Tuesday 14th July
RIPON 6.05 - Class 6 - 6 furlongs Good - 11 run
The one I keep coming back to in this race is KODIMOOR. It ran up a hat trick of wins around this time last season and best run may actually have been the runner up effort going for the 4 timer. The handicap mark suffered as a result but always a horse that seems to run best in July - August period. It has had 2 runs to get sharp and fit, is below last win mark, clearly knows how to win and battle when the handicapper relents and should just be running in to some nice form in the Grade.
AYR 8.00 - Class 5 - 1 mile - Good to Firm (rain about) - 13 run
I think the top end of the market are vulnerable here.
Chinese Spirit could be anything thrown in to handicaps already but there are some solid contenders higher up the middle of the betting market.
ZODIAKOS was a superb 22/1 winner for us on the first day back after lockdown and is a Course and Distance winner, off a nice Turf mark and the 3-4 times we have tipped Roger Fell horses since they have invariably delivered something. DUBAI ACCLAIM likes it soft too, Fahey is giving his massive string time to run in to form and fitness and this one looks ready to pounce.
I'm looking for net profit from this race against the top of the market so have 1/2 point each way on Zodiakos and Dubai Acclaim with that in mind.
My idea of the strongest value and winner though is MUSTAQBAL who is on a nice handicap mark, best with a bit of cut and Trainer Micheal Dods has hit real solid form in the past 10 days.
We want the rain to arrive but I don't think Good to Firm here is rattling ground so any rain at all will suffice and no excuses for any of them on anything on the soft side of good.