TODAYS RACING 15th August

RIPON 3.55 ... HITCHENS 1 pt @ 14/1 WillHill 12/1 Others
Philip Makin takes over in the saddle having ridden him to success on his return (also successful 1st time up last season) when beating Knot In Wood by 3 length.
Was hit with a 7lb rise for that effort and has ran over a trip too short or had the 'wrong' ground since.
Beaten fair and square by Ishetoo over 5 furlong at York but meets him on 9lb better for less than 2 length returning to his preferred distance and going.
Has a really good strike rate winning all 3 on good/firm, and placed 2 from all 8 runs at this 6fl trip. The twice he was beaten when getting his conditions were in last Year's Stewards Cup (6 length) off 8lb higher, and in this Year's Duke Of York Stakes (group 2) when outclassed off 11lb higher.
Historically high number hold sway in this race so not badly drawn in 15 and there looks to be plenty pace on to tow him along.
Was behind a few of these in Markab's race last time on soft ground but has a 3lb pull with him and looks better drawn than the 3 Nicholl's runners, who will probably hold there own race from the lowest 1,2,3, berths.
Hitchens normally comes from behind but is handicapped to win being 3lb-4lb below his last 2 wins and got his best trip and going today.
Provided the rain stays away, all in place for a winning run granted luck in running.

HITCHENS 1 point @ 14/1

FULL RESULT>>


NEWMARKET 2.50 ... BERBICE 1 pt @ 9/1 Lads 7/1 (Gen)

Last time this Grey ran on good ground was on his final outing for Richard Hannon when in a Class2 Ascot Handicap off 19lb higher than today.
Has been on the All Weather and softer going since joining this yard in Ireland and his trainer has sent a few over with 2 wins from Royal Intruder at Sandown.
From a handicap perspective this looks thrown in as opposed to what the others have achieved as he is now nearly 40lb below his highest ever rating.
On that alone I consider him worth a wager but he gets better going for only the 2nd time since leaving the Hannon camp (hampered last time over here when at Salisbury) and the trainer has won with 3 from a total of 7 runners this season.

BERBICE 1 point @ 9/1

FULL RESULT>>