August 19 / 15.50 Ripon

15.50

Good

William Hill Epic Value Handicap

  • Prize money: £7731
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
William Hill Epic Value Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: -22878 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Some recent below-par efforts but a revival would comes as no surprise having dipped to 3lb lower than when runner-up over 1m at Redcar and Newcastle at the start of the summer; usually races prominently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(5)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 5

17:00 Musselburgh

Spirit Catcher

9st 3lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Having tumbled down the weights he returned to form in a 1m1f handicap here last month, winning decisively; second over 1m2f at Ripon on Sunday, staying on at the finish; up in trip but likely to go well.

3/1

2nd

8

(13)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:17 Ripon

Spirit Catcher

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Philip Kirby

Won for the first time since August 2023 off a much reduced mark in a weak contest at Musselburgh (1m1f, good) last month; not sure to back that up in this better contest off 4lb higher.

11/2

1st

1

(5)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 6

16:25 Musselburgh

Spirit Catcher

9st 9lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Philip Kirby

Triple turf winner (7f/1m) but his last success was in August 2023 and he's been out of sorts since returning in September from a lengthy absence; mark is tumbling but he needs a major revival.

10/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 6-0624 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Prominent racer who made an encouraging return from a break when second of 17 at York (7f, good to soft) last month; probably did a bit too much too soon when fourth at Thirsk (1m, soft) eight days later and should be treated as if still in form; well drawn to attack from the inside stall and likely to make a bold bid for C&D win number three.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

12

(17)

11th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:55 York

Challet

9st 5lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

All wins on good/good to soft but has had plenty of chances since last win in 2021; tailed off at Thirsk last time and easy enough to overlook back on a soft surface.

25/1

11th

8

(7)

7th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Thirsk

Challet

9st 2lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

steadied start, towards rear

10/1

7th

4

(6)

29th Jul 2024

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

15:40 Ayr

Challet

9st 12lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Losing sequence goes back 18 races to September 2021, but he's edged down the weights and was a close fourth off this mark at Thirsk (7f, good to soft) recently; versatile ground-wise in the past; chance.

5/1

14/1

  • Place: £4.30

Form: 64-19 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Returned from an absence to win Redcar novice (1m, soft) in April; subsequently sold out of the Gosden stable for 40,000gns; 33-1, never involved on last Saturday's handicap and yard debut at Haydock (1m) but he did meet trouble; this should reveal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(11)

16th Jun 2025

Soft

1m 1f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Carlisle

Freedom Day

9st 2lb

J: Andrew Elliott

T: Paul Robson

Sole success came in Redcar novice in April 2023 when trained by the Gosdens; unsuccessful in five starts over hurdles this year for current yard and three modest efforts on the Flat since; on a career-low mark but hard to fancy.

25/1

9

(5)

29th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 5

16:55 Ripon

Freedom Day

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Elliott

T: Paul Robson

Something to prove regarding current form but he's tackled 7f/1m1f the last twice and is now 7lb lower than when a creditable fourth over 1m4f at Southwell (AW) last August; not written off now back up in trip.

33/1

8th

9

(5)

29th May 2025

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 5

16:55 Ripon

Freedom Day

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Elliott

T: Paul Robson

Something to prove regarding current form but he's tackled 7f/1m1f the last twice and is now 7lb lower than when a creditable fourth over 1m4f at Southwell (AW) last August; not written off now back up in trip.

33/1

4/1

Form: 425151

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Notched his fourth Beverley win on soft last month and added to his tally at Haydock (7f, good to soft) last weekend; has won off this 6lb higher mark before but it was back in 2021 and he'll require his best effort since if he is to follow up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(7)

24th Sep 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:30 Beverley

Ugo Gregory

9st 5lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

raced in second, weakened over 1f out

9/1

6th

3

(10)

11th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 195y

Class 5

17:33 Carlisle

Ugo Gregory

9st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

prominent, drifted right after 1f

14/1

5th

5

(8)

9th Aug 2024

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

15:50 Musselburgh

Ugo Gregory

9st 7lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Tim Easterby

switched right soon after start, took keen hold, led

10/1

16/1

Form: 48-210 D

Last run: 104 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Had plenty of racing in Ireland but improved when belatedly off the mark in a 1m Leopardstown handicap (heavy) in April; failed to back that up at the same venue (1m2f) the following month and has left Jim Bolger ahead of this first outing for 104 days; in a higher grade than she needs to run in and a watching brief is the call unless the betting strongly hints otherwise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

14:08 Newcastle

Purple Gown

10st 12lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Adam Nicol

Dual Flat winner but 0-9 over hurdles, although fair run last time when 2l third at Sedgefield (2m1f, good to firm; tongue-tie back on); 4lb lower than when fourth in this race last season; each-way chance.

7/1

4th

5

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

14:08 Newcastle

Purple Gown

10st 12lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Adam Nicol

Dual Flat winner but 0-9 over hurdles, although fair run last time when 2l third at Sedgefield (2m1f, good to firm; tongue-tie back on); 4lb lower than when fourth in this race last season; each-way chance.

7/1

10

8th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

16:15 Sedgefield

Purple Gown

10st 12lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Adam Nicol

Fair maiden hurdler who was very slowly away when only seventh in 1m4f Flat handicap at Catterick in August; tongue tied here; possibilities.

14/1

12/1

Form: 3-9785 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Patchy form this season but well handicapped if on a going day; best turf efforts on good ground, so could probably do with the rain staying away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(5)

24th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:05 Newcastle (AW)

The Turpinator

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

C&D win last April came off a 5lb higher mark; good second at Wolverhampton three weeks ago but unable to back it up at Southwell one week later (both 7f); chance if back to his best.

10/1

8th

10

(7)

30th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

18:00 Southwell (AW)

The Turpinator

9st 3lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Four-time AW winner, the latest at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) in April; now 2lb lower and no problem with the return to 7f, but he needs to fare better than in his last three starts.

25/1

8th

10

(7)

30th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

18:00 Southwell (AW)

The Turpinator

9st 3lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Four-time AW winner, the latest at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) in April; now 2lb lower and no problem with the return to 7f, but he needs to fare better than in his last three starts.

25/1

OUR TIP

20/1

Form: 5-1000 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Winner of a 1m Newcastle handicap in April but has suffered three heavy defeats since; back to only 1lb above that winning mark but it's hard to be confident about what form he'll show up in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(1)

25th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Skilled Warrior

9st 8lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

Pleasing return from over eight months off in February; no issue with dropping back to 1m 19 days ago but proved disappointing; rather watch.

7/2

6th

4

(1)

6th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Skilled Warrior

9st 7lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

Last win gained in C&D Class 4 two years ago; most recently runner-up in 1m2f Class 6 here off 249-day absence (beaten by Rock Armour who runs in the 5.30); player if backing that up.

5/1

2nd

9

(12)

14th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

16:57 Newcastle (AW)

Skilled Warrior

9st 4lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

His last win was in April 2023 and he generally struggled in eight runs last year; has dropped a long way in the weights but he has lots to prove after 249 days off.

20/1

Form: 811543 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Made all over 1m2f here and 1m at Leicester (both good ground) in June; creditable third of 13 at York (1m, good to soft) off this mark 22 days ago and the form is solid with the first, second and fourth all placed since; likely to be very competitive again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(3)

21st Sep 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Ayr

Dungar Glory

10st 0lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

All turf wins, including two fillies' handicaps this year, on good ground but she has form on soft; close third in similar event at Ripon most recently; likely player if taking well to added visor.

6/1

3rd

1

(5)

5th Sep 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Ripon

Dungar Glory

9st 13lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Her three handicap wins have all come from the front, including twice round here; back in form last Tuesday (9.7f; again didn't lead) but there's not much wiggle room off this mark and an easy 1m on quicker ground is a bare minimum now.

10/1

5th

1

(9)

29th Aug 2023

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

14:15 Ripon

Dungar Glory

10st 1lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

prominent, challenging 2f out, no extra final 110yds

8/1

9th
5 (10)
Gis A Sub

14/1

Form: -80407

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Useful as 2yo; yet to build on the promise of his reappearance, although not disgraced off a 5lb higher mark than this in the Stewards' Cup consolation at Goodwood (6f, soft) a fortnight ago; raced almost exclusively at sprint trips, so this longer distance is very much an unknown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(6)

8th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:40 Newcastle (AW)

Gis A Sub

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

On a losing run but he wasn't best drawn when seventh of 11 in 6f Pontefract handicap 43 days ago; he needs considering off a handy-looking mark.

11/2

7th

1

(13)

27th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Pontefract

Gis A Sub

9st 11lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Has a poor strike-rate but went close at Ripon last weekend and holds a fighting chance in this grade; gained sole handicap win off 5lb higher.

7/2

2nd

6

(3)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:38 Ripon

Gis A Sub

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Runner-up in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes as a 2yo; nothing like so good now but that wasn't a barrier to success in the corresponding event 12 months ago; 7lb lower this time around and he didn't run badly at Thirsk 17 days ago; headgear left off today.

7/1

10/1

Form: 721648 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Durable 8yo who is seeking a hat-trick in this race; performing only respectably since his Ayr win in June but his record in this race makes him a dangerous one to discount; all wins on good/good to firm, so probably wouldn't want much rain.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(2)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:40 Ripon

Garden Oasis

8st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Front-running 11yo with seven course wins, the latest gained over 1m (good) last spring; creditable placed efforts on his last three starts (including C&D) and should give it another good shot, for all this is a higher grade than he's been contesting.

7/1

3rd

9

(6)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:42 Ayr

Garden Oasis

9st 4lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

11yo who won three times last year, including this race (good to firm); this front-runner has been placed at Pontefract (1m, good) and Ripon (1m2f, good) on his last two starts; 3-5 at Ayr and he's on the shortlist.

8/1

3rd

2

(7)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

19:45 Ripon

Garden Oasis

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

14-time winner including seven times at Ripon; his last success was off 5lb higher last summer and he returned to form with a second at Pontefract (1m, good) last month; hasn't run over this far for a long time but he used to be effective at this trip and most of his wins have been in May-August.

8/1

22/1

Form: 554788

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Front-runner and three-time turf winner who is now 2lb below the mark he defied on Newcastle's AW at the end of 2022; may well have needed a recent outing at Haydock after 145 days off but he needs to leave that well behind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(4)

7th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

15:40 Pontefract

Larado

9st 9lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Three-time turf winner who is just 1lb higher than when winning at Lingfield (1m, AW) in February; hasn't been in the same form since and returns from a break today, but drops back down in grade and is not ruled out.

9/1

10th

12

(7)

4th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:50 Newmarket

Larado

9st 3lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Often front-runs; Lingfield AW in February ended his losing run and he was 33-1 when well held there in a Class 2 latest outing (rare start with this visor, instead of usual blinkers); second at Epsom last August showed some turf ability remained, but he's 2lb higher today and not the percentage call.

33/1

15/2

Form: 231516 CD BF

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Best from the front; made all in a C&D maiden (good) in June and a Hamilton handicap (8.5f, good to soft) in July; latest York effort was a little disappointing and the widest stall could make it tricky for him to lead, particularly as there are some confirmed front-runners drawn much nearer the inside.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(3)

9th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

15:00 Pontefract

Indiana Be

9st 10lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Dual winner over 1m on good to firm/good to soft this year; fair fourth in a C&D handicap last time; a possible.

11/2

4th

6

(10)

21st Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

17:30 Pontefract

Indiana Be

9st 11lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Posted his second win of the summer when easily making all at Hamilton (1m, good to soft) in July; it's too soon to write him off but he needs to perform much better than on his last two starts.

12/1

12th

11

(12)

19th Aug 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Ripon

Indiana Be

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Edward Bethell

Best from the front; made all in a C&D maiden (good) in June and a Hamilton handicap (8.5f, good to soft) in July; latest York effort was a little disappointing and the widest stall could make it tricky for him to lead, particularly as there are some confirmed front-runners drawn much nearer the inside.

15/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £16.20
Straight Forecast £16.03
Tricast £158.24
Trifecta £170.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Challet

POSTDATA:

Indiana Be

The Guardian:

Dungar Glory

Telegraph:

Ugo Gregory

TOPSPEED:

Larado

The Times:

Garden Oasis

Daily Mail:

Indiana Be

Daily Mirror:

Dungar Glory

RP RATINGS:

Challet

D Express:

Challet

The Sun:

Challet

The Star:

Challet

Daily Record:

Ugo Gregory