There’s a Major chance at Ripon

CITRON Major can prove too sharp for his rivals in the David Chapman Memorial Handicap at Ripon tomorrow.

Trained by Nigel Tinkler, Citron Major ended a near 12-month losing streak when triumphing over the same six furlongs he faces here two weeks ago.

A couple of tardy starts had compromised his chances on his first two runs and he actually got a bit of a bump in the opening stride on his most recent outing, which saw him have to take up a position in midfield.

Luckily the gaps came for him that day, with Rowan Scott producing Citron Major with a telling final flourish to win by a length.

The handicapper has since put him up 5lb, which seems harsh on the face of it, but it could be he was fair value for the margin of victory and the application of a visor certainly seemed to have the desired effect.

Citron Major has previously won off a mark of 89, so this task is certainly not beyond him.

Clearance looks a horse on the upgrade and he can make it back-to-back wins in the Sky Bet Most Extra Places Handicap.

Previously trained by Gary Moore, Clearance switched to the care of Iain Jardine last year and has provided a decent return so far, winning three of his six starts.

The six-year-old secured his latest verdict last time out over two miles at Musselburgh despite not enjoying the best of luck in running.

Clearance was clearly travelling best of all approaching the business end of the race but he was struggling to find a gap in the final furlong before eventually getting a bit of space and picking up in style to triumph by half a length.

He obviously could have won by further granted an ideal run and an 8lb hike might not be enough to put the brakes on.