Runners and riders complete The Wilmot-Smith Memorial Handicap at Ripon Racecourse. Picture date: Sunday May 16, 2021.
RIPON
Race 1 – JERSEY ROCS 1/1
JERSEY ROCS showed plenty of promise when second behind a subsequent winner on his racecourse debut here recently and he ought to go very well with the benefit of that experience.
The main danger is likely to be Townsend Manor after his Windsor third last month, while Veiled Illusion could find some improvement if he manages to settle better on only his second start.
Race 2 – EXPOSED 72/100
It’s hard to get away from EXPOSED, who represents the in-form William Haggas yard and she sets the standard for the others to aim at with a rating of 73.
The three-year-old has hit the crossbar the last twice and she could improve for the step up in trip, which makes her difficult to oppose.
Sindri can give the selection the most to think about after her respectable third at Yarmouth, while Lukla looks best of the rest.
Race 4 – KATHAB 2/1
Isla Kai has claims on his third in a valuable 7f handicap at Newbury last time, but it could pay to concentrate on the hat-trick seeking duo of KATHAB and Another Batt.
Both began their winning runs over this C&D and are progressive, but the William Haggas-trained gelding’s form on a better surface tips the balance in his favour. He powered home to win well at Haydock and a 6lb rise may not be enough to halt him.
Race 6 – LITTLE TED 13/10
A big run from Mac Alley in the 4.45 here today would boost the claims of LITTLE TED who had that rival back in second when recording a third C&D victory in style nine days ago and Tim Easterby looks to have found his in-form gelding a good opportunity to defy a 5lb rise.
The main threat appears to be Dogged, who was far from disgraced in third when bidding for a 1m2f hat-trick at Pontefract and has been dropped 1lb for that effort. Billy Roberts can pick up the bronze medal.
