Ripon has a unique sprint course with its undulations, which means that strong course and distance form is always a huge plus when backing a horse there. This is particularly true in a big field such as tomorrow’s William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap (3.25 p.m.).
However, of tomorrow’s 15 runners, no less than five have recorded course and distance wins over tomorrow’s trip of six furlongs. Of these, my preference is for the Nigel Tinkler-trained LORD ROXBY, who won at Ripon as recently as 3 August, beating another of today’s rivals, Dark Cloud Rising, in the process.
Dark Cloud Rising has a 5 lb pull at the weights for a one-and-three-quarter length beating and so he will be fancied by many punters to gain revenge, especially given his high draw. However, I will stick with the consistent Lord Roxby, given the four-year-old gelding won quite cosily and he again has in-form apprentice Alex Jary in the saddle. Back this fast-ground sprinter 1 point each way at 7-1 with either bet365 or William Hill, both paying four places.
I am hoping jockey and horse get a soft lead tomorrow
Jockey Saffie Osborne is riding with a huge amount of confidence after a fine season and she has now landed the mount of WITNESS STAND for the big race at Newbury tomorrow, the Grade 2 Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes (3.10 p.m.).
