Today’s best bets, by Greg Wood
It has been a damp start to the day at both Brighton and Ripon, which stage the two afternoon cards and received 7mm and 5.5mm of rain overnight respectively. The going on the south coast remains good, good to soft in places, while Ripon, which was good to firm on Monday, is now good with showers and strong winds forecast for the rest of the day.
The going change means that Ripon’s card in particular may be afflicted by non-runners, though Director, in the 2.55pm, is the only one through so far. The good news for each-way backers is that, for the moment at least, all eight are still standing in the 10-furlong handicap at 3.25, which is also one of the most interesting events on the card.
The shape of the race would change significantly were either San Cassiano or Hydrant to be scratched, as both are confirmed front-runners and should ensure a decent pace. That should suit Ventura Quest, the favourite, who got caught in traffic over an extended mile at Beverley last time and should find more running room when he needs it today, but his strike-rate (he is on a 13-race losing streak) is not inspiring, given his odds.
Liberty Red (3.25) could be a value alternative at around 12-1. He is the outsider of the field at best odds and ran below form when returning to the Flat from hurdling last time out, but that was his first start since December and he has snippets of form that give him a fair chance. His third of 11 at Beverley last April reads quite well in the circumstances and he is certainly worth an each-way interest if the field holds up.
Birdman (3.55) is on a roll for David O’Meara and should take another 6lb rise in his stride on the way to a fourth consecutive success since mid-April.
At Brighton, Miss Inga Sock (3.10) and the course and distance winner Taro Tywod (4.10) make most appeal, while the highly promising Hakka (8.20), a rare runner for Sir Michael Stoute on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, is one to look out for this evening.
Tipping competition, day two
Our winners so far:
Monday
Queen Catrine 9-4
Great Page 4-1
Tropics 7-1
And our leader is. . .
judge2301 +13.25
... who had a perfect opening day with all three winners. Ianj78 and PHILYERBOOTS are both on +10, while orso and moidadem (both +8.25) and Sportingbest and 15244 (both +5.25) had lesser doubles.
Today, we’d like your tips, please, for these races: 3.40 Brighton, 3.55 Ripon, 4.25 Ripon.
This week’s prize is a £25 bet on the Derby, offered by those generous souls at Coral! If, on Friday, you think you may have won, keep an eye on your email inbox, as we’ll have to contact you on Friday evening to arrange your bet. You could specify in advance how you’d like your bet to be placed in the event that you win.
As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional level stakes of £1 at starting price on our nominated races, of which there will be three each day up until Friday. Non-runners count as losers. If you have not joined in so far this week, you are welcome to do so today, but you will start on -3.
In the event of a tie at the end of the week, the winner will be the tipster who, from among those tied on the highest score, posted their tips earliest on the final day.
For terms and conditions click here.
Good luck!
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