The team take a look at placepot selections from Ripon this afternoon.
R1 - Bay Dream Believer
R2 - Schrodinger's Cat
R3 – Sinj
R4 – Kats Bob
R5 – Jesmond Dawn
R6 - Dereham
R1 - Thank You Joan Easey Apprentice Handicap – (14:05)
A competitive opener that features some in-form contenders. Triple Force and Time Tested both hold solid claims but neither have any course experience and that tilts things in favour of the hat-trick-seeking Bay Dream Believer, who overcame trouble in running to score by a neck over course and distance ten days ago. Rhys Elliott's 3lb claim negates any rise in the weights and she looks a solid option for the opening leg of the placepot.
R2 - British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes – (14:35)
Schrodinger's Cat looks like banker material to find the frame. An experienced typically sharp two-year-old, he's run well in his five outings to date and sets the standard with an official rating of 78. He was a touch below par when returning the beaten favourite at Musselburgh recently but could do better with first-time cheekpieces applied.
R3 - 21 Engineer Regiment Sapper Nursery – (15:05)
Sinj bled from the nose when fourth at Thirsk on her recent nursery debut and could remain capable of better. Trained by Richard Hannon, she's shown plenty of pace in maidens prior and looks worth side with now that Sean Levey takes over in the saddle.
R4 - Ripon Yorkshire's Garden Racecourse Handicap – (15:35)
The consistent topweight Kats Bob looks the way to go. He showed a good attitude to score off this mark at York in June and ran right up to form when third off 1lb higher over course and distance ten days ago. William Pyle gets on well with him and they should be right in the mix once more.
R5 – Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate Handicap – (16:10)
Jesmond Dawn won this contest twelve months ago and is weighted to do so once more off 1lb lower. He's been running well enough in defeat this season without scoring, including when runner-up to the re-opposing Thats My Boy Luke off 3lb higher over course and distance. The return to this venue should suit and he can be firmly involved.
R6 – National Racehorse Week 23rd To 31st August Handicap – (16:35)
Dereham missed the start and had too much to do when a soundly-beaten runner-up at Yarmouth last time. The winner is a short price to go in again this evening and should do so, while the booking of talented 5lb claimer Taryn Langley puts him on the same mark as when routing his rivals at Newmarket prior. He has proven form over this trip and it's tough to see him not being involved at the business end.
