Friday, 12th August 2022
Thank goodness for York’s Ebor meeting next week. We’ll get some good racing – with decent-sized fields. At least I hope so….
Tomorrow’s different – four turf meetings, 28 races and just four boasting a double-figure field size….
One is the C2 Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (2.50) – with 15 set to run….
In the context of tomorrow’s fare, it’s heady stuff. But – taking a wider view – it’s the smallest field in 20 years….
…. and entries were so sparse this year that the consolation race was cancelled….
Fifteen scheduled to run is not the same thing as 15 running. There could be pull outs ahead of the off. Favourite Blackrod, for example….
I don’t know why he’s been moved from Michael Dods (please fill me in) but he’s set to have a first go for Edward Bethell – if the ground isn’t too quick….
Bethell is on weather watch and will walk the track before committing to participation. The trac is being watered but connections won’t take any risks with the 4yo….
He had a crackerjack 3yo season – posting form figures of 2/17, 1/17, 1/12 and 3/27 in quality handicaps against his own age group….
This term he picked up where he left off – winning a decent handicap at Newmarket before finishing a creditable 7th in the Wokingham….
He’s a worthy favourite tomorrow – a progressive class act. But ultra-quick ground isn’t his thing. And stall 1 isn’t the best starting berth….
I’m happy to oppose Summerghand too….
David O’Meara has a strong race record – 3 wins and 4 places from 19 participants. Danny Tudhope has a 26% strike rate at Ripon over 5-years….
Those are positive numbers. And the 8yo is potentially well handicapped on 98 – 15lbs off his career high, 10lbs below his last winning handicap mark, and 12lb lower than he was rated in January….
This is the first time he’s raced off a mark in the 90s since April 2019 – and if he produces his best he’ll be thereabouts. But he’s not getting any younger and – whilst running with credit – he’s not hit previous levels this term….
On the upside, he’ll like the ground and he handles the track – evidenced by his 2nd place finish behind Dakota Gold in the 2019 renewal of tomorrow’s race….
He was produced off a hold-up ride that day – on soft ground off a mark of 100. But more horses win this race making all than do so coming from the back – and I’d rather be with one that has to be caught than the one doing the catching….
EMPEROR SPIRIT is my pick of the prices – at the general 12s & 11s….
He went down narrowly to last year’s winner Justanotherbottle – with the rest well back – in a smaller C2 handicap over track and trip in June….
Justanotherbottle put up a career best to win that day and Archie Watson’s 4yo meets him on slightly better terms tomorrow….
Half his age and having had 42 fewer races Emperor Spirit is likely still on an upward trajectory on 92 and could well reverse that form….
He likes to race prominently, he’s well drawn in stall 13, and with several in the field unlikely to enjoy fast conditions – and a handful out of the handicap – this is a real chance to land a big pot….
He’s improved a little since his move from John Gosden to Watson’s yard (after being gelded) – showing up well in three handicaps before throwing in a sub-par effort at Chelmsford last time having been sent off well-fancied….
I can draw a line through that performance. He was badly drawn, probably did too much early doors, and still managed to get trapped wide all the way – fading in the straight….
P J McDonald is booked to ride. At first glance he looks like a spare. But earlier this term he won for the yard on Bradsell on his debut at York – the kind of result that engenders trust and delivers additional opportunities….
This is one such opportunity for McDonald – with Holly Doyle riding at Newbury. McDonald is good from the front – and horse and rider have a big chance….
Each-way backers take note: Sky Bet are 1/5 the first 6. William Hill, bet365, Betfair Sportsbook, Paddy Power & Betfred are 1/5 the first 5….
Nick’s Dark Horse….To recap on my idea of the dark horse capable of running a big race at a tasty price in the big handicap tomorrow afternoon…. In the Great St Wilfrid (2.50 @ Ripon)….
Advised prices are correct at the time my column is submitted for publication. But prices are subject to fluctuation. There’s nothing I can do about that. Be sure to consult Oddschecker – you may find a quote better than advised…. |
That’s all for today. Back next time…
Meanwhile – enjoy the racing. It’s not life and death – it’s a game we play for fun. It’s good sometimes to remind ourselves of that fact….
Stay tuned.
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