Ripon opens for seven races on Silver Trophy day, with Sky Sports Racing coverage from 4.10pm.
4.10 Ripon — Seven Questions and Dyonisos head Silver Sprint Trophy
Owners Fitri and Jim Hay supply two of the principal hopes in the Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap as Seven Questions and Dyonisos lead an eight-strong entry. Robert Cowell’s Seven Questions returned in good order when third at Pontefract; a repeat performance, aided by a 1lb easing in his mark, should put him firmly in the picture. Ian Williams’ Dyonisos was runner-up on his seasonal reappearance at Newmarket and is expected to improve for that outing; Luke Morris takes the ride and he represents a serious threat. The pair also carry very similar silks.
Other contenders include Vince L’Amour, ridden by under-3lb claimer Amie Waugh, who could build on a recent second at Musselburgh. Castan arrives in good nick after a Southwell success, Dream Composer arrives off lower weights, and course-and-distance winner Tiva must not be underestimated.
3.35 Ripon — Stressfree and Prydwen clash in trappy handicap
The M.C.H. Hutchinson Memorial Trophy Handicap features a compact but strong-looking field led by Prydwen and Stressfree. George Scott’s Prydwen, a prolific performer with ten wins to his name, ran well to chase home Berkshire Shadow in the All-Weather Easter Plate Marathon and remains appealing despite a 2lb hike. Stressfree has been consistent and, having finished a solid fifth in last season’s Doncaster November Handicap, is only 4lb higher than when scoring at Haydock in May and looks dangerous.
Dancingwithmyself overcame interference to finish staying-on second at Musselburgh on his seasonal return and has a claim, though the drop back to 12 furlongs could be a question. Prince Of The Seas, now trained by 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 strong renewal of the British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap is headed by the progressive Naga and the in-form Golden Muse. John and Thady Gosden’s Naga followed a Chelmsford success with a Newmarket victory and could make it three wins from four starts in handicap company. Golden Muse looks for a hat-trick after victories at Wolverhampton and Southwell; her opening mark of 80 may be generous, particularly switching back to turf with P J McDonald booked.
Charlie Johnston’s Amora Queen, who won her first two starts before stepping up to the Fillies’ Mile, should find this assignment more to her liking. Rockin’ The Boat improved to finish second on reappearance for David Menuisier and is another to monitor.
Other races
At Doncaster, the Wathnan-owned Lunar Melody and Proposal go to post in the Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at 5.10pm; Dream Vega, a sister to Group 1 winner Dreamloper, is a notable runner. At Southwell (6.30pm), John Gosden’s Kenneth — a relation of Gregory, Lionel, Duncan and Samuel — lines up in the Book The Bistro In Sherwood Restaurant Novice Stakes against the likelier Chasing Time and Birgham Dub.