14:10 Ripon

Saturday 19 August 2023

All13:3514:1014:4015:1515:5016:2516:5817:00

William Hill Ripon Hornblower EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:11 | Winning time: 1m 12.7s

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Selected odds by:

(6)

Cuban Slide⁷⁰

Age: 2| Weight: 9-8| J: S H James| T: K R Burke| OR: 81

9/2

Twice-raced winner. Winner at Musselburgh in May. 4/1, only fifth of 6 in minor event at Beverley (5f, good to firm) 70 days ago so needs to bounce back after his break.

Form: 15

(8)

Government Call⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-8| J: D Tudhope| T: Eve Johnson Houghton

13/8

Promising Soldier's Call colt who readily won 8-runner maiden at Sandown (5f, good to soft, 9/2) 9 days ago, suited by emphasis on stamina. Open to more progress over this longer trip. Big shout.

Form: 21

(5)

I'm Spartacus¹⁶

Age: 2| Weight: 9-8| J: Connor Beasley| T: B Smart| OR: 72| D

18/1

Thrice-raced winner. Won 9-runner minor event (4/1) at Newcastle (6f) 16 days ago. Progressing recently so he's no forlorn hope.

Form: 621

(3)

Bill's Baar

Age: 2| Weight: 9-4| J: D C Costello| T: A Keatley

50/1

Foaled April 24. €12,000 yearling, resold €34,000 yearling, Elzaam colt. Half-brother to 5f winner Katelli. Dam 5f-6.3f winner. Market can guide.

Form:

(4)

Frankie Valliance

Age: 2| Weight: 9-4| J: Laura Pearson| T: D Loughnane

28/1

Foaled March 14. Twilight Son colt. Dam, winner up to 1m (2-y-o 6f winner), half-sister to smart 6f-9f winner Faulkner. Much respected newcomer.

Form:

(2)

The Coffee Pod⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-4| J: B A Curtis| T: R Hannon

10/3

Encouraging debut third of 12 in minor event at Nottingham (6.1f, good to soft, 12/1) 9 days ago. Likely to improve so he's well in the mix.

Form: 3

(7)

Union Island¹⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-4| J: J Fanning| T: C Johnston

16/1

Runner-up at Hamilton on his debut but only eleventh of 13 in maiden at Goodwood (6f, good to soft, 12/1) 18 days ago. More is required.

Form: 20

(1)

Tropical Island¹⁷

Age: 2| Weight: 9-3| J: Billy Garritty| T: R A Fahey| OR: 83| C

7/2

Debut course winner in July. Failed to build on that when fifth of 11 in minor event at Goodwood (5f, heavy) 17 days ago. May still do better. Considered.

Form: 15

Forecasts

Government Call (13/8), The Coffee Pod (10/3), Tropical Island (7/2), Cuban Slide (9/2), Union Island (16/1), I'm Spartacus (18/1), Frankie Valliance (28/1), Bill's Baar (50/1)

GOVERNMENT CALL scored in ready style at Sandown earlier in the month and with this step up to 6f looking a big plus he is taken to defy a 4 lb penalty in this fair juvenile novice. The Coffee Pod rates a big threat though if, as expected, building on his debut third at Nottingham. Tropical Island has the form to play a part and needs factoring in too.