June 22 / 16.45 Ripon

16.45

Good

Kirby Thomas Final Furlong Handicap

  • Prize money: £4710.6
  • 1m 1f 170y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Kirby Thomas Final Furlong Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.10
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 87-325

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Still to get his head in front but has performed with credit all three starts in handicaps this term, fifth of 12 at Beverley (1m2f) last month; can make his presence felt once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(4)

4th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 4

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Blueflagflyinghigh

9st 10lb

J: Joe Bradnam

T: Michael Bell

Fairly useful 1m2f handicapper; won at Yarmouth in July and mostly consistent otherwise this term; remains on career-high mark, however, and this longer distance is an unknown.

5/1

2nd

1

(1)

19th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Windsor

Blueflagflyinghigh

10st 4lb

J: Joe Bradnam

T: Michael Bell

led

9/2

5th

1

(4)

11th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 5

20:25 Epsom

Blueflagflyinghigh

10st 4lb

J: Joe Bradnam

T: Michael Bell

Doubled his winning tally when easily disposing of three rivals from the front under Joe Bradnam in an apprentice event at Yarmouth (1m2f, good) seven days ago; still 4lb well in despite a 2lb rise, but ground softer than good would pose a question.

11/8

OUR TIP

14/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: -67940 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
C&D winner but he's yet to hit top form this season, only tenth at Southwell (1m) nine days ago; has something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(3)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

15:50 Redcar

Cosmos Raj

9st 1lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Closely-matched with Classic Encounter on their form at York last June (1m1f, good to firm); bit disappointing since Ripon win in July (1m, good to soft), although excuses for poor reappearance run (blindfold removed late).

20/1

9th

7

(4)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

15:23 Pontefract

Cosmos Raj

9st 1lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: David O’Meara

Three wins last May/July at about 1m on various ground and he's back down to his last winning mark; ended 2025 quietly and there's a suspicion he'll improve for this comeback run; withdrawn after getting upset in the stalls at Ripon two weeks ago (25-1 at the time).

25/1

8

(7)

16th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Ripon

Cosmos Raj

9st 7lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: David O’Meara

Three wins last May/July at about 1m on various ground and he's back down to his last winning mark; may have been ready for a break towards end of last season but there's a suspicion he'll improve for this comeback run.

9/1

16/1

  • Place: £6.70

Form: 6-1497 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Resumed with 1m2f Newcastle success in January and largely in good form since, not enjoying the clearest of passages when seventh in 1m2f Beverley handicap 12 days ago; visor is reached for now and she needs shortlisting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(8)

26th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

14:15 Beverley

Western Beat

9st 12lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Yet to win in 14 attempts on turf, but has a chance on her C&D second last month (soft); not so good last time, but wouldn't rule out.

7/1

6th

11

(8)

8th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

14:45 Newcastle (AW)

Western Beat

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

C&D winner in January and been in good form this summer, reaching the frame again when second at Beverley (1m2f) 12 days ago; likely to be on the premises but suspicion she'll prove vulnerable to at least one of the 3yos in this line-up.

7/1

2nd

1

(4)

27th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

17:10 Beverley

Western Beat

10st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

0-13 on turf, but three fair runs since a visor went on, including over C&D (soft) and on Tapeta last time; a chance.

11/2

Form: 475-4

Last run: 70 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Ulysses gelding who returned with an encouraging fourth of seven on his handicap debut at Newcastle (1m) in April; this longer trip could unlock some improvement so he's very much one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(7)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 6

15:50 Musselburgh

Falcon Nine

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Won twice in the space of five days last August, the second win coming over C&D off today's mark; ran some fair races on AW over the winter; place claims back from four months off.

8/1

7th

6

(5)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

14:13 Newcastle (AW)

Falcon Nine

9st 5lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

Won twice in five days on turf last August (both 1m1f, good) and although he is 0-13 on AW, he's fully effective at this track; each-way claims.

12/1

4

(3)

1st Nov 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Falcon Nine

9st 11lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

Winless in his first 25 starts, but in good form since the blinkers went on in June (4321133); both wins came over 1m1f on turf in August, but he finished well for a creditable third over C&D last time; interesting contender on this drop back in grade.

11/2

5th
2 (11)
Sandret

16/1

Form: 515-69 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Failed to build on his reappearance Newcastle sixth when ninth in 1m handicap here in April; lots more is needed after his break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 6

14:05 Thirsk

Sandret

11st 2lb

J: Miss Rebecca Hitchen

T: Sam England

In good form for new yard this summer, recording a comfortable win at Redcar (1m, good) in July and just as good when second at Musselburgh (7f, good) three weeks ago (both under Rebecca Hitchen); another prominent showing is on the cards with the return to 1m in his favour.

7/2

2nd

4

(1)

8th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

17:05 Musselburgh

Sandret

10st 13lb

J: Miss Rebecca Hitchen

T: Sam England

Recorded a comfortable win under Rebecca Hitchen, who was unable to claim, at Redcar (1m, good) last week on second start for new stable; rider can now use 5lb allowance, which offsets a penalty; scored over 7f very early in career; this in-form 9yo commands respect.

2/1

1st

3

(1)

30th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

17:10 Redcar

Sandret

11st 0lb

J: Miss Rebecca Hitchen

T: Sam England

5-43, with his latest win coming off this mark at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) in December; posted a solid effort when third of 12 over that C&D on stable debut under Rebecca Hitchen 33 days ago (raced wide); has won over 1m but he hasn't won on turf since 2019.

9/2

Form: -35331 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Capitalised on a reduced mark when dead-heating in 1m handicap here 15 days ago; another bold showing on the cards despite a 3lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(2)

23rd Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 68y

Class 6

13:48 Hamilton

Rievaulx Raver

9st 11lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Continues to tumble down the weights and he's one to watch in the betting in a first-time tongue-tie, but he's been well beaten on all three starts this season and a major turnaround is required.

16/1

11th

8

(5)

11th Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

14:10 Ripon

Rievaulx Raver

9st 8lb

J: Ben Sanderson

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Gained both wins over C&D but seems badly to have lost his way since his dead-heat here last June; well-beaten 50-1 shot on both appearances this year; considered only if much stronger in the betting today.

12/1

14th

11

(4)

14th May 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 5

16:15 Beverley

Rievaulx Raver

9st 3lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Both wins at Ripon (1m, good to firm), the latest from 5lb higher last summer; hasn't beaten many in his last four starts including on his recent Thirsk reappearance; best watched for now.

33/1

10/1

Form: 533515

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Opened his account in 8.5f Wolverhampton handicap in May and wasn't disgraced on turf debut when fifth of nine over 1m here 15 days ago; possibilities now upped in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(1)

22nd Jun 2023

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

16:45 Ripon

Flame Spirit

9st 8lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: James Tate

Opened his account in 8.5f Wolverhampton handicap in May and wasn't disgraced on turf debut when fifth of nine over 1m here 15 days ago; possibilities now upped in trip.

10/1

5th

3

(5)

7th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:40 Ripon

Flame Spirit

9st 10lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: James Tate

Confirmed the promise of some of his novice efforts when scoring on his handicap debut at Wolverhampton (8.5f, AW; raced prominently) latest; 3lb rise looks fair and there could be more to come over this trip.

4/1

1st

5

(8)

23rd May 2023

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

16:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Flame Spirit

9st 7lb

J: Neil Callan

T: James Tate

Similar level of form in his last three starts as when fifth of eight in first-time blinkers (now removed) at Chelmsford (7f, Polytrack) this month; up in trip for handicap debut and dam's side of pedigree suggests he may improve for it; each-way claims.

16/1

Form: 10-065

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Fair form when landing 1m Leicester handicap last August but he's yet to reach that form this term, finishing a never-dangerous fifth at Nottingham (1m2f) 18 days ago; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(2)

22nd Jul 2023

Soft

0m 7f 213y

Class 6

20:15 Doncaster

Maffeo Barberini

9st 6lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Kevin Frost

towards rear, midfield halfway, ridden 3f out, weakened from over 2f out

25/1

5th

8

(5)

8th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

16:07 Leicester

Maffeo Barberini

9st 4lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Kevin Frost

Won a course claimer (1m, good to firm) last August but little to shout about since returning to handicaps.

14/1

4

(11)

1st Jul 2023

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

18:40 Lingfield (AW)

Maffeo Barberini

9st 13lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Kevin Frost

9th
11 (2)
Nakano

13/2

Form: 45-46

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Largely progressive daughter of Saxon Warrior who didn't enjoy the rub of the green on her handicap debut when sixth of eight at Redcar (1m2f) 23 days ago, hampered 2f out; has more to offer so rates a player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(5)

13th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Nakano

9st 4lb

J: Morgan Cole

T: Ed Dunlop

3yo maiden; inconsistent this term but, judged on penultimate effort, may benefit from the reapplication of visor; second run for new yard.

12/1

9th

7

(6)

16th Sep 2023

Good

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

13:40 Bath

Nakano

10st 10lb

J: Miss Sophie Smith

T: Ed Dunlop

Eight-race maiden who goes without headgear for this stable debut, having returned to form in a first-time visor when fifth of 15 at Thirsk (1m4f, good) last month on her final outing for Hugo Palmer (sold for 11,500gns); however, Ed Dunlop and Sophie Smith combine well and she's not ruled out.

10/1

14/1

Form: 724

Last run: 120 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Fair maiden who wasn't disgraced when fourth of six in 1m2f novice at Newcastle in February; returns from a wind op with a bit more needed if he's to get off the mark on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(2)

5th Sep 2023

Good

1m 0f 68y

Class 6

19:15 Hamilton

Nefyn Dawn

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John Quinn

Ex-bumper horse; had wind surgery in March; has improved since going handicapping with fair efforts at Beverley (7.5f, good to soft) and Musselburgh (7f, good) last month; further progress likely, particularly back over 1m; a possible.

6/1

4th

2

(6)

11th Aug 2023

Good

0m 7f 33y

Class 6

16:20 Musselburgh

Nefyn Dawn

10st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John Quinn

Well beaten over 1m2f on handicap debut in June but looked suited by drop in trip when third at Beverley (7.4f, good to soft) ten days ago; ideally needs to learn to settle better in the early stages but could still have a bigger run in him.

11/2

3rd

3

(6)

1st Aug 2023

Good

0m 7f 96y

Class 5

16:55 Beverley

Nefyn Dawn

9st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John Quinn

Maiden who offered hope when second of six in a Wolverhampton novice (9.5f, AW) in February but not built on it since, including on handicap debut after four months off at Ripon (9.7f, good; first start since wind surgery) in June; others make greater appeal.

16/1

Form: 037-81 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Took a major step forward from his reappearance when getting off the mark in 1m2f Haydock handicap 13 days ago; not taken lightly nudged up just 2lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(5)

21st Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 218y

Class 5

17:37 Redcar

Sir Jock Bennett

9st 12lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: Neil Mechie

1m2f win for Charlie Johnston last June but sold for 1,000gns after a heavy defeat last August and finished last on both starts this term.

50/1

8th

5

(1)

17th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 8y

Class 5

14:22 Thirsk

Sir Jock Bennett

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Neil Mechie

in touch with leaders, outpaced and lost position 3f out, weakened over 1f out

100/1

14th

1

(10)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

17:25 Newcastle (AW)

Sir Jock Bennett

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Neil Mechie

1m2f winner for Charlie Johnston; absent since a heavy defeat (finished lame) last August; sold for 1,000gns in October; watching brief is advised, unless the market speaks positively.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £103.30
Straight Forecast £71.71
Tricast £1546.66
Trifecta £1458.90

Selections

POSTDATA:

Rievaulx Raver

RP RATINGS:

Cosmos Raj

NEWMARKET:

Falcon Nine

Telegraph:

Sir Jock Bennett

SPOTLIGHT:

Nakano

D Express:

Falcon Nine

Daily Mirror:

Sir Jock Bennett

The Guardian:

Rievaulx Raver

The Sun:

Rievaulx Raver

The Star:

Rievaulx Raver

Daily Record:

Rievaulx Raver

The Times:

Cosmos Raj

Daily Mail:

Cosmos Raj