Ripon, Newbury and Curragh Racing Tips This Week
Our weekly preview highlights key races at Ripon, Newbury and the Curragh while offering practical pointers for readers who follow form and odds. The aim is to give clear, expert context to the existing race notes and help you approach wagering decisions in an informed way.
Weekend racing preview, form pointers and bookmaker notes
This expanded guide complements the race-by-race commentary below with pace, draw and market interpretation notes for each track. It also summarises how to use bookmaker comparisons responsibly and where to find current offers if you choose to bet.
We’re setting up camp in North Yorkshire this week. With the Ebor Festival next week, we head to the dales to visit Ripon for their premier meeting. The Great St. Wilfred handicap is full of your favourite sprinters, whilst down at Newbury there’s group action and the Irish St. Leger Trial at the Curragh.
Ripon
A Queen Classic
3:20 – William Hill Great St. Wilfrid Handicap – Radio Goo Goo @ 10/1 (General)
There’s been a lot to like about Radio Goo Goo this season. She had her first win of the season at Ripon over C&D, then won at Chester before two close finishes at Newmarket and in the Racing League at Chepstow last time out. She should overturn that result with Manila Scouse and she’s drawn in the paciest part of the field. Firmer ground tends to favour stand side horses, but those drawn low have pace to latch on to today.
Almarada Prince is either on it or off it, and hopefully today he’s on it. He was impressive finishing in behind the well finishing James’s Delight in the Macmillan Sprint but didn’t go one better next time out on the all-weather. However he’s on a competitive mark and likes to get a good toe into the race. Another positive for him is that Ripon on a dry day suits front runners. 16/1 (General).
Emperor Spirit has been running at five furlongs this season, but has always ran at six furlongs for much of his career. Last year he finished seventh off a mark of 92 and is three pounds lower this time around. Going on evidence this season, he can be hot and cold and needs a repeat performance of his performance at Ascot when beaten a head by Albasheer. Definitely eye-catching at the price, 18/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).
Newbury
Freer Gear
1:50 – BetVictor Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Group Three) – Al Qareem @ 7/2 (William Hill)
It’s really a race between the top two, as Sumo Sam needs soft ground, Roberto Escobarr’s best days are behind him and it’s Go Daddy’s first time in a British Group race.
So why Al Qareem over a highly impressive Al Aasy? Well, Al Aasy hasn’t raced at this trip since winning the Bahrain Trophy, whilst Al Qraeem is an out and out stayer. Al Qareem was also unlucky here at the start of the season, but did give Hamish a run for his money. This looks to be a race that will really suit him.
Hunger-y For More
3:35 – BetVictor Hungerford Stakes (Group Two) – Kikkuli @ 11/4 (William Hill, Boylesports)
Kikkuli was really disappointing in the Group One Prix Jean Prat, but maybe he wasn’t ready for the top level, just yet. Ignore that race and look to his great battle with Haatem in the Jersey Stakes. He battled hard and just needed that little bit more to pass. English Oak seemed to struggle in his foray into Group company, and is worth opposing again.
Folgaria also is a fancy at the prices. She won the Fred Darling Stakes, often used as a trial for a 1000 Guineas, but didn’t find her feet in the two requisite Group Ones, but she could not have fallen into a better form race if she tried when racing in the Coronation Stakes. She may need a bit more dig in the ground come post time, but I like her chances at 14/1 (BetVictor).
Curragh
Crazy Horse
4:35 – Irish St. Leger Trial Stakes (Group Three) – Absurde @ 3/1 (William Hill)
Willie’s in the bumper, anyone? Absurde is a high class horse in both disciplines, and after his victory in last year’s Ebor he ticks every box for a stayer on the flat. Grosvenor Square ran a hearty race against his elders in the Curragh Cup, but was second string that day. Absurde, despite giving weight away, will handle pretty much anything in his way and his price makes appeal.
The very best of luck!
Key betting angles for the Ripon Great St. Wilfrid
At Ripon on good ground the early dash often decides sprint handicaps, so front-runners and those drawn to exploit the rail can have an edge. Consider how each runner has performed over six furlongs and whether they have shown tactical speed to latch on to the leading kick.
Market moves in the morning and the five-minute window before the off are useful signals of fitness or jockey change. If Radio Goo Goo or Almarada Prince shows firm late money it can reflect confidence from connections rather than a simple price drift.
Spotting front-runners, draw bias and ground trends
Ripon’s configuration can favour low draws on a fast surface, but a stand-side bias can emerge on firmer days and shift the race shape. Check the going and early scratches to judge whether the inside lanes will be protected or vulnerable.
Combine draw data with sectional form where available to see who can hold a position early and who relies on a late surge, because six-furlong handicaps penalise those who are held up if the early fractions are strong.
Assessing Newbury’s middle-distance Group races
Group races at Newbury often expose horses moving up or down in trip; stamina bias and tactical speed are key when two-year-old form meets older middle-distance types. Al Qareem’s staying profile is a classic example of a horse suited to 12 furlongs and able to prosper when pace is present.
When weighing up contenders consider recent race tempo, finishing speed and whether a horse has raced fresh for a trainer who targets these summer fixtures. Public market support can highlight a progressive horse but always compare with form lines.
Comparing trainer form, jockey bookings and entries
Trainer patterns and regular jockey bookings help highlight intended targets and realistic expectations for form improvement. A jockey who knows the course well can extract marginal gains that affect handicaps and Group races alike.
Look at stable strike-rates over the season and at the track, and whether the connections have entered multiple horses to control tactics or use pacemakers inside a race.
Curragh staying options and Irish St. Leger trial
In staying contests at the Curragh, look for proven stamina and consistency over long distances, plus a finish that holds up against older rivals. Absurde’s mixed-code form and proven staying ability make him a logical pick where weight gives are manageable.
Consider the progression curve of three- and four-year-olds stepping up in trip, and whether the route to the Irish St. Leger is the primary target for the season or a prep run for later targets.
How to interpret odds, form lines and pace maps
Odds reflect market perception and liability, not guaranteed outcomes; use them alongside form figures and pace forecasts to estimate value rather than certainty. Sharp moves in the market can indicate insider confidence, but always check for legitimate reasons such as a jockey, gear change or favourable ground.
Pace maps and sectional times (where available) are powerful tools to decide if a horse is likely to be involved early or rely on a late burst, especially in sprints and mile contests where tempo alters the whole race shape.
Responsible betting guidance, age limits and resources
This site is for readers aged 18+ only and content is informational, not a promise of success. If you choose to bet, do so responsibly, set limits and treat betting as entertainment rather than a way to make money.
If you have concerns about gambling, seek help from licensed support services and use bookmaker tools such as deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion. You can explore bookmaker comparisons through our tools to make responsible choices.
How to use bookmaker comparisons and offers the smart way
Bookmaker comparisons are useful for finding the best quoted price and available non-pressurised offers; always read full terms and avoid placing bets just for bonuses. Compare standard odds, market depth and the provider’s responsible gambling features before opening an account.
Remember that affiliate links and offers listed on comparison pages are informational; choose providers that fit your needs and use customer protections such as betting limits where appropriate.
You can explore current bookmaker offers and free bet options on our comparison page at https://bestofbets.com/free-bets if you choose to bet responsibly. For casino bonus information from our affiliated partners visit https://bestofbets.com/casino-bonus.
How should I approach betting on handicaps at Ripon?
Focus on pace and draw, plus recent six-furlong form and ground preference. Remember this content is for 18+ readers and betting should be responsible and affordable.
What factors matter for Newbury middle-distance races?
Trip suitability, stamina versus speed balance and proven Group form are key considerations. Use these factors alongside market signals rather than rely on any single indicator.
Why pick a stayer for the Irish St. Leger trial?
Stayers handle the distance and often improve at trips beyond a mile and a half, making them better suited to the Leger-type races. Always weigh weight concessions and form trends before backing.
How do draw and pace affect sprint handicap results?
Early speed and the ability to hold a position are decisive over six furlongs; favoured draws and quick starts can dominate. Use pace maps and recent sectional data where available.
How to use bookmaker comparisons and free bets safely?
Compare odds, terms and responsible gambling features and avoid chasing bonuses with behaviour you cannot afford. Offers are informational; only use what you are comfortable staking.
What responsible gambling steps should I follow as 18+?
Set deposit and staking limits, take regular breaks and use self-exclusion if needed. Seek help from official support services if gambling causes harm.
