Ripon opens for seven races on Silver Trophy day, with coverage on Sky Sports Racing from 4.10pm.
4.10 Ripon — Seven Questions and Dyonisos head Silver Sprint Trophy
Owners Fitri and Jim Hay hold a strong hand in the Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap as Seven Questions and Dyonisos feature in an eight-strong field. Robert Cowell’s Seven Questions shaped well when third on his return at Pontefract; a repeat performance, aided by a 1lb drop in the weights, should see him competitive. Ian Williams’ Dyonisos, second on his seasonal reappearance at Newmarket, is expected to come on for that run with Luke Morris booked and is a major danger. Both runners wear similar silks.
Under 3lb claimer Amie Waugh, Vince L’Amour could progress from a recent Musselburgh second and is of interest. Castan arrives in form after a Southwell success, Dream Composer has fallen down the weights and Tiva, a course-and-distance winner, cannot be discounted.
3.35 Ripon — Stressfree and Prydwen clash in trappy handicap
The M.C.H. Hutchinson Memorial Trophy Handicap features a small but select field headed by Prydwen and Stressfree. George Scott’s Prydwen, a ten-time winner, ran well to chase home Berkshire Shadow in the All-Weather Easter Plate Marathon and remains appealing despite a 2lb rise. Stressfree, consistent and last seen finishing a solid fifth in the Doncaster November Handicap, is just 4lb higher than when scoring at Haydock in May and looks dangerous.
Dancingwithmyself overcame interference to finish a staying-on second at Musselburgh on his return and has claims, though the drop back to 12 furlongs raises questions. Prince Of The Seas, newly with David O’Meara after a spell with Ralph Beckett, aims to bounce back from a modest Newcastle effort and could be competitive if rejuvenated.
6.15 Doncaster — Naga and Golden Muse battle in fillies’ handicap
A quality renewal of the British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap sees progressive Naga and Golden Muse head a seven-runner line-up. John and Thady Gosden’s Naga progressed to win at Chelmsford and then Newmarket, and could make it three wins from four starts in handicap company. Golden Muse seeks a hat-trick after wins at Wolverhampton and Southwell; her opening mark of 80 may underrate her, especially switching back to turf with P J McDonald aboard.
Charlie Johnston’s Amora Queen, successful on her first two outings before stepping up to the Fillies’ Mile, should find this assignment more suitable. Rockin’ The Boat showed improvement when second on reappearance for David Menuisier and is another to note.
Others
At Doncaster, Wathnan-owned Lunar Melody and Proposal contest the Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at 5.10pm; Dream Vega, a sister to Group 1 winner Dreamloper, is one to watch. At Southwell (6.30pm), Gosden’s Kenneth—related to Gregory, Lionel, Duncan and Samuel—lines up in the Book The Bistro In Sherwood Restaurant Novice Stakes against the fancied Chasing Time and Birgham Dub.