Racing

Ripon Place 6 Preview | 16th August

By Steven Dowler

13.35 Juddmonte EBF Restricted Novice Stakes

A competitive opener with my first vote going to SPIRIT OF THE WOOD. He ran a race full of promise when third at Musselburgh on debut and should be well suited to the step up to a mile. SUSPENDED SENTENCE is another likely improver and must be worth a second look.

Tips: SPIRIT OF THE WOOD & SUSPENDED SENTENCE

14.10 Racing For Tamara Ripon Hornblower EBF Novice Stakes

All four of these could win this tricky event so I’ll highlight the whole quartet. AL SHAHAM won in good style over C&D on debut and represents last year’s winning stable. GHARMA SITRA is down in grade after contesting the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, while Pontefract debutant winner GOLD QUEENLY KIND and Redcar winner SWORD MAKER must enter the reckoning.

Tips: AL SHAHAM, GHARMA SITRA, GOLD QUEEN KINDLY & SWORD MAKER

14.45 William Hill Supporting MND Silver Cup Handicap

KINGS MERCHANT beat last year’s winner of this race when last successful and is 6lb lower in the handicap. His latest run at York was eye-catching, as he stayed on strongly to finish eighth after being hampered multiple times and has leading claims. Course regular FORTAMOUR can never be ruled out here and is another with a chance on previous form.

Tips: KINGS MERCHANT & FORTAMOUR

15.20 William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap

Last year’s third SECRET GUEST is higher in the handicap this time, but he’s better drawn on this occasion and should give this a right good go whilst being up with the pace. I think this is a slightly easier renewal, while ROCK OPERA has been in good form this year and his latest third at York was an indication his turn might just be around the corner. He has no weight on his back.

Tips: SECRET GUEST & ROCK OPERA

15.50 William Hill World Free From MND Handicap

The Charlie Hills-trained CARRON should get the ideal step with Garden Oasis in the field and is a confident choice to make it three wins from his six starts. He travelled and quickened up nicely to score at Leicester last time out and a 6lb rise is likely to turn out to be lenient. This youngster is by far the least exposed runner in the field.

Tips: CARRON

16.24 William Hill Hope For MND Fillies’ Handicap

SHEILAS WELL blew the start here last time but did finish her race off to good effect, and given her consistency, as well as getting weight from all of her opponents, Grant Tuer’s charge should be competitive. CHURCHELLA has been disappointing of late, but is eased in grade and could outrun her odds off top weight.

Tips: SHEILAS WELL & CHURCHELLA