TimeformBlog

Timeform provide a runner-by-runner guide to a competitive five furlong handicap from Ripon's evening meeting on Tuesday...


Tax Free was a Group 2 winner in his pomp and showed there's still plenty of fire in his belly in recent starts, good third at York last month and bang there for much of way when seventh at Goodwood on Saturday.

Bosun Breeze is a front runner who has thrived this year, winning 4 times at 5f, including here. Well beaten off this mark at Ascot last time but this bit easier and no surprise if he bounces back.

Singeur won twice over 5f last spring and produced several creditable efforts in defeat thereafter. Possibly needed run on last month's Pontefract reappearance and should be sharper now.

Hazelrigg ended a long losing run when finding more than usual at York last month. Lost all chance at start at Ascot (blindfold still on when stalls opened) but his new mark could prove beyond him anyway.

Fitz Flyer has not been with David Nicholls that long and shaped quite well in couple of big-field handicaps at Ascot and Goodwood in last 9 days. Well drawn and got to be high on the shortlist here.

Solemn was hit with a 7 lb rise for his easy success at Sandown in June and handicapper has essentially looked in control on both starts since. Others preferred for now.

Excel Bolt scored twice as a 2-y-o and finished third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. Doesn't look the force of old these days, though, and not made any real impact in handicaps last 3 starts.

Noodles Blue Boy is a reliable sort who has won twice this year, rallying to defeat Liberty Island ½ length at Newcastle recently. Likely to give running but suspicion he may be vulnerable off new mark in better race.

Perfect Blossom was a revelation in 2010, reeling off 6 handicap wins for Kevin Ryan. Lightly raced since and an uninspiring return for new yard at York in May.

Bonnie Charlie is not the force of old, but still capable on his day and certainly caught the eye when fifth to Spinatrix at Ayr last month (rider banned under non-triers' rule). Yet another to consider.

Haajes was a runner-up on 2 of his last 4 starts, beaten just a head at Ayr last month. Got going too late when fourth at Haydock since and blinkers now back on.

Defence Council is on a long losing run and has patchy form this year, following up career-best second at Doncaster with trio of poor runs since.

Oldjoesaid has been rejuvenated by new yard, capitalising on plummeting handicap mark to land 5f handicap in mud at Catterick in June. Good second next time but not so good last twice and this looks competitive.

Best Trip is yet another fine advertisment for Brian Ellison, notching a hat-trick of wins not long after joining the yard. Last 2 efforts suggest handicapper may have caught up now, though.

Sovereign Street is a lightly-raced filly who has been on up this year, winning 6f handicaps in mud at Hamilton and Ayr last month. Drop to 5f no problem but this a much stronger race than she's tackled previously.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Fitz Flyer
2. Bonnie Charlie
3. Singeur

Timeform View: David Nicholls looks to hold a strong hand for a race run in memory of his former boss David Chapman. A decent case can be made for all 3 of his runners but it's Fitz Flyer who gets the nod from a good draw against the rail. Bonnie Charlie can follow him home, with Robin Bastiman's Singeur another who looks capable of going well.


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