Our ambassador is out in force at Ripon this Saturday, appearing live on Sky Sports Racing, and is eager to join forces with a highly regarded two‑year‑old for Archie Watson on Sunday. I was thrilled by Romance Spirit's first outing over a mile at Southwell in a maiden race earlier this month, so I anticipate she will be difficult to beat in the Napoleons Casino and Restaurant Leeds Restricted Maiden Stakes scheduled for 2:15 pm at Ripon on Saturday. Romance Spirit, one of five runners in the Garden Racecourse’s program, is a daughter of Teofilo trained by Marco Botti. She tracked the leader for much of the way on the Tapeta surface, but a touch of greenness finally got the better of her.
She is out of a Dubawi mare, meaning her pedigree is rich in stamina, and she is certainly ready to handle the added two furlongs. Our draw is favorable, which should help her negotiate the track’s notorious undulations.
Seven Questions has already proven his ability at Ripon, an advantage that should serve him well in the afternoon’s feature sprint, the Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap at 4:10 pm. The colt, a former George Scott trainee, has been heavily campaigned but recently dropped to an attractive weight and confirmed his soundness with a solid third place at Pontefract in his first start of the year a few weeks ago. He should be sharper now, and although I would have liked a higher draw, I expect a strong performance from him, especially since it will be the lowest weight he has carried since his victory in a Leicester nursery. Never miss a story with the latest racing news, interviews and features on your phone.
Find out more. I am also keen to see what Archie Watson’s filly Blue Nguru can achieve this season after her breakthrough win over the minimum distance on the all‑weather track at Lingfield Park in December. Stepping up to six furlongs in the Watch Sky Sports Racing In HD Handicap at 5:20 pm looks ideal for this daughter of Blue Point, who I hope will be well‑treated at an unchanged rating of 71. Our recent mission to North Yorkshire was a success when two‑year‑old Niewiadoma won on debut at Thirsk, and I am hopeful that Blue Nguru can replicate that form.
I will be riding two horses at Ripon for Dave Loughnane, starting with Thunda Struck in the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes at 1:40 pm. I know little about her, but I did ride a winner at Chester last year for her enthusiastic owners, the Let's Be Lucky Partnership. A breakthrough win at Nottingham gives her stablemate The Sweet Escape a promising target in the Sue’s 60th Birthday Occasion Handicap at 4:45 pm. He seemed to relish dropping back to a mile, and a three‑pound increase leaves him on a workable rating of just 62.
Having already secured three two‑year‑old victories in the past week, I am eager to see how Archie Watson’s Phalanx Nation performs in the EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes at Nottingham on Sunday at 2:48 pm. She is a big‑hearted Sioux Nation who has come to hand early and is ready to hit the track.
I have ridden her extensively in work sessions at home, and she possesses a brilliant mind. If she can translate that preparation into a race, I am confident she will impress her owners, Victorious Forever, who have given me many magical moments with the great Bradsell. The traditional Classic trials at Newbury last weekend did not disappoint, with the Group Three Greenham Stakes offering particular insight. While Karl Burke’s Alparslan dominated his rivals, I was most taken by Eve Johnson‑Houghton's Zavateri, a serious eyecatcher.
Eve noted that Zavateri has grown considerably over the winter and again displayed an excellent attitude, finishing a strong second. I was also delighted to see Tom Marquand’s mount Needle Match stay on to finish fourth at long odds. William Haggas’ colt has the potential to improve further over a mile and is certainly one to watch. Touleen fell short of winning the fillies’ trial, the Fred Darling, but she is entitled to a fresh start after her first outing since September and is not one to give up easily.
I was thrilled for Jack Channon, who won the race with Sukanya, and she will be a serious contender for the Irish 1000 Guineas. Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft, sharing her insights and excitement about the upcoming contests. The day’s program at Ripon promises a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising juveniles, each aiming to make a mark and secure valuable black‑type victories.
With strong draws, favorable weights, and the right conditions, the field is set for an exhilarating Saturday of racing that could shape the early season narrative for many of these young horses.