Ripon 16/4/09

[fintron]

2.35 Ripon Cheviot looks to set the standard here with some decent bits of two year old form. He was 9th in a Newmarket maiden on his debut last August, and although didn't rip up any trees, a few of those infront were fair types - the likes of Invincible Heart, Adorn, Kingship Spirit and Huntdown (all better than an OR of 83, which is what Cheviot runs off here). He won next time out at Kempton in a maiden, with the second boosting the form a little when winning himself next time out, but the standout piece of form was his 4th to Nasri in Newbury handicap over this trip on his third start. He was around two lengths behind the 83-rated winner, the second (Definightly) won off 88 subsequently, the 5th (Timeteam) won a novices race after and was rated 88 when competing in a conditions race at Grl when last seen and the 6th (Saucy Brown) carried an official rating of 94 last time out and had been running in pattern races. So all in all, that looks a decent bit of form in the context of this race. He was well backed when dropped down to 5f at Windsor last time out but he didn't break well and edged left when hitting the front. That said, he has had a break now and the trainer knows how to get them ready for their reappearance so he may be a different proposition this term. He was only a nose off Fault at Windsor, a subsequent winner off 85, and The Magic of Rio a little further infront has won a handicap off 84 and placed off 88, to further put Cheviot's mark (83) into some sort of context and suggest he has races in him when his temperament is sorted. 15/8 Betfred.

[fintron]

Re: Ripon 16/4/09 4.55 Ripon Leonid Glow progressed nicely last season, starting the season off a mark of 64 after having the three customary runs in maidens, and then ending the season on a mark which was effectively 76, as she carried a 6 lb penalty for her wide margin win over Ubenkor at Ayr. She proved when winning at Warwick that she likes to go on top of the ground, she is a distance winner, and nicely drawn this afternoon as she may be able to capitalise on the pace likely to be set from Pavershooz and Earlsmedic drawn nearby in the low stalls. She resumes off a 1 lb higher mark than when last seen, but the jockey's 5 lb claim will help counteract that somewhat. 12/1 Bet 365, EW.