Time Thief (14:30 Ripon — Restricted Novice Stakes, Class 4, 1m 2f 190y)
A three-year-old brown gelding by Time Test, trained by Tom Clover — in solid form at 18% over the last fortnight — and partnered today by Darragh Egan, a significant upgrade on his debut ride. Time Thief made a promising debut at Yarmouth on 5 August, winning a Class 4 novice over 1m2f at 9/4, beating Liberate by half a length despite looking green throughout. Clover confirmed in his stable tour on 12 August that Ripon today was always the target — this is a horse who has been specifically prepared for this race.
His dam won three times at 1m including at Group 2 level, so the step up to 1m2f on a galloping track like Ripon is well within his compass. In a small field of just five, with Peace Belle having been beaten odds-on last time and the rest largely unexposed, Time Thief’s winning form makes him the clear selection.
Verdict: Back to win — trainer has been targeting this race, debut winner with improvement to come, and Egan the upgrade. Small field, no obvious danger. 🏇
