UK Horse Racing Tips: Ripon

MIND OVER MATTER sets the standard and should appreciate returning to both turf and a longer trip. The son of Starspangledbanner disappointed over the minimum distance at Newcastle most recently but is better judged on the promise shown in two previous starts over 6f at Ayr. The Untamed was a clear second on his debut at Chelmsford and is likely to take a step forward. Vega Storm and Different Opinions also warrant close inspection.
Prediction : 1st Mind Over Matter 2nd The Untamed 3rd Vega Storm

URCHIN was a promising third when introduced in a similar contest over the mile here last August. The way the son of Ulysses rallied in the closing stages that day would suggest he ought to do better over middle distances this year. Poppeye also caught the eye on his debut over 1m4f at Southwell and is another key player. Sea And Sun, Sun Lord and Picaro are interesting newcomers and must be monitored in the betting.
Prediction : 1st Urchin 2nd Sea And Sun 3rd Sun Lord

Tim Easterby has a good record in this race and can strike again with STORM ESME, who arrives having won two of her three starts as a juvenile. Considered good enough to tackle the Redcar Two-Year-Old-Trophy in between successes at Newcastle and Leicester, the daughter of Palace Pier looks a bright prospect for handicaps this term. Yy Spirit, Wyle Cop and Empress Olivia all know how to win races and are other notable contenders for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Storm Esme 2nd Yy Spirit 3rd Wyle Cop

KATS BOB makes a lot of sense in this competitive handicap because his comeback second at Catterick was a performance full of promise, and he's clearly come out of that race in good form to be turned out just eight days later. Roberto Caro finished a solid third at Newcastle and switches to turf with every chance, while Sixtygeesbaby is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Kats Bob 2nd Roberto Caro 3rd Sixtygeesbaby

SPOKEN TRUTH could be the one here following a pleasing comeback run at Doncaster. Highly tried when trained in Ireland, the five-year-old finished a solid fourth on Town Moor and, entitled to have come forward for the run, this could be the time to catch him. Of the others, keep a close eye on the returning Pomme Pomme and C&D scorer Spioradalta.
Prediction : 1st Spoken Truth 2nd Pomme Pomme 3rd Spioradalta

Whilst a few of these are making their seasonal returns, it could pay to side with the race-fit SAXON PRINCE. A step up in trip is likely to suit given that he went desperately close over 7f at Kempton latest, whilst a first run on the grass might prove vital to his progress too. Fickle Mcselfish and Sailor Batt have both been in decent form on the all-weather lately and are more appealing than some. Domination is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Saxon Prince 2nd Fickle Mcselfish 3rd Sailor Batt

There are no fewer than five previous C&D winners on show for the finale and ON THE RIVER might be the pick of them. A creditable fifth in the Spring Mile at Doncaster latest, a run which should have blown away any cobwebs, he can take the necessary step forward, not least because the excellent Harry Vigors gets aboard to take 5lb off his back. Walsingham's winning run came to an end at Doncaster in October but he'd been otherwise progressive and might bounce back, whilst Cosmos Raj heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st On The River 2nd Walsingham 3rd Cosmos Raj