Daily Racing Multiple: Johnson's Blue victory in sight for Crystal feature

Johnson's chances in Crystal Cup are clear

Back Johnson's Blue @ 5.59/2 in the 15:03 at Hexham

A decent effort from The Dunkirk Lads in third at a BSP of 10.7539/4, but Cold Case's withdrawal meant just the one dart yesterday. Saturday's racing is once again bordering on the hectic scale - and at Cartmel the temptation to back Johnson's Blue again is too good to turn down.

He lines up in the feature Cumbria Crystal Cup and as one of the youngest in the field as a 5yo he certainly has his best days ahead of him. He's been in grand form at Hexham for trainer Mark Walford, and he arrives into this race having reeled off a hat-trick of victories at the staying venue, and good ground is the order of the day again.

He had been fairly keen in his races previously but was still strong enough in the finish to win, but a switch to front-running tactics last time in the north east worked well, and his jumping was excellent under Brian Hughes who completely controlled the tempo.

A rise in class today awaits which is understandable following his 16lb rise with his winning trio, but he stays well, can make the running and the yard are in form with four winners in the last fortnight at 29%.

Ripon to bring out the best in Brittain's Murbih

Back Murbih @ 6.05/1 in the 17:11 at Ripon

A Maiden Handicap at 0-70 is not for everyone on a Saturday festooned with a bit of quality, and this race isn't for everyone if you're a winner.

However, Murbih really ought to have had a victory next to his name at some point from his nine runs - with three of those in second.

His best run and PB came over CD in May behind Firebomb and he was just touched off into second going down by the shortest of margins. He was matched at 3.052/1 in the run from his BSP of 15 in that, and considering that was a 0-80 Handicap, he should be competitive in this easier grade.

Ripon is a sharp track and this horse wants a speed test, which is probably why Beverley didn't play to his strengths last time. Crucially he is drawn on the rail in 7 and he can just about get away with a return to 6f.

July winners:

Bayou Belle 9/2 Placed
Royal Aclaim 3/1 Won
New London 5/2 won
Emily Dickinson 12/1 Placed
The Charmer 13/2 Won
Sea On Time 11/10 Won

June and May previous winners:

Australian Angel 4/1 Won
Prince Dundee 5/2 Won
Blackrod 8/1 Placed
Royal Scotsman 9/1 Placed
Mooneista 10/1 Placed
Zaccerela 15/2 Placed
One World 3/1 Won
All Lies Ahead 7/1 Placed
Magical Morning 5/1 Won
Palm Lily 9/4 Won
Sole Pretender Evens Won
Clear The Runway 6/4 Won
Rich Belief 3/1 Won
Exit To Where 9/4 Won
Boardman 9/4 Won
Sea La Rosa 11/4 Won
Quickthorn 4/1 Won
Alpine Sierra 15/8 Won
Secret Shadow 9/2 Placed
Mooneista 13/2 Placed
Lionel 3/1 Won
Sea Silk Road 13/8 Won
Johnston's Blue 11/4 Won
Haarar 9/2 Won
Lariat 6/1 Placed
Haizoom 10/1 Won and Placed
Sea Silk Road 8/1 Won
Brotherly Company 17/2 Won