Steve Ryder is back with three tips from Sunday's horse racing action.
15:15 Ripon
The Grant Tuer trained GLORIOUS ANGEL (best priced at 7/2) won here over 5f a month ago off a mark of 84 and she should hold strong claims off only a 4lb higher mark in an easier race. The four-year-old won a Class 2 0-105 handicap beating Mr Wagyu by ¾ length that day before finishing midfield in a listed race at Newmarket and a Group 3 at Longchamp.
Glorious Angel now drops back into a handicap but this time in a Class 3 0-95 handicap. She is a three-time winner over 6f so this step back up in trip won’t be a concern and she should prove hard to beat.
15:50 Ripon
This looks a competitive 0-74 handicap but preference goes to GOLDEN MELODY (best priced at 9/2) who ran well to finish 2nd over this course and distance nine days ago and only races here off a 2lb higher mark. The Tim Easterby trained six-year-old has consistent form figures of 52242 at the track with her first effort coming over an inadequate trip of 5f and her fourth placed finish coming when only beaten a length.
A record of 5-53 hardly inspires confidence but she looks sure to be involved in the finish and faces rivals who also seem to struggle to get their head in front.
17:45 Newmarket
The unbeaten Garfield Shadow and the recent course and distance winner Woodhay Wonder deserve respect but preference goes to JIMMY SPEAKING (best priced at 13/2) who has won both of his starts this season. The Chris Dwyer trained gelding won on his reappearance at Chelmsford by 2 ¼ lengths under Silvestre De Sousa before following up at Ascot nine days ago by a neck off a mark of 78.
The handicapper has only raised Jimmy Speaking 4lbs for his victory that day which could underestimate him as he looked an awkward ride for Lewis Edmunds in the closing stages. Connections have fitted him with first time cheekpieces in this race which looks a good move and he should run well with four places widely available and Silvestre De Sousa back on board.
