JACOBS’ Crackers
SUNDAY SERVICE The lightly raced WEEKEND OFFENDER is one to keep on the right side of until next beaten and can land a confident nap vote in the Ripon 3.40.
The runner of Kevin Ryan (below) signed off last season with a gutsy win at York and equalled that level of performance with a fine third to the progressive George William at Nottingham on his seasonal debut.
Set to race from the same mark here, I fancy that the son of Lope De Vega will have too much finishing speed for Snoano and Gurkha Friend in this classy handicap.
Earlier on, URBAN SPIRIT can make up for a disappointing performance at Catterick last time out by landing the 2.35, while MITCHUM can continue the good run of trainer Brian Barr by landing the last at 5.10.
At Market Rasen, the Skelton brothers should have another big day and I’LL BE YOUR CLOWN can kickstart their day by landing the 1.50.
However, they hold even stronger claims with YORKIST in the feature handicap chase at 4.00.
Finally there is some cracking flat action at Naas and the Group Three Lacken Stakes at 4.15 should be a cakewalk for CARAVAGGIO.
At a bigger price, MOONLIGHT BAY could upset likely favourite Alpha Centauri in a Listed contest at 3.45.
THE WEEK AHEAD COOKIE RING has shown a liking for Chelmsford City and the handicapper has dropped him to an attractive mark following two ordinary efforts on turf.
He could line up in the 9.00 at the Essex track on Wednesday and should be a great each-way price.
ANTE-POST Aidan O’Brien may have seven of the 22 entries for the Oaks on June 2 including favourite Rhododendron but it is his 25-1 shot RAIN GODDESS who looks the most fascinating entry. Her fourth place in the French 2,000 Guineas was a fine effort when it was patently too sharp for her and she represents massive value in this mile-and-a-half classic so grab the each-way price now.
HOT TO TROT A high draw was a must in last week’s Victoria Cup so the runs of REMARKABLE (10th) and the hard pulling WITHERNSEA (12th) can be massively upgraded.
Also take a note of old BUONARROTI from the two mile finale at York on Thursday. He travelled best down the stretch but didn’t stay the two miles and is worth sticking with back at 14 furlongs with some dig in the ground.