THURSDAY'S SELECTION'S

CHELTENHHAM 2.45 ... HIVIKOS E/W @ 14/1
Not the forlorn hope he 1st looks as his last outing 3 days ago looks.
Only ran 3 times last season so hasn't been over raced and the fact he is out again so soon gives encouragement that all is well from his fall latest as he was travelling OK when tipping up at the 3rd under Sam Thomas.
His penultimate run behind the well h/capped Pict's Hill he put in a long one at the water and returned minus a shoe so that could be construed an excuse.
His run behind Kayf Aramis (now rated 136) is the one which gives him the chance of taking this.
He was there all the way to 21 furlongs on the heavy going so should have the stamina for this.
He is 6lb lower here and should appreciate the better going.
Kayf Aramis has franked the form since by winning twice, and Sergeant Harper also won next time out beating yesterdays Novice winner Picture This by 20 lengths.
Ruby Walsh is down to 10St 4lb and the horse will think he's loose having had around 20lb and upward to carry his last 2 outings.
Looks overpriced and under-estimated in our book and @ 14/1 available in places looks a value E/W punt!

1 pt E/W

minus 2 points

FULL RESULT>>


RIPON 4.55 ... PACIFIC PRIDE/EARLSMEDIC
A real competitive sprint with many possible winners.
Pacific Pride runs here from the lower end of the h/cap off 25lb below his peak & won 1st time up here last season off 2lb higher.
The previous season he ran a 3 length 7th behind 100 plus rated rivals so can go well fresh.
Graham Gibbons aboard for that success and takes the ride again today and has around 20% strike rated here for the yard.
He meets Gift Horse, Methally and EarlsMedic on better than earlier encounters when meeting trouble in running but should get a clearer run here with the field likely to split into two.
Drawn on the outside so he can go for the far rail where Ponti Rossa on the wide outside is likely to opt for, along with High Curragh who has went well fresh the last 2 years and could tow them along on the far side.
Earlsmedic is likely to make the running stands side as the 2 either side of him are normally held up, so he could be hard to pass if getting an uncontested lead.
Vhujon, who we backed last time was unlucky in running, but @ 5/1 represents no value as this field looks stronger opposition.

1/2 pt Each

minus 1 point

FULL RESULT>>

Ones to Watch:-
RIPON 3.10 EXIT SMILING
Possibly fo the f/c behind the Fav

CHELT 3.55 ... Ring A Roses ... poss E/W
Cheek Pieces tried today and meets Kayf Aramis 13lb & Pennek 11lb better respectively from their last encounter here when hampered and stayed on.