Ripon Cathedral Fillies' Handicap

Off time: 15:20 | Winning time: 57.67s

(5)

Queens Gift^p1¹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: P Mulrennan| T: M Dods| OR: 87| C| D

15/8

At best on a sound surface and had just that when scoring narrowly at Doncaster recently off 6lb lower mark. First-time cheekpieces added here and is 1-2 at this track so has solid claims if rain stays away.

Form: 20-8201

(1)

Midnight Malibu²³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-12| J: Rachel Richardson| T: T D Easterby| OR: 85| CD

9/1

Won this race last year off 1lb hgher mark and will appreciate return to this level having been outclassed in listed event at Ayr last time. Likes to race prominently and looks sure to give supporters a good run for their money.

Form: 181960

(2)

Seen The Lyte^h⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: Faye McManoman⁽⁵⁾| T: N Tinkler| OR: 83| D

6/1

Yard going through pruple patch, especially with their sprinters, and won off 4lb lower mark at Haydock last month. Didn't back that up at Beverely last time and is best suited with some give underfoot so could do with some rain.

Form: 533416

(4)

Merry Banter⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: G Lee| T: P T Midgley| OR: 83| CD

15/8

Won over C&D as a juvenile and has been running fairly well this term without threatening to win. Likes to bowl along in front and should get her lead but questionable whether she will be able to hold on.

Form: 1-53654

(3)

Diamonique¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: P Hanagan| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 75| D

6/1

Still fairly unexposed sprinter whose two wins have both come at Musselburgh. Takes on older horses for first time getting plenty of weight-for-age and was decent second at Haydock last time. Interesting contender who may go close.

Form: 1176-92

Forecasts

Queens Gift (15/8), Merry Banter (15/8), Diamonique (6/1), Seen The Lyte (6/1), Midnight Malibu (9/1)

A tight-knit handicap but DIAMONIQUE can strke a blow for the younger generation having run with credit at Haydock last time. She is less exposed than her four rivals. Midnight Malibu should make a bold bid to win this race for the second year running, while Doncaster winner Queen's Gift is in form but has to defy a 6lb rise. Any rain would help the cause of Seen The Lyte, while Merry Banter should lead and could make them all go if allowed to have things her won way.