Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Newbury & Ripon Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Newbury 1.25 – Geoffrey Freer Stakes
Tabletalk (3/1) who continues to be consistent.
He was unlucky last time when just narrowly beaten by Mount Atlas, but was the winner everywhere other than the line at York.
The slight drop in distance could be the difference here; it’s not by much but that could help him.
He continues to thrive and there’s not much between him and Dubai Honour (6/4 fav), who I think, ultimately, has bigger aims further down the line.
But this should be a stretch of Tabletalk’s stamina.
Megan’s Tip: Tabletalk WIN
Newbury 1.55 – D&H, Excellence In Nutrition Handicap
Race two looks like a nice opportunity for Glamorous Breeze (11/2), who comes in good form – not beaten far at Goodwood last time and ran well at Ascot prior to that.
She has been running well without winning lately but remains competitive and a sharp five furlongs suits; the ground is absolutely no problem.
Glamorous Breeze is also far more consistent than plenty other sprinters in this field.
The Robert & Nina Bailey-owned sprinter comes from a yard in good form, and jockey Gina Mangan gets on well with this horse as well, so plenty of positives about her chances.
Megan’s Tip: Glamorous Breeze WIN
Newbury 3.10 – Hungerford Stakes
In the Hungerford I like Coppull (7/2) who steps up in distance here.
He ran very well in the July Cup when looking a little bit awkward under pressure. You could question whether he wanted to go by, but that could have been a little bit of him not totally handling the track.
He ran a massive race on that occasion – showed that he’s right up to the Group 1 level. So, a slight step down in grade but the step up in distance looks the absolute ideal combination.
I think he will see out the seven furlongs well – especially at a track like Newbury.
Hector Crouch on board, who I imagine will try to smuggle Coppull in and use his turn of foot late on.
Trainer Clive Cox has also had a good season and I think this horse is still improving.
Megan’s Tip: Coppull WIN
Ripon 3.25 – Great St Wilfrid Handicap
I like Dark Cloud Rising (6/1), who’s got a relatively high draw which I think is ideal.
A sprinter that continues to improve, he loves Ripon and runs very well there as a winner there earlier in the season, and I think track form here is extremely important.
Daniel Tudhope in the saddle; that’s a positive as well.
The field often splits into two groups in this race, so with that high draw, allowing him up the standside from stall 15 could be a real key to his chances.
Megan’s Tip: Dark Cloud Rising WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
