14-1 & 10-1 Tips: Big-race verdict for the Great St Wilfrid handicap at Ripon

‘Drying of the ground would be a big plus’

A big field and strong pace are the ideal conditions for Soldier’s Minute to show his best. He hit form this time last year, second at the Ebor Festival and then fourth in the Ayr Gold Cup from a four-pound higher mark than he races off here.

The top three figures that he has produced on topspeed rankings have come in races with 21, 21 and 24 runners and any further drying of the ground would be a big plus to his chances.

Not close to his best in either 2021 start so far but his career has been full of huge runs following poor ones so it would be no surprise if he bounced back from what traditionally should be a decent draw on this sprint track. – Matthew Newman

‘Huge eye-catcher in the Stewards’ Cup’

Conditions could finally turn out to be ideal for Lampang was has been waiting for good ground. The four-year-old colt was second of three runners on unfavourable soft ground at Haydock two starts back.

He was a huge eye-catcher in the Stewards’ Cup considering everything that could go wrong did go wrong on the day. Lampang was eventually beaten five lengths after a slow start and sweating profusely in the preliminaries.

Once he did find his stride he found himself detached and racing on the far side before joining the main group after a furlong so again would have lost plenty of ground. He kept on well in the closing stages but the bird had flown.

This classy runner bolted up at Ripon on his sole start at the venue and Silvestre De Sousa is booked for the ride. If he can break away on better terms, he could win. – Adrian Wall

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