Promising two-year-old to return to Ripon with black type in mind
Rogue Jewel continued her unbeaten start to life on the racecourse in the Racing For Tamara Ripon Hornblower EBF Novice Stakes, producing a taking performance under a penalty and leaving connections considering a return to Ripon for a feature contest.
The filly, trained by Ed Bethell, was ridden by Danny Tudhope and despite carrying a penalty for a previous success at York she travelled strongly through the race before quickening clear in the closing stages to beat Does Mary Know by around one and three-quarter lengths.
Bethell reported that Rogue Jewel had taken another step forward from her debut, reinforcing the view that she is progressing well and could be competitive in races that carry black type. His intention is to discuss plans with the owners at Rogues Gallery, with the Champion Two Year Old Trophy, staged at Ripon over the Bank Holiday weekend, under consideration.
Trainer and connections weigh up next move
The plan to return to Ripon would see Rogue Jewel stepping up into a more prominent two-year-old contest where stakes and status are higher. Having won first time out and backed that up under a penalty, the filly has now collected two worthwhile prizes and appears to be improving as she gains experience.
Bethell highlighted her straightforward nature at home and confirmed she had taken a notable step forward on this occasion. A return to Ripon for black type, should it be agreed with the owners, would be aimed at enhancing her record and value as a juvenile.
Another Bethell treble at Ripon
Ed Bethell and jockey Oisin Orr added to the day’s success by completing a treble. Murashah continued his upward trajectory with an easy victory in the William Hill World Free From MND Handicap, while Clocker took the Ashley Smith Memorial William Hill Fillies’ Handicap.
Both winners contributed to a productive afternoon for the stable, underscoring the hot form Bethell’s horses are enjoying in mid‑season handicaps and juvenile events alike.
Coral Cove wins restricted novice
In the Juddmonte EBF Restricted Novice Stakes, Coral Cove justified favouritism as the only previous winner in the line-up. Ridden prominently by Jason Hart, she established the initiative and drew clear inside the final quarter mile to win untroubled.
Trainer James Owen described Coral Cove as a sizeable filly bought by Dan Astbury and indicated that she is likely to have another race or two this season while the emphasis remains on her development with next year in mind. Owen noted that she would be aimed at races offering black type as she matures.
Woodstock redirected to Silver Cup and scores
Ruth Carr altered her plans after the presence of the top-rated Aramram in the Great St Wilfrid. Woodstock, originally considered for the feature, was rerouted to the William Hill Supporting MND Silver Cup Handicap and justified that change by holding on to beat course specialist Mark’s Choice by half a length.
Carr reflected on Woodstock’s consistent form and suggested alternative targets for other members of her team, including a return to Pontefract for Reigning Profit. The win served as further evidence of Woodstock’s reliability in competitive handicaps despite the handicapper’s slow response to his consistent placings.
The Ripon meeting provided a mix of juvenile promise and veteran consistency, with trainers already plotting the next moves as the summer festival period moves towards its busy conclusion.
