Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Ripon and Stratford on 21 May 2023.
RIPON
Race 3 No3 BOSC GIRL
Trainer: Richard Fahey – Jockey: Oisin Orr
BOSC GIRL was totally ignored in the betting when troubling the judge on debut at Newcastle but the Zoffany filly will be a popular pick to take out this fillies’ maiden. She’s going to be a lot more streetwise, and can open her account for a trainer/jockey starting to get its act together.
Race 4 No2 MR BUSTER (Nap)
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
MR BUSTER looks a bet worth waiting for in this three-year-old only handicap based on the way his comeback defeat by Wonder Legend at Wolverhampton has worked out. The winner went on to hack up and thereby give Mr Buster a very appealing look on his journey from Hampshire.
Race 7 No4 HIGHFIELD VIKING (Each Way)
Trainer: John Quinn – Jockey: Jason Hart
HIGHFIELD VIKING has a lot to live up to racing in the silks of this stable’s star sprinter Highfield Princess. He will never climb to her heights, but after gamely opening her account at Doncaster can show with a follow-up success that she’s got more to offer.
STRATFORD
Race 2 No1 PRINCESS MIDNIGHT
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
Returning from a long absence shouldn’t prevent PRINCESS MIDNIGHT from making a bold bid to defy top weight in this two and a half mile handicap chase. The selection enjoyed a bountiful summer jumping campaign last year with three successes and four earning runs from eight starts. The handicapper has had his say, but there could be more progression left in this nine-year-old.
Race 5 No7 MAID OF THE NIGHT (Nap)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Richard Patrick
MAID OF THE NIGHT attracted support on each of her successes at Hereford and Ludlow which sandwiched an uncharacteristic fall at Ffos Las. The Shirocco mare got home by the narrowest margin last month but is in good heart for this clash with dangerous opponent Hello Sunshine.
Race 6 No8 STEEL WAVE (Each Way)
Trainer: Gary Hanmer – Jockey: Tabitha Worsley
STEEL WAVE is an infrequent winner but regular earner who should again be placed in this open looking handicap chase. However, if there’s a strong pace to aim at the veteran is capable of taking the spoils, and he therefore appeals as a solid win and place entity.
