William Hill Ripon Horn Blower Conditions Stakes (Plus 10)

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 1m 12.8s

(3)

Alkhalifa²⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: D Tudhope| T: B J Meehan| D

11/4

April foal who cost 110,000 guineas as a yearling. Stuck to his task gamely when making all at Newbury a month ago. The well beaten third has won since and the stable have some nice juveniles this year including Barraquero.

Form: 31

(1)

Lake Volta⁸

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| D

8/11

Built on an encouraging Goodwood debut to rout an above average Brighton field last time. Justified hefty market support that day and is clearly held in high regard.

Form: 71

(2)

Simmy's Copshop²⁹

Age: 2| Weight: 9-2| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey| OR: 92

7/2

Beat the useful Havana Grey on debut but clearly arrived well prepared and has not progressed much since. Stable have won this twice since 2010 and he sets the benchmark.

Form: 13024

Forecasts

Lake Volta (8/11), Alkhalifa (11/4), Simmy's Copshop (7/2)

Simmy's Copshop is a useful yardstick in this judged by his efforts in better company lately. He faces less exposed rivals here who both made all to score last time. Alkhalifa and the runner-up pulled clear last time and he showed great tenacity to keep his head in front. That attitude will bring further success but LAKE VOLTA looked an above average colt at Brighton. He was backed from 3/1 to 4/6 that day and made short work of some fair horses. That suggests he could be a 90+ horse and that would make him good enough to take this.