Unashamed selection in Ripon Handicap
Unashamed can do his canny connections proud again in division one of the Affordable Ownership With Titanium Racing Handicap at Ripon tomorrow.
Owner-trainer Grant Tuer and jockey Sam James have become names to note of late and continue to operate at an eyecatching strike-rate.
Unashamed is a case in point,havingshownimproved form to strike at the fourth attempt,onhandicapdebutafter abreakatWolverhamptonlast month.
Many of Tuer and James’ successes this spring have come at all-weather tracks, but they are not to be discounted on turf either – and Unashamed can be expected to make a seamless switch. The three-year-old’s victory in a lowly grade was no surprise, as the well-supported favourite,andhegotthejobdonewith the minimum of fuss.
Sticking to the same trip here, he slots in off his new allweatherratingandhasobvious prospects of further progress at this level.
TuerandJamesmaywellbe inbusinessagainwithRestless Endeavour, in the British EBF PremierFillies’Handicap.The four-year-old went very close on her return to turf, under 7lb claimer Oisin McSweeney, when beaten just a head into second over this same six-furlong trip at Thirsk.
That was at the start of the monthongroundmuchquicker than is forecast this weekend, but Restless Endeavour woninthesoftatCattericklast summer.
James was on board then and returns as she bids for a thirdwininherlastfourstarts, having prevailed at Newcastle andthenLingfieldinthespace of 10 days back in March.
Restless Endeavour is up just 1lb for her latest commendable effort and should be competitive again in this decent company.
Contact can complete his hat-trick in the Visit riponraces.co.uk Handicap.
DavidBarron’sgreyshowed promise in his first three juvenile runs last season, before staying on well over a mile at Ayrtogetoffthemarkbyahead from a subsequent dual winner. Contact resumed, up to this trip at Redcar last month, when he posted a comfortable success on handicap debut.
A 5lb rise appears entirely fair, and surmountable.
Stratford hosts the jumps action, and Drakes Well and Sizing Cusimano are both of interest on a seven-race card.
David Bridgwater had a choice of entries in contrasting disciplines for Drakes Well andhasdecidedtoreverttothe smaller obstacles in the opening Racing Welfare Supporting Mental Health Awareness
Week Maiden Hurdle.
The eight-year-old had a substantial point-to-point career before joining current connections, often running with credit but winning just once–overtwoandahalfmiles at Larkhill.