Today’s big betting race is the Great St Wilfred H’Cap over 6 furlongs at Ripon. It pays to be drawn near a rail so very low or very high numbers are best. We don’t know the draw at the moment but if Mr Wolf gets a low draw then even though his trainer reckons he’d be better at 5 furlongs and on easier going he must have a great chance if given the go ahead. As usual in such a race many horses will go there with chances including last weeks Haydock winner Texas Gold, though he wont have Fallons assistance today. Others to consider include Mine Behind, Inter Vision, Artie and Pomfret Lad.
At Newbury the 2.10 St Hugh’s Stakes over 5 Furlongs looks within the compass of Bow Bridge. She has the best form of the domestic fillies and the Irish trained Sweet Afton may prove to be the biggest danger.
The main event at Newbury is the Hungerford Stakes at 2.50 over 7 furlongs which should feature the return to a British racecourse of the double classic winning filly Attraction. She has a bit to prove now but if she can run to last year’s form she should be good enough to prevail here. The 7 year old Nayyir was running a big race in the Sussex stakes at Goodwood behind Proclamation and Soviet Song when hampered. He should also go well here. The John Gosden trained Sleeping Indian was found out on her first run in such company but she could still be improving and also has a chance.
The Geoffrey Freer Stakes over 1m 5 furlongs at 3.25 is an interesting event. Gamut has the best recent form but does not like the ground to be too quick. Mubtaker has been second in an Arc, but seems well below that level of form these days. Though he does have a great record at Newbury and that could re-ignite his form. The most straightforward at the moment could be Mahmool after his win at Goodwood and I’ll stick with him under the conditions.
SELECTIONS
RIPON 3.15 MR WOLF
NEWBURY 2.10 BOW BRIDGE
NEWBURY 2.50 ATTRACTION
NEWBURY 3.25 MAHMOOL