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

6th

10

(2)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Vintage Clarets

9st 1lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

All ten wins at 5f; last scored just over a year ago on good to firm but he's got plenty of form on a softer surface and ran well when runner-up in Epsom's "Dash" in June; also performed with credit at Glorious Goodwood and could be the type to bounce back from a lesser effort at Pontefract a fortnight ago; having just his second outing here since winning a C&D novice back in 2021.

5/1

6th

6

(8)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

17:45 Pontefract

Vintage Clarets

9st 0lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Twice went close in June (5f, good to soft) and he ran well once more when close seventh of 23 at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good) last time; could be in the shake-up.

7/1

7th

21

(9)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Vintage Clarets

8st 8lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Two no-shows at Goodwood were at this meeting in 2023, including this race; however, provided the track doesn't pose any problems, he could be interesting after strong finishes in the Dash at Epsom and last time at Chester where a slow start was the last thing he needed; he should be coming home to some effect.

14/1

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

9th

8

(7)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

18:45 Pontefract

Mondammej

8st 11lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

9yo who has dropped down the weights and showed spark when second of four at Nottingham last month; however, well beaten at Thirsk since and he's winless on turf since September 2021; others appeal more.

50/1

12th

9

(5)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:17 Thirsk

Mondammej

9st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Talented veteran but has temperament to match his ability; no turf win since 2021 and when second at Nottingham 11 days ago there were only four runners; more minor money perhaps his best hope.

9/1

2nd

1

(4)

21st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

17:50 Nottingham

Mondammej

10st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Winless on turf since 2021 but showed more on his second run back from a break last time, is now 2lb lower and this is easier than the handicaps he's used to contesting; tends to be held up and a speed-favouring 5f in a small field may not be optimal but he's capable.

6/1

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

9th

7

(2)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

20:24 Newcastle (AW)

Copper Knight

9st 11lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Grand servant to connections and he was recording the 19th win of his long career when successful at Beverley (5f, good to soft) in May; four subsequent defeats have seen him slip to a mark 2lb lower than for that win; has won over C&D but likely vulnerable to younger rivals.

20/1

10th

8

(5)

25th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 4

16:23 Chester

Copper Knight

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Admirable veteran who had a wicked draw in a C&D handicap last month that he'd won three times before; better boxed this time and there was much to like about his previous effort at Thirsk; considered.

8/1

9th

8

(10)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Copper Knight

9st 3lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran with 19 wins on his CV, including three editions of this race and a narrow success at Beverley (5f, good to soft) last month; drawn on the outside today and doesn't have much margin for error off this mark but it won't be a surprise if he gives this a good shot.

14/1

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