Rely on Double Action to solve the puzzle of the competitive Armstrong Memorial Challenge Cup Handicap over six furlongs at Ripon today. Tim Easterby's gelding has good credentials in this 15runner handicap despite a disappointing run last time out at Newcastle.
Over an inadequate five furlongs there, Double Action held every chance at the distance but lacked the pace to challenge and finished seventh of eight, beaten around five lengths, behind Lago Di Varano.
Prior to that effort he ran a cracking race in a hot six-furlong Newmarket handicap when finishing a three-length fourth to Danetime, when in receipt of only 2lb from Neville Callaghan's Stewards Cup winner.
On the basis of his run, Double Action, who should be kept on the right side of when the Ayr Gold Cup comes round, should prove too strong for Mark Johnston's inform Tiler and is napped to repeat a course and distance win.
Whatever the fate of Tiler, Johnston can find the winner's circle with Atlantic Desire 30 minutes later.
The Kingsley House filly was successful in a 10-furlong handicap at Newcastle in June and judged on her style of racing will not be inconvenienced by the drop back to a mile and a furlong.
