April 29 / 16.10 Ripon

16.10

Soft

Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap

  • Prize money: £15462
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Ripon Silver Sprint Trophy Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly coudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.10
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 3022-0 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Well suited by slow ground but he's an infrequent winner these days and is high in the weights after a strong end to his 2022 campaign; well beaten on his seasonal return four weeks ago and opposable on his first 5f start since October 2019.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(3)

20th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Hyperfocus

9st 1lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Tim Easterby

Won over C&D (good to soft) last July but he's lost his way and has been out of sorts this season; now 17lb lower than for that last win but the veteran has a lot to prove.

20/1

115

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Hyperfocus

8st 8lb

T: Tim Easterby

11

(1)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:42 Haydock

Hyperfocus

9st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time course winner who has tumbled down the weights and runs here for the first time this season; however, this 11yo has been struggling this year and a major turnaround is required.

25/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 100-08 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Capitalised on a drop in the weights to win a Class 4 at Thirsk last July (5f, good to soft) and he followed up here in the Great St Wilfrid consolation race in August (6f, good to firm); barely beaten a rival in four runs since and he's still 2lb higher than for the latter win; risky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

5

(14)

16th Jun 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Intrinsic Bond

9st 6lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Michael Wigham

led but pestered

10/1

7th

4

(11)

8th Jun 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Haydock

Intrinsic Bond

9st 6lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Michael Wigham

His form tailed off towards end of last year but he may have benefited from a break and is well handicapped judged on his form last July-September, when he made an excellent start for his new yard; watch the betting.

10/1

4th

3

(3)

16th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:09 Newcastle (AW)

Intrinsic Bond

8st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Wigham

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, disputing second over 1f out, weakened final 110yds

9/2

7/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 06/14- D

Last run: 309 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Has saved his best turf form for York, as when finishing with a flourish to win a Class 2 event there on last season's reappearance; also ran well on AW last June but absent since; should get a pace to run at today and can go well fresh so it would be unwise to write him off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(11)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Ripon

Illusionist

9st 6lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Hold-up sprinter; just one win to his name since May 2022; shaped with some promise at Haydock three weeks ago (after a break) and he's on a fair mark; effective at the track.

12/1

78

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Illusionist

8st 13lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

6

(4)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Illusionist

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Below par on both runs this term but didn't perform badly at Hamilton in May last time on good going that may not have been ideal; now 2lb lower than when winning at Wetherby (soft) last year and the more rain the better.

16/1

Form: 0229-2 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Useful 2yo; took a while to come to hand last season but a gelding operation and a drop in the weights saw him revive in the second half of the year, notably a Windsor success (5f, good) in September; pleasing reappearance at Musselburgh three weeks ago, having to wait for a gap to appear (by which time the winner had surged clear) but keeping on well for second; dangerous off the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(11)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Vintage Clarets

9st 3lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Prolific winner over the years, including over C&D; no impact yet this season but he wasn't disgraced from a wide draw at Chester last time and he's tumbling in the weights; solid each-way claims.

12/1

7th

8

(11)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Vintage Clarets

9st 1lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Close third off 6lb higher (from stall 5) in this contest two years ago and 2-4 at Chester overall; however, has a big doubt over current form, reflected in two duck eggs this season; wide draw adds uncertainty.

25/1

14/1

Form: 62000- D

Last run: 245 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Has lots of ability but also his share of temperament, a trait which resurfaced ahead of his intended return at Wolverhampton in February (refused to enter the stalls); of interest on last season's best efforts, including a second in Listed company and a close fourth in the Group 2 Temple Stakes; handles good to soft but best form on good or quicker.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Mondammej

9st 3lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Veteran with a mind of his own and refused to leave the parade ring on last intended start in November; however, perfectly capable of a big run off this mark and he's gone well fresh in the past.

33/1

4th

5

(7)

1st Nov 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Mondammej

8st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Veteran with a mind of his own but he has slipped back down the weights and ran a fine race over C&D on Monday on his return from a three-month break, keeping on well; this should be run to suit and he is well capable of backing up quickly.

15/8

Form: 0770-4 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Fine servant with 12 wins to his name, the latest of them at Chester last summer off an 8lb higher mark; encouraging return to action at Pontefract 18 days ago (ahead of two of today's rivals) and no obvious reason why he wouldn't make another bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Copper Knight

9st 5lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Grand old veteran who can be forgiven his defeat in a Class 2 at York last time, having won at this level the time before at Beverley (2lb lower); had 119 races and yet this is his first visit here.

16/1

18th

18

(4)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:20 York

Copper Knight

8st 6lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Hugely admirable 12yo whose seven York wins include this race in 2019 and 2021, and he built upon last month's reappearance second at Ripon (5f, good) to win at Beverley (5f, good to soft) ten days ago; however, there's a suspicion he may find a big-field Class 2 such as this too hot nowadays.

20/1

1st

4

(2)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Beverley

Copper Knight

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Legendary 12yo who has won 18 of his 117 races; fine second at Ripon on reappearance (5f, good), rain will help and although yet to win in four runs here, wouldn't rule him out.

13/2

Form: 713-40 D

Last run: 85 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Boasted some solid sprint handicap form in the second half of 2022 and ended his losing run with a win in a big field in Bahrain in December; returns to Britain off a tough-enough mark as a result; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(1)

18th Oct 2023

Heavy

0m 5f 8y

Class 3

16:50 Nottingham

Nomadic Empire

9st 6lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Defied higher marks twice on home soil in 2021 and won in Bahrain last December; 0-12 this year but posted encouraging efforts the last twice, latest when 1l second at York (soft) last Friday; could well go one better.

5/2

2nd

9

(14)

13th Oct 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:00 York

Nomadic Empire

8st 11lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Hasn't won in Britain since 2021 but some useful efforts in 2023, including here; needs things to go better at the start than they sometimes do if he's to play a part.

7/1

3rd

6

(4)

9th Sep 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Thirsk

Nomadic Empire

9st 1lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Has drawn a blank this season but he retains a good chunk of ability, running well at Haydock in June off a 5lb higher mark and beaten under 4l in a hot York sprint latest; capable of a big run but slow starts have been a feature the last twice and that sounds a note of caution.

8/1

10/1

Form: 3505-0 C

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Two of his 15 wins have come at this track, both over 6f; pick of last year's efforts would bring him right into the reckoning off this mark but he was well held at Newmarket on his reappearance ten days ago and a sharp 5f isn't sure to play to his strengths (first run over the trip since May 2021).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(13)

15th Jun 2025

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Mr Wagyu

9st 6lb

J: Harry Russell

T: John & Sean Quinn

Useful on his day; however, on a three-year losing spell and current mark reflects a decline in his form since last July; the betting may offer further guidance with Ripon reappearance under his belt.

16/1

8th

11

(10)

17th Apr 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:42 Ripon

Mr Wagyu

9st 3lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

raced near side, prominent, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 8 in group

7/1

8th

11

(10)

17th Apr 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:42 Ripon

Mr Wagyu

9st 3lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Formerly smart handicapper; 15 wins from 94 starts including two victories over C&D; hasn't won anywhere since 2022 and lost his way last year, but did go close here on 2024 reappearance; could bounce back; goes on any ground.

7/1

Form: 0250-6 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
His last three wins have all come at this track over 6f on good ground; effective at both this trip and on slow ground; blew the start (blindfold off late) on his reappearance at Pontefract 18 days ago; dropped 2lb for that and he's handicapped to strike; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(1)

22nd Jun 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Justanotherbottle

9st 0lb

J: Sam James

T: Kevin Ryan

switched left soon after start, made virtually all

12/1

7th

2

(1)

7th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:40 Ripon

Justanotherbottle

9st 7lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

pressed leader, pushed along over 1f out, soon ridden and weakened

12/1

10th

1

(5)

20th May 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:42 Thirsk

Justanotherbottle

9st 9lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

His last three wins have come over this trip at Ripon; well handicapped on last season's best but he underperformed at Ripon, albeit over 5f, when last seen three weeks ago; down in class today and one to consider; can blow it at the start.

14/1

OUR TIP

14/1

Form: 9846-8 D

Last run: 74 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won a Listed event at York's Dante meeting last spring (5f, good); disappointed afterwards and he didn't fare any better on his return to action at Newcastle (6f) in February; still to prove his effectiveness on slow ground; visor now tried (usually wears cheekpieces but absent latest).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(9)

29th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

15:00 Chester

Last Crusader

10st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Brian Toomey

Won a Listed event (5f, good) at York's Dante meeting in 2022 but he's been disappointing since and failed to beat a rival in his two runs last year; now 15lb lower than for his peak mark but has plenty to prove for new yard after 427 days off; visor removed.

16/1

10th

3

(1)

29th Apr 2023

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Ripon

Last Crusader

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: K R Burke

Won a Listed event at York's Dante meeting last spring (5f, good); disappointed afterwards and he didn't fare any better on his return to action at Newcastle (6f) in February; still to prove his effectiveness on slow ground; visor now tried (usually wears cheekpieces but absent latest).

14/1

2

(2)

8th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Last Crusader

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: K R Burke

Listed winner at York (5f, good) last May; however, his form went the wrong way subsequently and there was no revival at Newcastle (AW) in February on his first run since being gelded; unproven on slow ground.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £76.30
Straight Forecast £92.45
Tricast £568.96
Trifecta £526.60

Selections

RP Ratings:

Copper Knight

SPOTLIGHT:

Vintage Clarets

The Guardian:

Illusionist

Daily Mail:

Nomadic Empire

Telegraph:

Intrinsic Bond

The Star:

Mr Wagyu

D Express:

Justanotherbottle

The Times:

Vintage Clarets

Daily Record:

Vintage Clarets

Daily Mirror:

Illusionist

TOPSPEED:

Copper Knight

POSTDATA:

Copper Knight

The Sun:

Copper Knight