Our ambassador will be on the scene at Ripon this Saturday, appearing live on Sky Sports Racing, and is eager to team up with a highly regarded two‑year‑old for jockey Archie Watson on Sunday. I was thrilled with Romance Spirit's maiden victory over a mile at Southwell earlier this month, so I anticipate she will be difficult to beat in the Napoleons Casino and Restaurant Leeds Restricted Maiden Stakes (2:15 pm) at Ripon on Saturday. Romance Spirit is one of five runners entered by Marco Botti at the Garden Racecourse. The Teofilo‑sired filly travelled like the leader for much of the way on the Tapeta surface, but a touch of greenness eventually let her down.
She comes from a Dubawi mare, which means stamina is plentiful in her pedigree, and she should relish the extra two furlongs added to the distance. Our draw is favourable, giving her a good chance of handling the course's notorious undulations without losing rhythm.
Seven Questions has already proven himself at Ripon, an advantage that could prove decisive in the afternoon's feature sprint, the Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap (4:10 pm). The horse previously won for trainer George Scott and has been well‑tried this season, though he was forced to concede a generous weight.
He rebounded with a solid third place at Pontefract in his first start of the year a few weeks ago, confirming his fitness. I expect him to be sharper for the Ripon sprint and, despite preferring a better draw, I anticipate a strong performance from the low draw he last used to win a nursery at Leicester. Never miss a story with the latest racing news, interviews and features on your phone.
Find out more. Turning to Archie Watson's filly Blue Nguru, I am excited to see how she will develop 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 (5:20 pm) seems an ideal progression for this daughter of Blue Point, especially as she is likely to be well‑treated off an unchanged rating of 71. Our recent trip to North Yorkshire was a success when two‑year‑old Niewiadoma won on debut at Thirsk, and I hope Blue Nguru can emulate that performance.
I will also be riding two entries for Dave Loughnane at Ripon, beginning with Thunda Struck in the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes (1:40 pm). While I know little about her background, I did secure a win at Chester last year for the enthusiastic owners of the Let’s Be Lucky Partnership, which gives me confidence. A breakthrough win at Nottingham has opened opportunities for her stablemate The Sweet Escape in the Sue’s 60th Birthday Occasion Handicap (4:45 pm). He appears to enjoy dropping back to a mile, and a three‑pound increase leaves him on a workable rating of 62.
Having already secured three two‑year‑old victories in the past week, I am keen to see what Archie Watson's Phalanx Nation can achieve in the EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes (2:48 pm) at Nottingham on Sunday. She is a big, scopey Sioux Nation‑bred who has come to hand early and is ready to give her all on the track. I have worked with her extensively in the stable, and she possesses a keen mind. If she can translate that intelligence into a race performance, I am confident she will impress her owners, Victorious Forever, who have already provided me with countless magical moments alongside the great Bradsell.
The traditional Classic trial meetings 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 impressed by Eve Johnson Houghton’s Zavateri, a genuine eye‑catcher. Eve noted that Zavateri has grown substantially over the winter and once again displayed an excellent attitude, finishing a strong second.
I was also pleased to see Tom Marquand’s mount Needle Match hold on for fourth place at long odds. William Haggas’ colt shows the potential to improve further over a mile and is certainly one to watch. Touleen fell short in the fillies’ trial, the Fred Darling Stakes, but she is returning for her first run since September and has shown resilience. I was delighted for Jack Channon, who captured the trial with Sukanya; she should be well‑placed for the Irish 1000 Guineas.
In summary, the weekend’s program at Ripon and Nottingham offers a rich tapestry of opportunities for emerging talent and seasoned campaigners alike. With strong draws, favorable conditions, and horses stepping up in distance or class, the meetings promise competitive fields and potential surprise winners. I look forward to delivering solid rides, supporting the connections, and adding another chapter to the vibrant narrative of British flat racing.