We have a busy day’s racing on Sunday with action from Ripon and Auteuil, live on Sky Sports Racing…
3.05 Auteuil – Kolokico and Toscana Du Berlais fancied for Gold Cup success
A fascinating renewal of this valuable Grade One Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris at Auteuil sees Toscana Du Berlais and Kolokico fancied.
Kolokico, second in this race last year, has had a frustrating campaign finishing runner-up on two occasions and being disqualified on another. He is sure to have improved from his prep run behind the reopposing Kivala Du Berlais and could be the answer for Emmanuel Clayeux.
The chief threat may be last year’s fourth Toscana Du Berlais. He is a consistent performer who places more than he wins but looks to be coming to the boil and a huge run is expected.
Kaadem is a lively outsider, while Gold Tweet and Kivala Du Berlais could come into the reckoning.
3.50 Ripon – Alpine Girl, Lebron Power and Anaisa feature
Alpine Girl, Lebron Power and Anaisa contest a competitive feature British EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap at Ripon.
Alpine Girl looks the place to start after she secured a seventh career success at Pontefract last month and a five-pound hike in the weights might not stop her following up.
Several three-year-olds will be popular including Lebron Power. Richard Hannon’s charge enjoyed a fantastic season last year winning three times and should be sharper for his reappearance in a stronger race at Newmarket.
Others to note include Anaisa and Shallow.
2.15 Auteuil – Selma De Vary represents Willie Mullins
The Grade One Prix Alain du Breil looks a belter with Selma De Vary headlining for the Willie Mullins team.
The Irish Champion trainer has landed this prize on several occasions latterly with Gala Marceau in 2023 and Selma De Vary will be popular to score under Paul Townend.
Highly touted having joined from France, she has shown top-class form despite suffering defeat in all three starts. Second in the Grade One Juvenile at Leopardstown, she was a tad unlucky when fourth at Cheltenham, before staying on to chase home Mange Tout at Aintree. That form should put her in the frame with the prospect of more to come.
Leopard Du Berlais took Grade One honours back in November but has disappointed the last twice, while Delmegan is another who must be feared. She capitalised on Leopard Du Berlais‘ fall on her penultimate run and warmed up for this with victory in Garde Two company last month.
Best of the rest
Sha Tin – Zac Purton is on 1993 HK career winners.
12.58 Auteuil – Grade Three that Leopard Du Berlais won last year. Nom D’un Chien could go close for Nicolle.
4.30 Auteuil – Another Grade One – Prix Ferdinand Dufaure. Reveley rides Metronomique.
2.17 Ripon – In-form Scottish Dancer and Trojan Soldier clash
2.47 Ripon – Two-year-olds look to stake their Royal Ascot claims. Anaisa was second in this last season.
7.40 Tokyo – Group One Victoria Mile featuring the highly promising Embroidery.
