Naas, Newton Abbot and Ripon

After the excitements of Goodwood and Galway last week, this is a relatively quiet week in British and Irish racing. This afternoon there is N.H. racing at Newton Abbot, flat racing at Ripon and a mixed meeting from Naas in Ireland, where the most interesting runner is Aidan O´Brien´s Black Bear Island (Johnny Murtagh), who runs in the 2yo maiden over 7 furlongs at 17.20 CET. This own brother to High Chaparall is probably not one of the stable stars, but should be good enough to take this after his promising recent debut. Best race at RIpon is the class 3 handicap over 6 furlongs at 16.15. This is quite an open affair with 11 runners; only 2 of them are 3yo´s but Great Charm (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer), who has already won 4 races this season, including this CD, can strike a blow for the youngsters here. Any rain would probably help, and would also be to the disadvantage of his main rival on recent form, Mick Channon´s Ajigolo (Darryll Holland), an excellent 5th of 19 at Goodwood last Friday. John Quinn´s pair, Grazeon Gold Blend (Paul Mulrennan) and 10yo Fantasy Believer (Paul Hanagan) could also be dangerous. At Newton Abbot there is an interesting novice chase at 16.30. Alison Thorpe´s Ellerslie Tom (Tony McCoy) is expected to have a big future over fences, but it will not be easy to concede the weight to Paul Nicholls´ useful 4yo Qrackers (Sam Thomas), an easy CD winner on his chasing debut. Zilcash (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) should also run well but has a huge weight to carry.