We have a busy day’s racing on Wednesday with action from Newton Abbot and Ripon, live on Sky Sports Racing…
6.00 Ripon – Fantasy Force and Hidden Gift go on Royal Ascot trial
Fantasy Force and Hidden Gift go on trial for Royal Ascot in this opening British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes at Ripon.
Adrian Paul Keatley’s Fantasy Force showed ability when third in a decent York novice last month and looks the type to step forward under Mikey Sheehy.
Wathnan runners have started to hit the target in recent weeks, and Hidden Gift could be exciting for the Richard and Peter Fahey team. A daughter of Sioux Nation, she fetched £150,000 at Goffs Breeze-Ups in April and should be monitored in the market.
Calef showed plenty of speed on her debut at Carlisle before finishing fourth and may improve for that outing, while Dubai Champion has plenty to find on debut form with Fantasy Force.
4.30 Newton Abbot – In-form Arctic Voyage faces Howth
In-form Arctic Voyage takes on Howth in a trappy renewal of the Clearance Handicap Hurdle at Newton Abbot.
The Michael Blake-trained Arctic Voyage arrives in rude health having scored at Hereford before following up over this course and distance 21 days ago and he could have more to offer now tackling handicap company.
Howth has an excellent record of four wins from six starts over hurdles but has not been seen since suffering defeat at Plumpton in September. He enjoys a decent surface and rates a danger if fit enough on his return.
American Land is another with winning form at this trip and track and has claims having finished runner-up off this mark when last seen at Chepstow.
6.35 Ripon – Golden Step, Gone By and Joud headline
Golden Step, Gone By and Joud headline a potentially useful field in this Book Online At ripon-races.co.uk Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.
Gone By has run with credit in both starts to date, finishing a staying on second behind Oaks contender A La Prochaine at Newbury, before filling the same spot at Ascot. Although a beaten favourite in Berkshire, she must be feared in this similar heat.
Joud is a half-sister to three winners and made a pleasing start to her career when third over six furlongs at Newcastle in November. She steps up markedly in distance for Ed Bethell and Callum Rodriguez.
Golden Step was slowly away when third to the exciting Brilliant Star on debut at Kempton and could be better for that experience.
Best of the rest
Happy Valley – Harry Bentley, Zac Purton, and Richard Kingscote in action.
5.35 Saratoga – Grade One Beverly R. Steinman Hurdle Handicap – Jack Kennedy and Danny Mullins ride. McTigue catches the eye.
5.30 Newton Abbot – Decent bumper where Matty’s Mate could be exciting for Nicholls.
7.42 Ripon – Good old Fortamour is back again for his 70th start.
