1664 Biere Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Bryan Rogers NAP of the Day

The biggest field of the day and one of the more competitive races on the card. Westerton could still be ahead of the handicapper and looks capable of defying his current mark. He is one of the stronger selections on the card and earns Free Nap status. Marhaba The Champ is respected and rates the main danger.

ChatGPT Nap of the Day.

Barley was once rated 89 and has now tumbled down the handicap to a mark of 66. I do think Tim Easterby\'s horse is running back into form. On his penultimate start, he was travelling well before fitness appeared to catch him out late on, but he backed that up with an excellent run at Hamilton at the end of May when beaten only a shoulder by a horse that finished like a steam train.

He runs off the same mark today and returns to Ripon, a track he clearly enjoys. At the time of writing, rain is falling at Ripon and could continue throughout the day. That may play right into Barley\'s hands, as he has proven form on good to soft ground. He ran here three times last season and finished second on all three occasions, including defeats by just a length on soft ground and short-head margins on similar going.

With conditions likely to suit, course form in the book, and signs that he\'s returning to his best, Barley looks to have a great chance in a race where several rivals may not appreciate testing ground.

Today\'s FREE Nap is Barley at 11/4.