Talking Horses: Emperor Spirit can rule after Great St Wilfrid draw

The draw has added an extra layer of complication to the William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon on Saturday as Blackrod and Summerghand, the front two in the early betting, have been handed stalls one and three, respectively.

Both have definite claims on form but no horse has won from three or lower this century and 18 of the 22 winners since 2000 were in double-figure stalls.

Front-runners that grab the stands’ rail can be very tough to pass over six furlongs at Ripon and Emperor Spirit (2.50) has an excellent pitch in 13 to attack from the off. He had no chance from a wide draw at Chester last time, but his two-length second at Ascot in early July is strong form and Archie Watson’s gelding is definitely worth an interest at around 10-1.

Newbury 1.20: The bare form of General Lee’s 10th of 16 at Goodwood last time is not encouraging but hewas returning from a four-month break and did not get any luck in running. He is 1lb lower here and promising claimer Mohammed Tabti takes off another 7lb.

Ripon 1.40: Keith Dalgleish rarely has his juveniles pin-sharp first time up and Prince Of Pillo was only his second winner from 60 two-year-old debutants since July 2019. At around 3-1, he is a decent bet to progress further and remain unbeaten.

Newbury 1.55: Victory Dance was a close second at Group Two level last time but looks too short here with unbeaten Candle Of Hope in the line-up. His four-and-a-half length success in a strong time at Thirsk in July gives him a big chance at around 4-1 against the odds-on favourite.

Newmarket 2.10: Atlantis found plenty of improvement on her handicap debut at Doncaster last month and won with something to spare. She is up another 9lb in the weights as a result but she is bred to