Be a Believer at 12/1

A high draw is most likely to be an advantage in Saturday's Great St Wilfrid Stakes at Ripon and Fabtasy Believer can take advantage of a favourable berth in stall 18 and land this heritage handicap for local trainer John Quinn.
 
The selection, a top-priced 12/1 with Betfred, has been running far better recently than his form figures imply and was only beaten three lengths when eighth of 27 behind Zidane in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood last time out.
 
Just 2lb higher in the ratings than for his last win, the nine-year-old will get a good tow over on the far side of the track from Kostar and Obe Brave, and the prevailing good ground is ideal for the son of Sure Blade.
 
Punters needn't be concerned by the fact that it's August and Fantasy Believer has yet to get his head in front as he often takes a good few races to come to the boil – he had seven starts, six of which he was unplaced in, before getting off the mark for the season last term. He's something of a slow burner.

Fantasty Believer's stablemate Zomerlust is also well-drawn and merits respect, but while he acts on a decent surface, he's far more effective when there's plenty of juice in the ground – it was heavy when he scored at York latest, and he's been raised 5lb for leaving him off a career-high mark.
 
The favourite in most bookies' lists is Indian Trail, but for all that he has looked unlucky the last twice, he's one of those frustrating types that needs everything to fall just right. From stall nine he will need plenty of luck and, with just one win from his last 20 outings, it's fair to say that he's not the easiest to win with.
 
Conversely, Orpsie Boy has been on the crest of a wave since returning from injury and, despite being 17lb higher than for the first of his three consecutive wins this season, Nick Littmoden's charge has to come into the reckoning, despite the fact that he would prefer quicker conditions.
 
In addition to Indian Trail, the 'sprint king' Dandy Nicholls runs 2005 winner of this Ice Planet and Turnkey. The latter definitely needs more cut in the ground, while the former has a terrible draw in stall three. Fullandby and Grantley Adams also have veritable mountains to climb owing to being berthed in stalls four and two respectively.

Verdict: 1pt Fantasty Believer @ 12/1 (Betfred)