Sunday Ripon Placepot Tips from Architect

Leg 1 Selections: Ben Macdui, Atomise, Van Gerwen

BEN MACDUI last won off a 16Ib higher mark and he returned to form with a third at Pontefract 18 days ago. The first two home that day, Reigning Profit and Mews House, have both won since, so that is form we should undoubtedly proclaim when identifying the claims of Paul Midgley’s five-year-old. A repeat of that latest form in this weaker race should see him very hard to beat. 

Michael Dods team is in great form of late, hitting a 23% strike-rate in the last couple of weeks and therefore ATOMISE, who drops into a class 6 for the first time, must enter calculations on her reappearance. Two-time course winner VAN GERWEN, is very well-handicapped on the pick of his form and Alexander Fielding takes off an additional 10Ib. He is also a key player for Paul Midgley. 

Leg 2 Selections: Valadero

With the exception of VALADERO, the rest are newcomers and Dominic Ffrench Davis has an excellent chance to open his account. He has gone close in both starts to date, finishing second in each of those, and David Egan takes the ride this time around. He is a solid favourite. 

Leg 3 Selections: Jo’s Rainbow, Bosc Girl 

JO’S RAINBOW was having her first run for this stable when third of eight at Newcastle, where she kept on well without being ridden to maximum effect. This longer trip is expected to suit and she could be tough to beat, though BOSC GIRL shaped with promise when third on debut and is expected to improve as well. 

Leg 4 Selections: Roaring Legend, Mr Buster 

ROARING LEGEND has been consistent in defeat in each of his four starts and again filled the frame when second on handicap debut just over a couple of weeks ago. He should go well again, while MR BUSTER, who has also placed in all of his starts to date, has leading credentials on handicap debut. Ralph Beckett’s team are also in good form as well. 

Leg 5 Selections: Ey Up It’s Maggie, International Girl

EY UP IT’S MAGGIE turned in a rare poor effort when last of 10 three weeks ago but this course will suit better as her early speed could be crucial. She could offer some value being six pounds below her last winning mark, while INTERNATIONAL GIRL won a better race than this back in September at Pontefract and shouldn’t be taken lightly either. 

Leg 6 Selections: Tele Red, Irv

TELE RED is only three pounds above his last winning mark and acquitted himself well over a shorter trip at Thirsk earlier this month when fifth of eight. Karl Burke’s charge should be thereabouts, though IRV is a pound below his last winning mark and didn’t shape badly back in January on the all-weather. He could get back on track at a price.