Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Ripon & Newbury Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Newbury 1.50 – Geoffrey Freer Stakes
Epic Poet (3/1) has had a little break, and he is my pick here.
He ran below par last time out in the Hardwick but that was way too bad to be true and he has been given a bit of time off since.
He’s consistent and the small tactical field will suit him – he deserves to get his head back in front after running some unbelievably tough races in defeat this year.
This is the right type of grade for him. He stays well and, providing he can bounce back, he has a massive chance.
Megan’s Tip: Epic Poet WIN
Newbury 3.00 – Six-furlong handicap
Cracking Gold (9/2) has got top weight but this is a talented horse.
He was narrowly beaten by Great Acclaim at Goodwood last time and that form has been boosted since with Great Acclaim winning subsequently.
Cracking Gold was a winner at Newmarket before that and, since returning to seven furlongs, he seems to have taken a big step forward.
Though off a career high mark, he is improving, the ground is very much suitable and he seems track versatile.
Megan’s Tip: Cracking Gold WIN
Ripon 3.20 – Great St Wilfrid Handicap
For the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon I am going with Secret Guest (6/1), who has been running nicely enough this season.
He was third in this race last year and, though he is three pounds higher this time round, he has been in good form with a nice run at Thirsk last time setting him up nicely for this race.
He handles the track, which is a big thing, and I think he has a solid chance here again this year.
Megan’s Tip: Secret Guest WIN
Newbury 3.25 – Hungerford Stakes
I’ve gone with King’s Gamble (9/2) in this.
It is an open race and he ran very well on his return behind Rage Of Bambi in the Hackwood at this track – stepping up to the seven here is a positive.
He’s a talented performer and, though he did have a long time off the track, I’m hoping he doesn't bounce as such. Providing he can build on that recent run, I expect him to run really well.
More Thunder (3/1 Fav) is clearly a rapidly improving horse and is the right favourite now stepped up to graded company.
My concern with him is that his style of running won't be suited to the sharper track at Newbury, so I’m prepared to take him on.
Megan’s Tip: King’s Gamble WIN
Newbury 5.20 – 1m2f Handicap
The last race at Newbury is certainly interesting.
I think Hopewell Rock (13/2) is a really talented horse who we could see up at the group level.
He was a course winner last year but I would question whether he would be quite ready on his return, though he is one to keep an eye on.
I also think Skimmer (4/5) is a potential group horse in the making. He’s two from two and was impressive at Kempton last time.
He is exceptionally well-bred. A half-relation of the likes of Logician and Okeechobee, they both got better with age and I think this horse will too.
Skimmer, then, is a horse I’m excited to see back in action and Hopewell Rock is one I’ll be keeping a close eye on for the back end of this season.
Megan’s Tip: Skimmer WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
