Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's best bets on Monday including Ripon fancy

Ripon, 15:05 - Back Clash Of Hearts E/W @ 9/110.00

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Clash Of Hearts (Ire)

• J: M. P. Sheehy
• T: Adrian Keatley
• F: 23185

• SBK 9/1
• EXC 9.6

Equipped with first-time cheekpieces, Clash Of Hearts could go well for trainer Adrian Keatley in this Listed two-year-old contest. He's more exposed than many others in this field but has gained valuable experience in recent months, including when fifth to Haffner in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York last month.

The son of Mehmas shed his maiden tag by five-lengths at Pontefract in June, getting off the mark at the third time of asking having finished second and third in his previous respective outings. He wasn't able to make a significant impression in a higher grade in his latest run, but could hold his own at this level and may be capable of posing a threat.

Chepstow, 16:00 - Back Vape E/W @ 22/123.00

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Vape

• J: Amy Tucker
• T: John & Rhys Flint
• F: 1120-0468

• SBK 22/1
• EXC 11

Top weight Vape has plenty of course experience in his favour coming into this chepstow contest, but needs to find significant improvement on recent form if he is to make his mark.

He's currently 4lb lower than his last winning mark with Amy Tucker claiming 7lb in the saddle, stepping back up in trip on a softer surface which could help his cause at this stage in his career.

The experienced nine-year-old, who is trained by John and Rhys Flint, is making his 72nd career start, seeking a 10th win. He's winless so far this term but, from a lower rating, could improve on his latest outings and show he still retains ability in familiar surroundings.

Bet of the day: Cartmel, 16:19 - Back Tommie Beau E/W @ 11/112.00

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Tommie Beau (Ire)

• J: Benjamin Macey
• T: Seamus Mullins
• F: 45686-124

• SBK 17/2
• EXC 1.22

Extremely likeable veteran Tommie Beau won this contest two years ago and has plenty of experience at the track in his favour as he bids for a 16th career success in this extended 3m1f contest. He's 5lb above his last winning mark when winning by three-lengths at Fakenham in the spring, and has 5lb claimer Benjamin Macey in the saddle once again.

The 11-year-old finished a good fourth of 13 runners in a 2m6f handicap hurdle here last month when returning from a 54-day break. He should fare even better back over fences and always warrants consideration at this venue over the staying distances.

Downpatrick, 17:39 - Back Stuntman Steve @ 9/25.50

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Stuntman Steve (Ire)

• J: E. Finegan
• T: Gavin Patrick Cromwell, Ireland
• F: 79455-PU5

• SBK 9/2
• EXC 5.2

Gavin Cromwell-trained Stuntman Steve is yet to win over fences under Rules, but remains unexposed in handicap chases and has had excuses for a couple of his runs.

He returned to form with a good fifth to subsequent Galway Hurdle winner Putapoundinthejar over hurdles at Bellewstown last month, outrunning his odds of 28/129.00 that day, and could have further progression to come from a potentially lenient mark over the larger obstacles.

It may be worth keeping the faith in Stuntman Steve, who is yet to be fully exposed and could prove a better chaser in time than his current rating of 112 reflects.

Roscommon, 19:25 - Back Summer Snow E/W @ 25/126.00

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Summer Snow (Ire)

• J: Reserve
• T: Peter Lawlor, Ireland
• F: 80-905083

• SBK 25/1
• EXC 7

Currently a first reserve for this contest, likeable mare Summer Snow is one to consider if getting into the race for Peter Lawlor. She makes appeal at the weights from a mark of 69 under 5lb claiming Patrick McGettigan, 12lb lower than when recording her latest win at Galway last summer.

Unexposed over this trip of a mile-and-a-half, Summer Snow performed well in her first try over the distance when third at odds of 14/115.00 in a 16-runner handicap over course-and-distance recently. She's entitled to improve for that experience and could be dangerous from a lenient rating.

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