By Charlie McCann
The second of two excellent days racing at Epsom and Godolphin’s Here Now (2.50) fancied to appreciate the step up in trip to land the maiden over a mile. Trainer Charlie Appleby won the corresponding race last term with Solidarity and the selection is another gelding son of Dubawi to have shown plenty of promise on his two initial starts at a racetrack. Whilst disappointing last time out, the form of his third on debut has worked out well with the front two home winning subsequently and he gets the nod to carry on Martin Lane’s excellent record in the Godolphin blue.
Duke Cosimo won the consolation race on Ripon‘s Great St Wilfred card ten days ago and could be potentially chucked in from a 3lb higher mark however Mission Approved (3.25) gets the nod for Shane Kelly and Luca Cumani.
The 4-y-o has been a model of consistency this term, only out of the placings once in all four starts when a beaten favourite in third at Windsor and ran a career best to finish second in the Stewards Cup consolation race at Goodwood. Although up 4lb he continues to progress and providing the son of Dansili gets his preferred quick ground, is a confident selection.
Ripon’s two-day Two Year Old Trophy meeting has attracted some juveniles with plenty of potential and Roger Charlton’s filly Zeb Un Nisa (3.40) taken to reverse the form with Snap Shots after the pair fought out a match last month at Bath. The Charlton stable are in much better form however with Al Kazeem’s group success at Windsor and with the daughter of Iffraaj receiving 9lb from Tom Dascombe’s colt, she is weighted to return to winning ways.
Tim Easterby’s Youcouldntmakeitup (3.05) was an impressive scorer at Beverley two weeks ago and can maintain her unbeaten record in the 6f nursery. The Captain Rio filly knew her job well on debut when making all over the minimum trip but is bred to excel over six and she looks to have more to offer than her opening mark of 75 suggests.
An excellent evening card at Wolverhampton can see James Tate’s Dutch Rifle (6.20) return to winning ways in the opener, a handicap over the extended mile and in the box seat in stall two. The Dutch Art filly made a winning debut at the track in the winter, beating David Simcock’s smart Captain Morley in the process. Despite two disappointing runs since then, she has dropped to an attractive mark and has excellent claims returning to the scene of her sole victory.
Ryan Moore is Wolverhampton bound to ride Freemason (6.50) for boss Sir Michael Stoute with the selection taken to make it third time lucky in the maiden over the extended mile. The son of Cape Cross will be stripped fitter for his first run for almost a year, running an excellent third last time out at Newmarket, fancied to build on that further on his all-weather beau this evening.
Champion Jockey AP McCoy has recorded his fastest century of winners to date and has four rides this evening at Sedgefield on terrific card of summer jumping. Questioning (4.55) looks to be his best chance of a winner in the opening novices hurdle for JP Ferguson. The 6-y-o was a beaten favourite on his first start over hurdles but will have learnt from the experience. With recent winners May’s Boy and Admiral Hawke weighted with the burden of a 7lb penalty, this 114-rated flat performer looks to have everything in his favour.
For all the latest odds and more head to BetVictor.com
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