UK Horse Racing Tips: Ripon

Narrowly denied on her racecourse debut at Redcar in May, GEOLOGIST wasn't disgraced when finishing 12th in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot and she gets the vote on the drop in grade. The step back up in trip is another plus and she can see off the likes of Bellarchi, and Arizona Desert, who ran a highly-encouraging race on debut at Wetherby last month.
Prediction : 1st Geologist 2nd Arizona Desert 3rd Bellarchi

KATHAB has been a shade disappointing since a promising runner-up effort in the Wood Ditton on debut, but he should find this to be easier as he looks to get off the mark at the fourth time of asking. The son of Kingman sets a lofty standard on ratings and is readily preferred to stablemate Sanction, while newcomer Knights Affair may need further in time.
Prediction : 1st Kathab 2nd Sanction 3rd Knights Affair

This can go the way of SAISONS D'OR, who has run very well the last twice without getting his head in front. The eight-year-old may not have won on turf since May last year, but he is now 5lb lower than that mark and gets the vote ahead of the recent course second Cosmos Raj. Copper And Five is another to note, while completing the shortlist are the likes of Diamond Haze, Ey Up Its The Boss and Little Ted.
Prediction : 1st Saisons DOr 2nd Cosmos Raj 3rd Copper And Five

COVERDALE arrives having made it three on the bounce at Haydock on his latest start and the manner of that victory suggested he could have more to offer, despite a 4lb rise from the handicapper. Merry Minister got off the mark at the third attempt at Thirsk last month and an opening mark of 80 appears to be workable. Coco Jack ran with credit at Royal Ascot and is respected along with My Little Queens.
Prediction : 1st Coverdale 2nd Merry Minister 3rd Coco Jack

ALEX THE GREAT is bred to stay well and the son of Camelot is expected to benefit from a more galloping track than he encountered when making his handicap debut at Lingfield last month. Edwina Sheeran went up 4lb for her recent C&D success and she is likely to pose the main threat to the selection. Churchella is best judged on her second at Leicester in May, while both Future Times and Blue Antares could benefit from first-time visors.
Prediction : 1st Alex The Great 2nd Edwina Sheeran 3rd Churchella

FORTUITOUS STAR drops back to 6f after a promising return when third at Newcastle, having pulled hard in the early stages, and Grant Tuer's filly appears to have been found a solid opportunity to shed the maiden tag. Glendown has been in consistent form on his latest starts and commands plenty of respect, while Mrs Trump, who filled the runner-up spot at Beverley last time, and Aurora Glory can fight it out for the minor honours.
Prediction : 1st Fortuitous Star 2nd Glendown 3rd Mrs Trump