Horse Racing: Guide to Tv Races

David Barker, the Yorkshire trainer, has enjoyed a tremendous run with his sprinters this season. One of the success stories has been Mr Wolf, and this speedy four-year-old can keep up the good work in today's Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon.

With the ground riding on the soft side, high numbers are expected to have the edge in this 6f dash. Mr Wolf (3.15) is ideally placed in stall 18 to race up with the pace which is likely to come from Pieter Brueghel, drawn 20.

A half-brother to Barker's Group-class sprinter Celtic Mill, Mr Wolf has been raised 10lbs for his latest win, but so impressive was he there that he may still be ahead of the handicapper. Smartly away from a poor draw at Pontefract, Mr Wolf stormed home to win by five lengths.

Mr Wolf has been winning on good, or faster ground, but Barker is adamant the gelding will be even better on the sort of going he will get today.

A creditable seventh in the Stewards' Cup last time, Pieter Brueghel should go well. He was the first home on the stands' side in this race last year when runner-up to Smokin Beau when the ground was soft.

Hidden Dragon, the winner here two years ago, and Mine Behind are others to consider among the high numbers in the draw.

NEWBURY 1.00: The best has yet to be seen of King Marju in handicaps. Peter Chapple-Hyam's colt emerged best of those with a single-figure draw when fifth behind Tagula Sunrise at Goodwood, and he would have been a lot closer with a clear run in the final furlong. Appalachian Trail keeps running well for the Ian Semple stable and looks the danger.

NEWMARKET 2.05: Despite racing away from the main body of the field, Tax Free ran out an impressive winner over this course and distance last month. Tax Free has to overcome a 7lbs rise in the weights, but was clearly good value for his latest success.

NEWMARKET 2.35: This sprint for grey horses is always a great spectacle, but in truth the quality on show is modest. The once useful Pic Up Sticks has slipped down the ratings and may be able to cash in, having shown a bit more sparkle last time out.

NEWBURY 2.50: Out of luck in Hong Kong, and subsequently hindered by a bruised foot, Attraction has it all to do under an 8lbs penalty. If the forecast rain arrives to ease ground conditions, Sleeping Indian could be the answer.

Trainer John Gosden reckons Sleeping Indian was unsuited by the loose ground at Goodwood where he nevertheless ran well to finish fifth in the Sussex Stakes. He has improvement in him and over this shorter trip can turn Goodwood tables on fourth-placed Nayyir.

NEWBURY 3.25: Mubtaker's bid for a fourth successive win here is compromised by his penalty and the appearance of Mamool. A dual Group One winner, the Godolphin horse won cosily at Goodwood on his return to action.