Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Ripon set for a Thriller

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck casts his expert eye over William Hill’s sponsored card, in partnership with the MND Association, at Ripon, as well as action from Newbury and Newmarket. 

Ripon

ROBERTO CARO could be the answer to the William Hill Supporting MND Silver Cup at Ripon (14:55). There’s a high possibility that he’s well drawn here, and he has already proven his effectiveness at the track. There was some encouragement to be had from his most recent run at York, and he’ll enjoy being up in trip, down in grade and off a very tasty looking mark.

KODIAC THRILLER looks a good bet to run very well in the William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid (15:25). He might have won but for a better draw last year, he clearly loves this place, and comes here in terrific nick and not badly handicapped.

Newbury

TABLETALK is becoming a shade frustrating, but can take a good step forward in the Geoffrey Freer (13:25), which opens up today’s TV card at Newbury. He lacks a crucial gear at the business end, but has been largely consistent at this level, and there’s every chance that cheekpieces returning and a new rider might have the desired effect. He goes very well under these conditions.

RIVER SPEY is given a chance at a price in the sprint handicap (13:55). He eases in grade somewhat today, and should find this more conventional track to his liking over this distance, having been on the back foot from the outset in a furiously run race at Goodwood. He should find his rhythm here and still looks reasonably treated off his Windsor effort.

GREAT ACCLAIM might just be ready to win again (14:35). He’s a very solid performer at this distance, and has run any number of good races this season at the big Saturday tracks. This is a little easier than what he’s been facing and, although he technically requires something near a career best, he has the right set-up here.

WITNESS STAND looks the interesting one at the prices in the Hungerford Stakes (15:10). He is a handy horse when it goes right for him, as in this race last year and at the last two Goodwood Festivals. This is his time of year, and he’s very likely to get an uncontested lead. There are a few suspect stayers ahead of him in the market for good measure.

SILENT FORCE makes some appeal in the Novice (15:42). He has a really appealing pedigree, comes from a top stable who won this last year and which has an excellent record with progeny of this sire.

Newmarket

ACT OF VIOLENCE might be able to follow up his recent success by winning the Grey Horse race at Newmarket (14:10). He showed plenty of his old zest for his new stable under today’s rider, and historic form suggests that an eight-pound rise is not necessarily a blocker.