August 13 / 14.50 Ripon

14.50

Good To Firm

William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 15 runners
ITV
View Course
William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £14.20
  • Place: £3.80

Form: 472571 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far when fourth in this race last year off 6lb higher; mixed campaign in 2022 until everything fell into place dropped into a Class 4 at Thirsk a fortnight ago (5f, good to soft); that win was backed up by the Topspeed figure but the suspicion is that a few here will be stronger.
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

14/1

  • Place: £4.00

Form: 231123 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Enjoying a purple patch at present, winning three 6f handicaps on turf this summer and running well in defeat on his last two starts; more will be needed to come out on top, especially as he is 3lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

19

(18)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Good Earth

9st 2lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Won this race in 2022 as a 5yo; no sign of his enthusiasm waning this year, winning three 6f handicaps, and stepping back up in trip will suit after two good 5f efforts last month; chance.

11/1

2nd

2

(6)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:07 Newmarket (July)

Good Earth

9st 13lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Ideally suited by an easy 6f or stiff 5f and knows how to win; turned in a solid effort at his beloved Sandown last weekend and remains reliable despite his age, but there's not much room for manoeuvre off this mark.

5/1

4th

7

(3)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

13:38 Sandown

Good Earth

9st 3lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Multiple winner but went up 6lb for his 2l win at Haydock and that counted when fifth at Catterick; however, he does have a very solid record here.

8/1

20/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: 843050 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Six of his eight wins have come at this track, including the consolation event for this race 12 months ago; mixed bag this season but a sixth wind operation (has won on his next start after two of the other five) and the addition of a visor could give him a lift on his stable debut (has left Sam England); 10lb out of the handicap and even his very best efforts suggest he will struggle to win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(9)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:40 Ripon

Marks Choice

9st 3lb

J: William Pyle

T: Gemma Tutty

Veteran who is a ten-time winner at Ripon, most recently last September; led for long way in small field over 6f here most recently and appears to retain a sizeable chunk of ability.

12/1

4th

5

(3)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Ripon

Marks Choice

9st 11lb

J: William Pyle

T: Gemma Tutty

Ten of his 12 wins have been at Ripon including seven on fast and slow ground over C&D; hasn't threatened in three runs this season but he was a respectable second at Catterick (6f) last time and he's in the mix back at this track.

9/2

2nd

3

(2)

30th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

16:12 Catterick

Marks Choice

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: Gemma Tutty

Standing dish at Ripon, where he's recorded ten of his 12 wins; his 71st start is his first here; below par in both starts this season; drops 2lb but perhaps needs further favours from the handicapper to win again.

10/1

Form: 800659 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Smart operator over the years, winning the 2020 Stewards' Cup and adding Group 3 and Listed prizes last year; struggled in Dubai over the winter and no closer than fifth since returning to Britain, albeit in top sprint handicaps; ran into a few dead ends at a crucial stage in the Stewards' Cup a fortnight ago but finished off his race well; on a very tempting mark and has performed well in this race before (second in 2019 when best of those to race on the far side); major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(4)

25th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

16:25 Doncaster

Summerghand

10st 0lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

10yo who isn't the same force as last year and may not want soft ground, but he's performed respectably in hot handicaps on his last few starts and is on a dangerous mark now dropping back down in grade; possible player.

11/2

7th

4

(12)

21st Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Ayr

Summerghand

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Top-of-the-trees in the best sprint handicaps down the years, winning the Stewards' Cup in 2020 and the Gold Cup in 2022; failed to beat a rival here 12 months ago but the weight has fallen off his back since and his run at the Curragh last week was encouraging; could well have a decent crack at this; refitted cheekpieces replace regular visor.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 240150 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Can play up in the stalls; fitted with blinkers for the first time in this race 12 months ago and bounced back to form with a bang, always prominent and staying on powerfully to win; he bids to repeat the feat off a 13lb higher mark but has added another two C&D wins in the last 12 months and isn't handicapped out of things.
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

6th
7 (14)
Snash

9/1

Form: 076141 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Two AW wins for Charles Hills; slow to come to hand for this stable but he dropped in the weights and the addition of cheekpieces has prompted a resurgence, winning 6f handicaps at Thirsk and Ayr this summer; likely there are more races in him off this sort of mark but this is a tougher test.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(12)

17th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Snash

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

midfield on outer, pushed along halfway, switched to near side and ridden over 2f out

7/1

4th

12

(3)

3rd Oct 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:40 Newcastle (AW)

Snash

8st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Good strike-rate on AW and he's run creditably on his last three starts; drops back in trip and he's one to take seriously.

12/1

5th

11

(7)

17th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Snash

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Tim Easterby

4-9 on Tapeta including two wins over 6f here; 7lb below his last winning mark and has run with credit over 7f at Southwell in his last two starts, but this stiffer track does pose a question.

9/1

Form: 2-1229 D BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
1m winner for John Gosden as a 2yo; showed improved form to win a 6f handicap at Chelmsford on his stable debut in June and finished runner-up on his next two starts (behind Justanotherbottle over C&D on first occasion); failed to fire behind Misty Grey at Chelmsford last time but a wide stall didn't help matters; career-best effort is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(8)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Newmarket (July)

Emperor Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Michael Keady

First run for Michael Keady when winning this race 12 months ago off a 3lb higher mark; two good runs on fast ground this year (below par on slower going in the Epsom Dash) and he's likely to make another bold bid.

5/1

2nd

3

(3)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:02 Beverley

Emperor Spirit

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Michael Keady

Blows hot and cold but he is on a dangerous mark and his second of 17 at Ascot (5f, good to firm) in May was a fine effort; subsequent run in the Dash at Epsom can be forgiven (ground) and this should be more to his liking; other pace influences on show.

7/1

14th

16

(7)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Emperor Spirit

8st 11lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Michael Keady

Appreciated the return to turf when finishing second of 17 at Ascot five weeks ago; 1lb rise still leaves him on a feasible mark; rarely seen on slower than good.

20/1

33/1

Form: -42617

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
All his wins have come over 5f but his effectiveness over C&D was proved when second to Mark's Choice in the consolation event here 12 months ago; 2lb out of the handicap; surprising if there weren't a few stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(6)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

14:35 Pontefract

Ventura Express

9st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Paul Midgley

On a near two-year losing spell but he's a four-time C&D winner and can't be dismissed off his reduced mark; made the frame in last two starts, latest back at Pontefract.

6/1

4th

2

(10)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

19:22 Pontefract

Ventura Express

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Paul Midgley

Four of his six wins have come over C&D, including the corresponding race in 2024; drew a blank in 2025 but retains ability and he has run some solid races in defeat this year too, keeping on for fourth at Beverley 18 days ago; drops in class but he has the widest stall to contend with.

8/1

4th

7

(6)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Beverley

Ventura Express

9st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Paul Midgley

9yo who is on an 18-race losing run; good second over C&D last July (good to firm) and is now 3lb lower.

10/1

14/1

Form: 751146 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
His last three wins have come over this C&D on good ground or slower; the race wasn't really run to suit when sixth at York three weeks ago and this might play more to his strengths; whether he's quite good enough remains to be seen though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(10)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Fortamour

9st 9lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Ben Haslam

Six-time C&D winner; easing mark and back to form, just held by U Sure Do over C&D (good; 25-1) under four weeks ago; is capable of handling easier ground, and well drawn close to the stands' rail in stall 10; stablemate of William Dewhirst.

4/1

2nd

9

(2)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

Fortamour

8st 13lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Ben Haslam

Six-time course winner but well held in his three runs this year and latest was over C&D (good to soft) last month; has form figures of 1242 in this race in the last four years but he needs to turn things around off a sliding mark.

12/1

25/1

Form: 251270 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
He has enjoyed a good season, winning at Windsor in June and several good efforts either side of it; latest run at Windsor is easy enough to forgive (he was drawn wide and then got broadsided by a flying pheasant after 100 yards, forcing him even further from the rail); this will be his first start at Ripon and not every horse takes to it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(2)

1st Jul 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Indian Creak

9st 7lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Sheena West

Campaigned mostly over 6f and on turf; not particularly solid on his form this season for new stable; enough to prove back at 7f for the first time since 2020.

16/1

6

(6)

10th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Salisbury

Indian Creak

9st 5lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Sheena West

Has gained most wins at Windsor; made the frame there last time (second run for new yard) but was beaten 6l and needs to raise his game; losing run is mounting up.

10/1

12

(13)

26th May 2025

Good

0m 6f 12y

Class 3

15:20 Windsor

Indian Creak

8st 9lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Sheena West

Solid sprint handicapper for the Channons over the years but only occasional flashes of his old self in 2024; has dropped down the weights but he reappeared for new yard with tailed-off effort at Ascot 16 days ago and can only be watched after that.

33/1

9/2

Form: 113-17 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Few miles on the clock for his age and he has already more than paid his way, winning valuable handicaps at Newmarket and York last summer and seeing off 18 rivals at Newmarket to score on reappearance; perfectly respectable effort in the Wokingham eight weeks ago, albeit holding every chance 1f out (well drawn); has since left Michael Dods; has the option to go far side from stall 1; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(9)

22nd May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 3

18:35 Windsor

Blackrod

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Roger Teal

Made a successful reappearance at Newmarket (6f, good) just over a year ago when trained by Michael Dods, but has changed stables twice since and not shown a great deal including when bidding to win the same race 16 days ago; 1lb below his last winning mark but needs to show a bit more spark than of late.

11/1

12th

7

(21)

6th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:50 Newmarket

Blackrod

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Roger Teal

Enjoyed his finest hour when winning this race (good ground) 12 months ago in clearcut style off a 2lb lower mark; below par since and has changed yards twice, finishing six places behind Silver Samurai at Kempton on stable debut/reappearance; questions to answer after that but a return to form would put him right in the mix for a repeat success.

11/1

10th

4

(10)

10th Apr 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:50 Kempton (AW)

Blackrod

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Teal

prominent

9/1

14/1

Form: -71311 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 7lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Began last term with a mark of just 57 but she has made giant strides, winning seven of her last 12 starts (including C&D); into deeper water today and she's not the only front-runner on show but such has been her progress that it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see her go close.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(1)

19th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newmarket (July)

Al Simmo

9st 12lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Steph Hollinshead

midfield, prominent after 2f

12/1

10th

2

(11)

22nd Jun 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Newmarket (July)

Al Simmo

10st 2lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Steph Hollinshead

Won two four-runner handicaps here last summer, taking her record over C&D to 211; off nine months, but is proven fresh and drying ground is very much in her favour; not out of it.

8/1

13th
14 (5)
Embour

14/1

Form: 2-0836 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Slow start to the season but he has offered more in two starts following a wind operation in June; type to pop up soon but perhaps not in this level of competition, from 4lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(12)

7th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:50 Beverley

Embour

10st 1lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Ruth Carr

towards rear

50/1

6th

2

(3)

20th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

19:15 Beverley

Embour

9st 10lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Ruth Carr

Won three times (5f/6f) on the AW last autumn/winter and he's equally good on turf; however, he's not known for his reliability and his last two efforts have been poor ones; bit to prove after an absence.

14/1

10th

10

(6)

3rd Mar 2023

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 3

15:00 Lingfield (AW)

Embour

9st 3lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Ruth Carr

Deserves some credit for winning three times this autumn/winter, including here; however, the negative is his inconsistency, as reflected in his form figures; not entirely sure what to expect.

14/1

Form: 335321 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Better known for his AW exploits, as when producing a power-packed finish to win a 6f handicap at Chelmsford three weeks ago, but his only turf success did come over C&D and he was second in a Listed race at Chester on penultimate start; stiff task trying to defy a mark of 109 but he's tough and reliable and shouldn't be underestimated from the rail draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(5)

2nd Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 1

14:37 Lingfield (AW)

Misty Grey

9st 2lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Seems held by Marshman on Newcastle running but may fare better with that reappearance effort under his belt and bearing in mind he has been consistent otherwise for current stable; however, yet to break his Listed/Group duck after many attempts.

12/1

5th

4

(5)

2nd Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 1

14:37 Lingfield (AW)

Misty Grey

9st 2lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Seems held by Marshman on Newcastle running but may fare better with that reappearance effort under his belt and bearing in mind he has been consistent otherwise for current stable; however, yet to break his Listed/Group duck after many attempts.

12/1

12th

1

(4)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:10 Newcastle (AW)

Misty Grey

9st 12lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: David O’Meara

Record of 422311 since joining this yard, most recently scoring narrowly at Epsom on Derby day (followed up C&D win); possibilities provided he returns from layoff in similar form.

11/1

Form: 832144 CD BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Prominent racer; handles fast ground but his best form has come on a slower surface; he has been in good form this season but there is a suspicion he may prove vulnerable at this level.
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

Non-runners

Hyperfocus

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £299.30
Straight Forecast £222.74
Tricast £5302.15
Trifecta £7127.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Summerghand

LAMBOURN:

Emperor Spirit

Daily Mirror:

Snash

TOPSPEED:

Intrinsic Bond

THE NORTH:

Justanotherbottle

Telegraph:

Blackrod

Daily Record:

Al Simmo

The Guardian:

Emperor Spirit

The Sun:

Snash

The Times:

Intrinsic Bond

RP Ratings:

Summerghand

POSTDATA:

Summerghand

Daily Express:

Summerghand

The Star:

Summerghand

Daily Mail:

Justanotherbottle