Ripon Racecourse will host a seven‑runner sprint on Silver Trophy day, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing at 4:10 p.m. The highlight of the Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap is a clash between two well‑handled horses owned by Fitri and Jim Hay: Seven Questions and Dyonisos, who are both among an eight‑horse field.
Trainer Robert Cowell has entered Seven Questions, a colt who impressed on his return to the track by finishing a very credible third at Pontefract. Cowell believes that the horse will be able to improve further now that the handicap weight has been reduced by one pound, giving him a slight edge over his rivals. The colt’s recent form suggests he can handle the quick pace of a sprint and may well be in contention for the win.
On the opposite side, Ian Williams’ Dyonisos is the other top‑rated contender. The gelding was a close second in his seasonal re‑appearance at Newmarket and is expected to be in peak condition for the Ripon contest under the guidance of jockey Luke Morris. Dyonisos also carries the same silks as the market favourite, a detail that adds a touch of intrigue for punters watching the race. Another notable runner is Amie Waugh’s three‑pound claimer, Vince L'Amour, who could be a factor if he can replicate the form he displayed when he finished runner‑up at Musselburgh on the previous race day.
The field also includes Castan, who recorded a win at Southwell earlier in the month, and Dream Composer, who has enjoyed a significant weight drop and may therefore be better placed than his recent performances suggest. Tiva, a proven course‑and‑distance winner, cannot be discounted either. In a separate contest at Ripon, Stressfree and Prydwen will meet in the M.C.H. Hutchinson Memorial Trophy Handicap.
Prydwen, ridden by George Scott, has been a reliable performer for his connections, having secured ten victories to date. He showed good staying power when he chased home Berkshire Shadow in the All‑Weather Easter Plate Marathon earlier this month, and despite a two‑pound increase in his handicap rating, he remains a strong prospect. The latest racing headlines also feature a string of stories from the broader British calendar.
At Ascot, Kalpana edged out Calandagan in a thrilling King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes showdown. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore was honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, while Aidan O’Brien’s Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑horse stable for the Epsom Derby.
At‑the‑races analyst Kevin Blake has released his Derby day picks, and former jockey Levi Williams has been sentenced to prison for the manslaughter of a pensioner after a pub‑side altercation. Back at Ripon, trainer Andrew Balding expressed confidence in Item’s stamina ahead of the Epsom Classic, and George Scott’s partnership with Prydwen continues to be a talking point among racing enthusiasts. Stressfree, who placed a solid fifth in the November Handicap at Doncaster, is now carrying just four pounds more than when he won at Haydock in May, suggesting he could be well‑placed to make an impact in the Hutchinson Memorial. Meanwhile, Dancingwithmyself, after a troubled run that saw him lose ground at Musselburgh, remains a contender, though the step back to twelve furlongs may test his stamina.
Prince Of The Seas has changed hands from Ralph Beckett to David O’Meara and is looking to rebound after a disappointing eighth‑place finish at Newcastle in September. The horse has previously performed well in Class 2 handicaps and could be revitalised under his new trainer’s regime. At Doncaster, a high‑quality field of seven will contest the British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap. Naga, trained by the Gosden brothers, finally broke her maiden after four attempts, winning at Chelmsford and then confirming her ability at Newmarket.
She will be looking to add a third win to her record in this handicap. Golden Muse, another strong filly, is chasing a hat‑trick after victories at Wolverhampton and Southwell in March, and will be switched to the turf under jockey P.J.
McDonald. An opening weight of 80 pounds may undervalue her, given her recent dominant performances. Amora Queen, a Charlie Johnston trainee, won her first two starts before being tested in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile.
The step down to a handicap should suit her well and she is expected to be among the leading finishers. Rockin’ The Boat also looks promising after a second‑place finish on his return for David Menuisier. In the Doncaster Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at 5:10 p.m., a promising duel between Lunar Melody and Proposal will be worth watching. Dream Vega, a sister to Group 1 winner Dreamloper, is also in the mix and could surprise the field.
Finally, at Southwell’s 6:30 p.m. Book The Bistro In Sherwood Restaurant Novice Stakes, Kenneth, a horse related to Gregory, Lionel, Duncan and Samuel, will represent the Gosden team.
He will face well‑fancied rivals Chasing Time and Birgham Dub in what promises to be an exciting contest for emerging talent. Racing fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, interviews and feature stories from Sky Sports Racing on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat of the action across the UK racing calendar.