April 18 / 16.17 Ripon

16.17

Heavy

Armstrong Memorial Handicap

  • Prize money: £7215.6
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
SKY
View Course
Armstrong Memorial Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.00
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 049-65 CD

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
His last four wins have come over C&D, the latest off 2lb higher last September; should win more races but this one might prove too competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(4)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

17:15 Catterick

Fortamour

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ben Haslam

Trip and ground will suit and although he's forged a reputation as a Ripon specialist, he is effective elsewhere; only fourth of five in this event 12 months ago and he's 2lb higher today; latest Ripon third was a solid effort though and he's likely to give a good account.

4/1

3rd

12

(5)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Fortamour

8st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ben Haslam

Six-time C&D winner on good ground or worse, most recently a narrow defeat of a respected opponent last month; ran okay in the Great St Wilfrid consolation race six weeks ago but not sure he's the answer this time.

8/1

10th

1

(7)

17th Aug 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Ripon

Fortamour

10st 1lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ben Haslam

raced far side

6/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 8-3652 D BF

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Backed on his return to turf at Thirsk (5f, heavy) last week and just missed out, going down by a short-head with the first two pulling 6l clear of the third; his head went up in the air under pressure there and it looked one that got away but he's 4lb well in and he's run well at Ripon before.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

(9)

6th Jun 2024

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

15:25 Hamilton

Illusionist

9st 2lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

towards rear

9/1

5th

5

(4)

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Thirsk

Illusionist

9st 5lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

in touch with leaders, headway over 1f out, switched left and keeping on when not clear run inside final furlong, no impression when short of room inside final 110yds

11/4

5th

5

(4)

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Thirsk

Illusionist

9st 5lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

in touch with leaders, headway over 1f out, switched left and keeping on when not clear run inside final furlong, no impression when short of room inside final 110yds

11/4

12/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 30664- D

Last run: 173 days

W: 9st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Neither trip nor ground will be an issue and he has run well at this track before too; now a 9yo and may come on for this first start since October.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(5)

25th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

16:25 Doncaster

Danzan

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

9yo who has been beaten on his last 20 starts going back to June 2023 but he's been running well of late, including when third in the Ayr Bronze Cup (6f, good) and when second of 18 at York (7f, soft) a fortnight ago; there's every chance he'll be thereabouts once more.

10/1

2nd

9

(14)

11th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:55 York

Danzan

9st 6lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Tim Easterby

Ground and trip no problem and, although he's had plenty of chances since last win over a year ago, he's in decent heart and should give another good account.

16/1

3rd

4

(2)

1st Oct 2024

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

15:25 Ayr

Danzan

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

led, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong

100/30

13/2

Form: 10000- CD

Last run: 166 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Won this race 12 months ago off a 4lb lower mark, switched to the far side and making most of the running; added another two wins later in the summer but his form dipped in the autumn, albeit in some warm races; hasn't had the benefit of a run this year but won fresh in 2022 and he'll have the option to make a beeline for the far rail from stall 1; wouldn't read too much into his two defeats on heavy ground (late in the year and over 7f); claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(8)

2nd Nov 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:07 Newmarket

Bay Breeze

8st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Finally capitalised on his drop down the weights when rallying to win a 6f handicap at Nottingham (soft) nine days ago; 2lb rise manageable; ran poorly at this fixture last year (7f, heavy) on only other Newmarket start.

11/2

6th

9

(8)

2nd Nov 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:07 Newmarket

Bay Breeze

8st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Finally capitalised on his drop down the weights when rallying to win a 6f handicap at Nottingham (soft) nine days ago; 2lb rise manageable; ran poorly at this fixture last year (7f, heavy) on only other Newmarket start.

11/2

1st

4

(7)

24th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

15:13 Nottingham

Bay Breeze

9st 12lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Yet to win this year but he's dropped 13lb down the weights as a result; the odd promising effort along the way but last time wasn't one of them (reported to have an irregular heartbeat after the race); handles soft and probably heavy; not out of it.

8/1

Form: 92-745

Last run: 54 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Won his first two starts for Alice Haynes as a 2yo; no win since then but he appeared to retain ability in four 7f runs for Brian Toomey this winter; handles good to soft but any slower is an unknown; return to sprinting looks a good move; betting instructive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(9)

1st Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Remarkable Force

9st 7lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Has plenty of ability but his losing run stands at 17 and there have been a few false dawns along the way; out of sorts when last seen in May; dangerous mark but risky starting out for another new yard.

12/1

9th

6

(9)

1st Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Remarkable Force

9st 7lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

in rear

12/1

21th

12

(4)

25th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:35 York

Remarkable Force

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Won his first two starts as a 2yo but beaten on his next 16 starts; ran well at Chelmsford (7f) for Brian Toomey in December but two runs for this yard have been underwhelming; hopes pinned on the change of headgear perking him up.

16/1

14/1

Form: 83-110 D BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Won two AW handicaps (6f and 7f) this winter but he got hit hard for the second of them and he was well beaten off this mark at Southwell last month; something to prove on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

7

(19)

21st Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Ayr

Grant Wood

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Four wins this year and he was well on top when winning the Great St Wilfrid consolation race at Ripon (6f, good) last month; not so effective at Thirsk since, even allowing for the 7lb rise, but it may be too soon to think this mark is beyond him.

16/1

2

20th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:15 Ayr

Grant Wood

9st 12lb

T: Paul Midgley

4th

5

(2)

7th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Thirsk

Grant Wood

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

towards rear

5/1

Form: 459-14 CD BF

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Ran away with a C&D handicap last July (soft) and created a positive impression at Doncaster on her reappearance last month (5f, soft); not so good at Bath 11 days ago though and others appeal more in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(6)

5th Nov 2024

Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

14:34 Redcar

Thornaby Pearl

9st 8lb

J: Mia Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

travelled strongly, led, headed final 110yds, no extra towards finish

5/1

3rd

4

(6)

5th Nov 2024

Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

14:34 Redcar

Thornaby Pearl

9st 8lb

J: Mia Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

travelled strongly, led, headed final 110yds, no extra towards finish

5/1

3rd

8

(8)

24th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

15:13 Nottingham

Thornaby Pearl

9st 6lb

J: Mia Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

6f on testing ground suits him well and he's well capable off this sort of mark; not straightforward but unwise to write him off.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 10738-

Last run: 201 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Multiple 5f winner for David O'Meara and she handles testing ground well; unplaced in all six runs over this trip though and best watched on stable debut (sold for 13,000gns last October).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(6)

21st Oct 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Pontefract

May Blossom

8st 13lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Julie Camacho

Made it 2-3 here when winning over C&D (good to firm) in August and she's versatile ground-wise; worth a second look now back here but she needs to bounce back from two below-par performances.

12/1

10th

1

(6)

22nd Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

15:42 Hamilton

May Blossom

9st 13lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Julie Camacho

ducked sharply left start, in rear

12/1

42

20th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:15 Ayr

May Blossom

9st 6lb

T: Julie Camacho

Form: 554-47 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Five-time turf winner, the latest of them over 5f here last summer off 2lb higher; 6f on heavy ground might just stretch her stamina.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(1)

14th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Ey Up Its Maggie

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Handles most ground and she's gone close in two of her three C&D starts, but neither of her turf starts (on heavy; has handled the surface) this year have matched up, with and without cheekpieces (back on today); reservations for now.

14/1

10th

2

(1)

14th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Ey Up Its Maggie

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Handles most ground and she's gone close in two of her three C&D starts, but neither of her turf starts (on heavy; has handled the surface) this year have matched up, with and without cheekpieces (back on today); reservations for now.

14/1

9th

10

(2)

18th Apr 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:17 Ripon

Ey Up Its Maggie

9st 4lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Five-time turf winner, the latest of them over 5f here last summer off 2lb higher; 6f on heavy ground might just stretch her stamina.

14/1

Form: 00356- D

Last run: 244 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
His 2yo win came on fast ground but he did run well on soft last summer; down in the weights but stable may have stronger claims elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(7)

11th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

14:45 Carlisle

Braveheart Boy

9st 11lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

reared start, blindfold off late, lost many lengths start, joined main group halfway, soon no impression

16/1

8th

8

(9)

10th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

21:00 Pontefract

Braveheart Boy

9st 6lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Narrowly beat a notable rival in C&D novice event nearly two years ago; 0-14 in handicaps since but has possibilities off a reduced mark back here, provided he takes well to first-time headgear.

9/1

7th

10

(4)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

14:15 Musselburgh

Braveheart Boy

8st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

upset in stalls, awkward start and slowly into stride, in rear

16/1

8/1

Form: -71355 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Won two 6f AW handicaps this winter; not at best at Wolverhampton (7f) a fortnight ago; promise on heavy ground last year; each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(8)

18th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Rock Opera

9st 6lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Career record is 4-25; placed off this mark the last twice, 1l second to True Promise at Southwell (6f) back on AW latest; now gets a 6lb pull with that rival and Warren Fentiman takes off 7lb; firmly in the mix.

8/1

10th

9

(8)

18th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Rock Opera

9st 6lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Career record is 4-25; placed off this mark the last twice, 1l second to True Promise at Southwell (6f) back on AW latest; now gets a 6lb pull with that rival and Warren Fentiman takes off 7lb; firmly in the mix.

8/1

2nd

4

(7)

24th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Rock Opera

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Only 2lb higher than for his Doncaster win in June and he's run several good races in defeat since, most recently third of 11 in a useful 6f handicap at Ayr a fortnight ago; C&D winner who looks set to go well once more.

6/1

Form: 04445- D

Last run: 178 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
On a losing run but he's tumbled down the weights and he looked to retain a fair level of ability last year; sold for 21,000gns in October and given a wind op; handles bad ground well and he's a fascinating contender dropped back in trip on his first run for Ruth Carr; has often worn cheekpieces but they're absent today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(3)

11th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

16:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Fools Rush In

9st 7lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Ruth Carr

took keen hold, led at steady pace, headed 1f out, wandered around inside final furlong, weakened final 110yds

3/1

Form: 54809- D

Last run: 201 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Useful as a 2yo but he hasn't won since that season; didn't fire in three runs for Ruth Carr last summer; down in the weights but plenty to prove, not least the suitability of the ground; stable also run Fools Rush In.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £31.80
Straight Forecast £28.60
Tricast £337.97
Trifecta £471.40

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Illusionist

THE NORTH:

Fortamour

SPOTLIGHT:

Fools Rush In

Daily Mail:

Bay Breeze

The Sun:

Thornaby Pearl

Telegraph:

Fools Rush In

TOPSPEED:

Illusionist

POSTDATA:

Illusionist

The Guardian:

Illusionist

Daily Mirror:

Illusionist

The Star:

Illusionist

Daily Record:

Illusionist

The Times:

Fortamour

D Express:

Fortamour