Great St. Wilfrid Tip: Enderby Spirit

There is always a split in big sprints at Ripon and the same will happen in the Great St. Wilfrid at 3.30. The far side is often the quickest part of the track and that is also where the pace horses are drawn. The likes of Evens And Odds and Colonel Mak should make the running for those drawn low.

With a record of four wins from five visits to the track, Tajneed is rightly favourite but at four times the price Enderby Spirit is closely matched to the course specialist and well drawn in stall five. 

In the Scottish Steward’s Cup, Enderby Spirit ploughed a lone furrow down the unfavoured stand’s rail. Racing away from the main group he did well to finish only two lengths behind the winner and a neck in front of Tajneed. Look back further into his form and last October he again finished ahead of Tajneed, when running a highly creditable third behind Mac’s Power.

Once a smart juvenile, Bryan Smart’s gelding rather lost his way at three and four, a combination of a high handicap mark and competitive racing often takes its toll on young sprinters. Now in his prime he has started to make amends, winning once already this season.

His trainer is at the top of his game, sending out 7 winners in the last 14 days. Enderby Spirit could keep up the run at a big price.