UK Horse Racing Tips: Ripon

DOTHAN shaped better than his finishing position suggested when fourth on debut at Chester, having attempted to chase down the winner at a crucial point. With that experience under his belt, Ed Bethell's colt is likely to step forward on this occasion and should go well. Bishopton has been gelded following his third at Ffos Las and may also appreciate a drop in trip, while I'm Next's third at Beverley earns him a place on the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Dothan 2nd Leblon Girl 3rd Im Next

The drop back in distance is likely to see Greek Gift in a better light with her proven form on a softer surface another positive, while Captivate and Law Degree shouldn't be discounted. However, the vote goes to BLESSED STAR. Charlie Johnston's filly has filled the runner-up spot in novice company on all three starts to date and an opening mark of 77 may underestimate her true ability on nursery debut.
Prediction : 1st Blessed Star 2nd Greek Gift 3rd Captivate

HIGH OPINION arrives searching for a fourth win from his last six starts and the five-year-old, who got the better of Our Absent Friends when the pair met here last month, is expected to come out on top once again. The latter backed up that performance by winning at Haydock on his penultimate start and has to be a leading player if in similar form. Stable companions Count D'Orsay and Albegone can fight it out for the minor honours.
Prediction : 1st High Opinion 2nd Our Absent Friends 3rd Count DOrsay

BALDOMERO looked back to something like his best on the soft ground at Doncaster when returning a convincing winner of a competitive sprint. The underfoot conditions remain in his favour and another bold bid is anticipated, despite a 5lb rise for that success. Secret Guest has solid claims on his third in the Great St Wilfred here last month, while the veteran Dakota Gold is not easily dismissed on this surface and is preferred to Tacarib Bay.
Prediction : 1st Baldomero 2nd Secret Guest 3rd Dakota Gold

RUN THIS WAY landed a hat-trick earlier this season and that included a couple of wins over C&D. Paul Midgley's mare has returned to the same mark as when last successful and she can resume winning ways with the ground in her favour. Recent Ayr runner-up Music Society represents last year's winning yard and looks a threat off her current mark, while last month's Redcar winner Hurstwood won a division of this contest back in 2022.
Prediction : 1st Run This Way 2nd Music Society 3rd Hurstwood

HAVANA PURSUIT was winning off a 5lb higher mark at this time last year. A recent second at Hamilton suggests Tim Easterby's inmate is primed to get his head back in front and today's soft going is another positive. Thornaby Pearl is potentially well treated having scored off a higher mark at Doncaster back in March, while Mr Trevor ran his best race for some time when second at Catterick 18 days ago and also merits consideration.
Prediction : 1st Havana Pursuit 2nd Thornaby Pearl 3rd Mr Trevor

Creatif changed hands for 140,000 euros after finishing third in France last time and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the market. However, AL AMEED looks the way to go. The son of Kodiac has filled the runner-up berth at Kempton the last twice and he sets the standard with a rating of 84. Lady La Fay is another to keep an eye on after her fourth at Doncaster.
Prediction : 1st Al Ameed 2nd Creatif 3rd Lady La Fay

Tokyo Bay has competed in much deeper contests than this on both of his handicap starts to date. He has been gelded since his most recent start and might get closer at this lower level. However, the vote goes to track-and-trip winner SPANTIK, who was beaten a length into second over this C&D last month and he has lots in his favour as he bids to go one better off 1lb higher. Last-time-out winner Merrijig is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Spantik 2nd Tokyo Bay 3rd Merrijig