Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing from Ripon and Stratford.
RIPON
Race 3 No7 MEHMO
Trainer: Mick Appleby – Jockey: Tom Marquand
MEHMO is a long-standing maiden who might be in the right race to break his duck. He showed with a near-miss in similar company at Beverley last time that he’s appreciated a return to turf, having gone close a couple of times on the all-weather back in the winter.
Race 4 No4 RICH DREAM
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
Bethell has made a bright start to his career and even though this is a race in which nothing can be discounted, RICH DREAM has the profile of an improver. The Make Believe gelding shaped with considerable promise when chasing home Greystoke at Wolverhampton, form which gained a significant boost when the winner followed up in a better race.
Race 7 No6 ZOOM TIGER (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Tom Marquand
From a stable that has been unstoppable in the North this week, ZOOM TIGER should be a horse worth waiting for. The Zoffany colt is going to enjoy cutting back slightly on the distance ladder, and finds himself in an Easter race than that from which he scratched at Thirsk the other day.
STRATFORD
Race 1 No2 DRAKES WELL (Nap)
Trainer: David Bridgwater – Jockey: Brendan Powell
DRAKES WELL is a versatile operator, showing with a near-miss over fences at Uttoxeter that he’s just as adept in that department. However, back over hurdles here he looks to have a gilt-edged chance to deservedly open his account and is confidently expected to do so.
Race 2 No2 BARDD (Each Way)
Trainer: Mrs D O’Neill – Jockey: Page Fuller
This combination went close to an overdue victory at Warwick and can now put in another prominent display at a course that is not dissimilar. The bold jumper doesn’t find much in a finish but could be helped by one of the shortest runs in the country.
Race 7 No1 TREVADA
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Under a penalty for his narrow Plumpton win, TREVADA can go back-to-back in a race that lacks depth. He’s enjoyed a freshening break since that early March delivery, while his trainer’s horses are going well.
