UK Horse Racing Tips: Ripon

THE QUIET GENT can give weight and a beating to his rivals on his seasonal bow. He posted two solid efforts on the all-weather towards the back end of last year, building on his Wolverhampton debut second when making all at Kempton, and is likely to be an even better three-year-old. Miss Yorkshire met trouble in running when runner-up on her debut over 7f at Newcastle and must enter calculations, while the upped-in-trip Marajito also holds solid claims. Kennedys Pass makes most appeal of the newcomers.
Prediction : 1st The Quiet Gent 2nd Miss Yorkshire 3rd Marajito

Middle Ages was green when eighth on his debut over 7f at Sandown in July last year and he may have improved during his time away from the track. However, it could be worth focusing on a couple of newcomers, namely EMERALD ISLAND and Gravitas. The latter is a full-brother to Group 3 winner River Of Stars and will likely know his job, but David Menuisier's Galiway colt edges the vote as he is certainly bred to have plenty of ability.
Prediction : 1st Emerald Island 2nd Gravitas 3rd Middle Ages

GREEN PURSUIT ran out an impressive winner on his seasonal/stable debut at Catterick last Wednesday and, with the promise of more to come, he is fancied to follow up under a 6lb penalty. Lord Roxby showed plenty as a juvenile and is likely to be better at three, while the top-rated Cairdeas may improve having undergone a gelding operation. Far Above The Law and American Style are others to keep an eye on.
Prediction : 1st Green Pursuit 2nd Lord Roxby 3rd Cairdeas

FORTAMOUR counts the 2022 and 2024 editions of this race among his six previous C&D victories and is weighted to be a key player from just 1lb higher than his latest winning mark. The selections's lack of a recent run is a potential stumbling block and creates some hope for last year's third, Danzan, who could have a big say from 5lb lower this time. Wobwobwob, Rock Opera and Cairn Gorm are others to keep a close eye on in the betting market.
Prediction : 1st Fortamour 2nd Danzan 3rd Wobwobwob

EY UP ITS THE BOSS is already a dual C&D winner and, having finished a creditable third off this mark in a similarly competitive handicap when last seen, there is a lot to like about the six-year-old's chances of making a winning seasonal debut. Lord Protector is feared most resuming off 10lb below his last winning rating, although Financer and Wintercrack are others with solid place claims in this company.
Prediction : 1st Ey Up Its The Boss 2nd Lord Protector 3rd Financer

The Outlaw has won both starts since being stepped up to a mile but he is yet to place on the turf despite three attempts, which has to be a concern for his supporters. Flagon Dry progressed nicely as a two-year-old, with a fifth and a second at Wolverhampton before a narrow win at Southwell, and he could have more to offer this season, but LAST SHAMARDAL may have their measure. Another making his turf debut, an added 3lb might not be enough to stop him completing the hat-trick.
Prediction : 1st Last Shamardal 2nd Flagon Dry 3rd The Outlaw

Ellie-May Croot won this in 2023 on Dogged and she could go close once more aboard Bowood, a C&D winner who ought to be better suited by a return to turf after failing to register a victory on the all-weather. Dutch Decoy's latest win was off 5lb higher back in 2023. He has been competing in better races and could make the most of this drop in class, but he may struggle to cope with GARDEN OASIS, who has won here six times and placed on six other occasions.
Prediction : 1st Garden Oasis 2nd Dutch Decoy 3rd Bowood