UK Racing Tips – Sunday 21 May 2023

RIPON 

Race 2 – Valadero 1/1

Valadero has let favourite-backers down twice now, but those that keep the faith can be rewarded in the Hammond Associates Celebrates Yorkshire Wooden Spoon Novice Stakes. A €250,000 yearling purchase, Valadero was sent off favourite for the Brocklesby and looked set to oblige until he was grabbed in the shadow of the post by Doddie’s Impact. An odds-on shot to make it second time lucky a couple of weeks later, Valadero again found one too good in Sergeant Wilko, beaten three-quarters of a length this time. Valadero looks sure to win a race for Dominic Ffrench Davis eventually and he holds an experience edge over his rivals.

Race 4 – ROARING LEGENT 11/2

Roaring Legend can secure a first career success in the William Hill Ripon Champion Bonus 2023 Handicap. This son of Roaring Lion was a relatively cheap purchase at €110,000 as a yearling, but he certainly has some ability, even if he does not have star potential. Placed on each of his four runs to date, Roaring Legend contested three mile maidens on the all-weather towards the end of last year, coming closest to victory for trainer James Ferguson on his Wolverhampton debut in December. Upped to 10 furlongs on his first turf spin at Redcar earlier this month, the now-gelded Roaring Legend found Coverdale just a touch too strong on ground with a bit of cut, beaten two lengths at the finish. The winner has struck again since to give a pleasing look to the form and a 1lb rise should prove little issue, with slightly better conditions a possible plus too.

Race 5 – PINAFORE 4/5

Pinafore made a pleasing return for William Haggas when fourth at Newmarket and can kick on from that in the British EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap.
She made strides with every run as a juvenile, getting off the mark at the third attempt in a Kempton novice contest at the end of September. Refreshed from a winter break, Pinafore tackled a decent Newmarket sprint at the Craven meeting, showing plenty of early pace before perhaps just getting a bit tired near the finish and fading into fourth. The second and third have subsequently won, with the latter scoring at Listed level, making Pinafore an attractive proposition off an unchanged mark of 82.

STRATFORD

Race 4 – COPPERFOX 35/1

With conditions to suit, Copper Fox returns to action in the William Hill Epic Value Novices’ Handicap Chase at Stratford. The six-year-old proved a consistent performer over hurdles last year, winning one of his six outings and hitting the frame on the other five occasions. Last seen when second at Newcastle in December, he was beaten just under five lengths by Russian Virtue, who went on to win four of his next five starts over hurdles and on the flat, albeit it at an average level. Copper Fox was second in a point to point before switching to Donald McCain’s charge, so fences hold few fears and he can hit the target at the first time of asking.