16:05 Ripon

Saturday 20 July 2019

All13:4514:2014:5515:3016:0516:4017:15

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Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 1m 38.82s

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(3)

Gallipoli^v²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey| OR: 85

10/1

Had been on a long consistent run of form until three below par runs of late (one in the Victoria Cup). Gets a welcome drop in grade and 1lb below last winning mark, although the step up in distance poses another query.

Form: 245067

(4)

Alfred Richardson¹⁰⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-0| J: K Stott| T: J J Davies| OR: 85| D

16/1

Progressive type last year and signed off with back-to-back wins on the AW at Newcastle over this trip. Never got going on season return and best watched after that, although the ease of 4lb and grade may help.

Form: 53311-0

(6)

Smile A Mile³^{(ex 6)}

Age: 3| Weight: 9-13| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 86| D

7/4

Things have really clicked this season with some smart progression following a gelding operation. His latest Yarmouth win made it 3-6 this year and this front runner could be a tough nut to crack under a 6lb penalty on this quick turnaround.

Form: 141621

(5)

Saisons D'Or²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Owen Payton⁽⁷⁾| T: Jedd O'Keeffe| OR: 80| D

4/1

Fourth in the Carlisle Bell last month followed a strong run of form which included two wins. followed by a narrow second. Proving very reliable of late and no reason why he shouldn't be thereabouts once again.

Form: 331124

(1)

Storm Ahead^b²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: J P Sullivan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 77| D

5/1

Down the field in the Carlisle Bell Consolation Race last time following a Doncaster win (ended a losing run of three years) and it may be that he prefers an easier surface to this.

Form: 3-20810

(7)

Vive La Difference³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: D Fentiman| T: T D Easterby| OR: 73| D

16/1

Both wins came over 1m0.5f at Hamilton last year and now 3lb lower than the last of them. Faster surface won't inconvenience but he needs to leave two poor runs behind.

Form: 85-0409

(8)

Zip³⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: S P Davis⁽³⁾| T: R A Fahey| OR: 74| BF

9/2

Proving a very reliable type and although he was set a tough task on his return, his two close efforts on heavy since suggests he might need plenty of rain. Sole win so far came on the AW.

Form: 23-1022

Non-Runners

(2)

Star Shield⁸

Weight: 9-11| Age: 4

T: D O'Meara J: D Tudhope

Forecasts

Smile A Mile (7/4), Star Shield (7/2), Saisons D'Or (4/1), Zip (9/2), Storm Ahead (5/1), Gallipoli (10/1), Alfred Richardson (16/1), Vive La Difference (16/1)

There's a chance SMILE A MILE could get his own way up front and with the progress and form he's shown this season, that would make him tough to pass. Star Shield will be hoping for a strong pace to aim at and his last two smart efforts have been backed up by decent times. Saisons D'Or is a consistent type who shouldn't be far away.