. Her comments on stall draws, recent form and ground conditions give punters and fans a clearer picture of how each race might unfold. By highlighting horses like More Thunder and Almeraq, she draws attention to potential breakthroughs that could reshape the summer racing narrative.

The Summer Mile at Ascot will be run later on 10 July, with the result set to influence the betting markets for the July Cup later that day. A win for More Thunder could catapult him into contention for future Group One sprints. Meanwhile, Almeraq’s performance will dictate whether Haggas targets further Group One contests abroad. Abraham Lincoln’s showing in the Boodles will be a key indicator of his stamina for upcoming mile races.

All three fixtures will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, with live timing and expert commentary. Hollie Doyle will appear in the studio segments, offering real‑time analysis as the races unfold. Fans can also track live odds on major betting platforms to see how Doyle’s predictions affect market movements.

These Saturday races form the backbone of the British summer schedule, linking the early‑season sprint festivals with the later middle‑distance contests. Strong performances now often set the stage for the autumn Group One championships. Doyle’s focus on the key contenders underscores the depth of talent across the country and hints at a competitive second half of the season.