Sprint Handicaps, despite my best intentions seem to be occupying more of my time than usual this year. It's probably a reflection on a rather lack lustre flat season (hopefully things will change at York this week), although the competitiveness of this sector always attracts a curious eye. Today's Great St Wilfrid at Ripon is the latest in the summer series. Everything points in the direction of Tajneed who was successful in 2008 (with this corner's support). Track form, solid recent run, going suitability, similar rating to 2008, being sprint meister Dandy Nicholls only runner and last but not least a high draw, combine to make him favourite and while currently available at 4/1, one would expect him to shorten. All this makes him difficult to oppose but these races are hard to win as market leader and for that reason I am going to look elsewhere. As mentioned the draw is crucial and with the impending rain, I am going to plump for Damika (drawn 15 + form with cut in the ground) who ran a nice race last week at Haydock.
Perhaps the most interesting runner of the day is Bated Breadth at Newmarket (3.20). Running off 105 in a handicap, he should confirm his potential before moving on to a higher grade (Sprint Cup???)
And for the purists don't forget Goldi versus Paco at Deauville (Sunday)!!
good luck....
