Horse Racing Tips: Race-fit Olivia can rule at Ripon

Newmarket, 15.00 - Back Quinault @ 15/28.50

The redoubtable Quinault returns to these shores following a successful winter expedition to the Middle East and encountering the slick six furlongs of the Rowley Mile could see him win again at HQ.

The son of Oasis Dream wound up his turf campaign last autumn with a stunning podium finish at huge odds in the Qipco Sprint on Champions Day, again illustrating what a potent force he can be from the front when in the mood.

He has the opportunity to prove that theory once more in this event staged under the same course and distance conditions which have seen him win twice from as many starts.

It is unlikely the confirmed trail-blazer will have a freebie in front, Aspect Island, Time For Sandals and Diligent Harry are unlikely to concede that advantage, but Quinaut's brazen speed may make him difficult to kick out of the first four if he can establish an early lead.  

Ripon, 15.10 - Back Empress Olivia @ 11/26.50

Trainer Mark Walford is a savvy placer of his horses and he may well have had his eye on this handicap for a while for Empress Olivia.

A recent spin over the minimum trip at Catterick - a career best according to the figures - should have helped to put the daughter of Sergei Prokofiev spot on for this assignment and stall 13 right along the stands' rail might help a filly that likes to force the pace.

She was a good winner of her maiden over course and distance under those circumstances last August and she may take some reeling in here.

Ripon, 16.16 - Back Spioradalta @ 15/28.50

Walford's ability to find suitable races for his horses is tested again just over an hour later when Spioradalta strives to enhance his excellent Ripon record in this handicap.

Unbeaten in two starts over course and distance when ridden by Jason Hart, the six-year-old was another from his stable to have a recent pipe opener, this time at Doncaster, where he showed up well before tiring late on.

A return to one of his favoured venues could work the oracle for Spioradalta and it's worth noting all seven of his career wins have been achieved when he has returned to the track between 13 and 23 days (7-21 under those conditions) so an 18-day absence looks ideal for the selection.

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