UK Horse Racing Tips: Ripon

The Adrian Keatley stable is in excellent form at present and DO IT NOW sets the standard on the back of some promising efforts in defeat at Kempton and Musselburgh. The booking of Paul Mulrennan is a plus and he gets the vote ahead of newcomer Combat Soldier, a half-brother to Desert Dreamer, who was a high-class juvenile three years ago. Fellow debutant Triple Charged and Kallippos are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Do It Now 2nd Combat Soldier 3rd Triple Charged

MATTICE, who signed off 2023 with a Beverley victory, is slightly unlucky not to be arriving on a hat-trick following a narrow defeat there on his comeback and a 3lb rise could prove lenient as he looks to notch up a fourth career success. An impressive winner at Pontefract last week, Princess Karine can give him plenty to think about, along with Dark Kestrel, who went close at Newcastle on his latest start. Others to note include Leodis Dream, Paddy's Day and Spring Is Sprung.
Prediction : 1st Mattice 2nd Princess Karine 3rd Dark Kestrel

NEY has been so consistent since joining Danny Brooke and arrives on the back of a taking success over 1m6f at Catterick. There should be plenty more to come from the six-year-old, despite his penalty, and he can uphold form with Tarbat Ness (fourth), who has just over four lengths to make up but is 5lb better off at the weights. Lady Bracken and Michael's Pledge are capable on their day and are likely to have a say in proceedings as well.
Prediction : 1st Ney 2nd Tarbat Ness 3rd Michaels Pledge

FORTAMOUR is officially 2lb well-in having landed a similar C&D event on heavy ground last month. Ben Haslam's eight-year-old, who took this prize two years ago, remains well treated judged on past exploits and with little concerns regarding quicker conditions, he can repeat the dose. Trilby has notched up two successes from his last three starts and must enter the reckoning, despite a 6lb rise for a Haydock triumph. Others to note include Westmorian and Another Baar, who won over track and trip on his reappearance last year.
Prediction : 1st Fortamour 2nd Trilby 3rd Westmorian

A chance can be taken on BALLSBRIDGE, who made little impact on his handicap debut over the extended mile at Wolverhampton in January. However, the switch to turf ought to suit, while his top-class dam stayed this trip well when a close-up fourth in the French Oaks. Bearwith might have bumped into a well-handicapped rival when filling the runner-up spot at Pontefract and he is respected from an unchanged mark. Contrast and Berry Edge are just two others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Ballsbridge 2nd Bearwith 3rd Contrast

ON THE BUBBLE must shoulder a 6lb penalty having cruised to victory at Redcar last week. Andrew Breslin negates half of that burden with his 3lb claim, though, and the unexposed daughter of Land Force can follow up. Emu War chased home a rapidly improving opponent at Hamilton and could improve for the addition of first-time cheekpieces. Blufferonthebus, who won over 6f at Pontefract recently, could also have a say now upped to the mile.
Prediction : 1st On The Bubble 2nd Emu War 3rd Blufferonthebus