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Sam James: I Want To Win It Again

I’m off to Ripon on Saturday, where I’ve got a good book of six rides for their biggest day of the year. The feature race on the card is the Great St. Wilfrid Handicap, which is a race I won twelve months ago, so it would be nice to win it again.
Sam James

My rides at Ripon 

2.10 – Lovat Scout (Karl Burke)

He was impressive on his racecourse debut when he won at Thirsk last time out. I’ve not sat on him before, but I know he’s been working well at home, and we’re expecting him to take a step forward here. It’s never easy to carry a penalty, but most of his rivals are in the same boat, so I don’t see that being a problem for him.

2.45 – Showtime Mahones (Grant Tuer)

He’s been running well all year without getting his head in front. Coming back to Ripon should be a plus for him, as he’s won at this track before, despite being a hold-up horse. I’ve won on him a few times over the years, and I’m hopeful we can get back into the winner’s enclosure again this weekend.

3.20 – Turpinator (Grant Tuer)

I’ve not ridden him much, but two starts ago he won well at Pontefract with Jason Hart in the saddle. The last time we saw him, he finished down the field at Glorious Goodwood over 7f, but coming back to 6f should see him in a better light. This is always a competitive race, but he’s not without a chance, and it would be great to win it again for Grant.

3.50 – Scottish Summit (Geoffrey Harker)

I know this horse very well, and he’s been a great servant to Geoffrey. The last time we saw him, he didn’t run badly at Thirsk, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he improved on that run. As he’s not won for a little while, he’s fallen down the weights and is now 6 lb below his last winning mark. It would be fantastic if he could get his head in front again for the team.

4.24 – Mr Jetman (Grant Tuer)

I think he’s got potential to kick on and improve this year, and I know him well from winning on him last season. He ran well on his comeback at Musselburgh last week, so he should be fitter for that run. The track at Ripon should suit, and he’s one I’m looking forward to teaming up with.

4.59 – Eranthis (Karl Burke)

She’s taken a little bit of time to come to hand after running in maiden and novice company. I think the key to her could be this extra distance as she tackles 1m4f for the first time. This is also a small field with there only being five runners, so I’d be hopeful she can be competitive.

I hope all have a good weekend, and I’ll catch up again with you soon.

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I’m off to Ripon on Saturday, where I’ve got a good book of six rides for their biggest day of the year. The feature race on the card is the Great St. Wilfrid Handicap, which is a race I won twelve months ago, so it would be nice to win it again.
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