This Class 4 sprint handicap over the straight six at Ripon has attracted a competitive field of ten, with several holding strong recent form and a few returning course specialists. The pace is predicted to be even, and no clear draw bias is noted. Trends indicate previous winners of this race include FORTAMOUR (2022) and multiple runners have gone well fresh, including from the Easterby yard.


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Leading Contenders:

MISTER SOX (TFR 97) arrives on a roll for Tim Easterby, who’s in red-hot form. He’s won both starts this spring at Catterick and Pontefract, the latter in emphatic style by 3½ lengths. Carries a 5lb penalty but has looked progressive and versatile ground-wise. A hat-trick bid looks well within reach.

THE GOOD BISCUIT (TFR 96) made a highly encouraging seasonal return when a close fourth at Ripon in a stronger race. He had been denied a clear run and was noted finishing off well. Now with Ruth Carr, whose runners have won this race twice in the past ten years. Should come on for that effort and remains on a workable mark.

FORTAMOUR (TFR 94) is a Ripon specialist with six course-and-distance wins, including this race in 2022. Returned with a strong third behind Dakota Gold over C&D last month, and while now 9, he retains ability. Paul Mulrennan knows him well, and his Ripon profile makes him a serious player.


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Main Dangers:

WRECK IT RYLEY (TFR 92) was unlucky last time when denied a run at Pontefract. He won readily at Thirsk the time before and has scope off his current mark. Trainer form is cold, however, which tempers confidence.

REBEL EMPIRE (TFR 92) has been kept busy on the AW over the winter and returned with a fair fifth at Ascot. Lightly raced on turf and still open to improvement, though he usually races prominently which suits the pace setup here.

MARK’S CHOICE (TFR 93+) was third at Southwell in December and returns from a break. Has run some good races when fresh and is a five-time Ripon winner. Gemma Tutty has a profitable record with sole runners at flat meetings, and the market could reveal intent on this seasonal reappearance after 150 days off.


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Interesting Outsiders:

SHOWTIME MAHOMES (TFR 95) has gone well after breaks before and returns from 118 days off. Grant Tuer’s horses often go well fresh (+£59.90 to £1 level stake after a break). May be worth watching in the market.

TRUE PROMISE (TFR 91) has been busy on the AW this year, and bounced back to form last time. A return to turf might spark improvement, but others have stronger claims on this surface.


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Noteworthy Trends & Stats:

Past winners include experienced types aged 4–8, typically rated in the high 70s to low 80s.

Ruth Carr has won this race twice (2024 and 2019).

FORTAMOUR is a previous winner of the race and a proven course specialist.

Hot trainers: Tim Easterby (MISTER SOX), Richard Hannon (REBEL EMPIRE).

Mark Watch: Horses off 60+ days (MARK’S CHOICE, SHOWTIME MAHOMES) should be watched for market signals.



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Each-Way Angles (10 runners):

THE GOOD BISCUIT – unexposed for this yard and shaped well last time.

MARK’S CHOICE – course form stands out; best watched for support.

REBEL EMPIRE – decent return at Ascot; could be sharper here.