Spring Festival Arrives at Ripon
Saturday's card at Ripon serves up one of the finest afternoon's racing you'll see outside the major festivals. Eight races worth over £700k in total prize money, topped by a pair of £175k contests that have attracted fields befitting their status.
The going is riding Good to Good to Firm in places on the chase course, with that 90/10 split suggesting we're on the quicker side of Good. Perfect conditions for speed merchants, though the longer-distance handicaps should still favour horses with proven stamina reserves. The hurdle track is riding a shade easier at Good throughout.
Grade 1 Celebration Chase Takes Centre Stage
The 2:55 bet365 Celebration Chase is the afternoon's jewel — a Grade 1 over an extended mile and seven furlongs that's drawn a stellar field of seven. Jonbon heads the weights off 165, and rightly so. Henderson's charge has been the benchmark two-mile chaser for the past two seasons, and this shorter trip should play to his electric pace.
The 10-year-old has course and distance form in the bank, which matters more than some punters realise. Today's racecard shows Edwardstone as his main market rival, and you can see why. Alan King's veteran carries the [C,D] notation that catches my eye immediately — he's won here before and handles the distance.
At 12 years old, Edwardstone might be in the veteran stage, but Tom Cannon takes the ride, and that booking suggests connections expect a big run. The going will suit him perfectly; he's always gone best on a sound surface.
Don't overlook Mirabad for the Skelton team. Dan's seven-year-old is entering his prime years and carries a [D] marker. The distance winner tag is crucial here — this extended trip can catch horses out, but Mirabad has proven he stays every yard.
Gold Cup Handicap Presents Puzzle
The 3:30 bet365 Gold Cup Handicap over three miles and four furlongs is where the real puzzle lies. Fourteen runners, all carrying between 10st 4lb and 11st 12lb, makes this a proper cavalry charge.
Resplendent Grey tops the weights but brings rock-solid credentials. Sean Bowen's mount carries both [C,D] markers — he's won at the track and proven over the marathon trip. Off a mark of 152, he's the one they all have to beat.
Henry's Friend for Ben Pauling represents each-way value. The nine-year-old is lightly raced over fences and could be ahead of his current mark. Ben Jones knows the horse well, and Pauling's yard is in cracking form.
Our Power catches the eye as a potential improver. At 11 years old, you might think his best days are behind him, but Sam Thomas has worked wonders with staying chasers, and the drop in class from his recent efforts could prove significant.
Ones to Watch Across the Card
The opening fillies' juvenile hurdle at 1:13 looks a cracker. La Luna Artista heads the market off 125, with Ciaran Gethings taking the ride for Jane Williams. The [D] marker suggests she's proven over the distance, crucial in these competitive handicaps.
Made U Blush represents the Skelton team with Harry Skelton aboard. Off 118, she looks well handicapped, and the Skeltons have a tremendous record with their four-year-old fillies.
The 1:45 novices' championship final is a minefield with 19 runners, but Minella Yoga stands out. Paul Nicholls' four-year-old is rated 132 but gets a handy 7lb allowance. Harry Cobden's booking is significant — he wouldn't travel north for an outsider.
In the Select Hurdle at 4:02, Kabral du Mathan looks the class act. Harry Skelton partners Dan's six-year-old, who's rated 156 for good reason. The Grade 2 contest looks tailor-made for him.
Best Bets and Value Plays
My main fancy is Jonbon in the Celebration Chase. Class tells at this level, and he's simply the best horse in the race. The going suits, the trip is ideal, and Nico de Boinville knows him inside out.
For value, I'm keen on Henry's Friend in the Gold Cup Handicap. His mark of 144 looks workable, and the step up in trip could unlock improvement. Brendan Powell's 5lb claim is a bonus.
In the opening race, Made U Blush appeals at likely odds. The Skelton team is firing on all cylinders, and Harry Skelton has a 25% strike rate over the past month.
The going conditions favour front-runners today, so don't be surprised if we see some bold jumping and strong gallops throughout. It's shaping up to be a memorable afternoon's sport at this Yorkshire venue.
