September 28 / 15.20 Ripon

15.20

Heavy

Ripon Cathedral City Of The Dales Handicap

  • Prize money: £20616
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Ripon Cathedral City Of The Dales Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 120343 BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Odds-on when running away with a Catterick novice (7f, heavy) on his reappearance in April; he's been a beaten favourite in all five handicaps since, showing a good level of form since a wind op in May; still has time on his side but patience is wearing thin.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

16

(19)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Eye Of Dubai

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Scored at Ripon (6f) in September but yet to hit top form in four runs this season, beating only one back there (6f) 13 days ago; mark is plummeting but he still needs to take a step forward.

25/1

13th

9

(1)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Eye Of Dubai

8st 2lb

J: James Sullivan

T: John & Sean Quinn

His record over C&D reads 121 and he has slipped to a dangerous mark after three low-key runs in 2026; looks the type to revive soon but perhaps when faced with slower ground than he'll encounter today.

20/1

8th

1

(1)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

19:30 Hamilton

Eye Of Dubai

10st 2lb

J: P J McDonald

T: John & Sean Quinn

He's failed to shine on both starts this season but is on a handy mark on last season's best form and is likely to get back on track sooner or later; today's drop back in grade could help in that regard.

10/1

9/1

  • Place: £3.90

Form: 533023 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Had a wind operation in June and he's returned with two good runs, second to Makanah at Redcar before a fine third in the Great St Wilfrid six weeks ago; runs off the same mark but others might be better suited by the underfoot conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(3)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Ripon

Secret Guest

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

No win since May 2025 (Thirsk) but is rated 14lb lower as a result; had every chance when fourth of ten at Newmarket (6f, good to firm; beaten over 6l) 17 days ago; more required here with Paul Mulrennan back aboard.

10/1

4th

5

(9)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Newmarket (July)

Secret Guest

9st 5lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Bryan Smart

Sole start here saw him finish eighth in the 2023 edition of this; picked up a Thirsk handicap last May but no wins since and his last two efforts have been modest, albeit he fluffed the start last time; career-low mark.

11/1

10th

3

(3)

27th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

18:05 Southwell (AW)

Secret Guest

9st 9lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Bryan Smart

Lacks consistency now and has become hard to win with; down to a career-low mark but his record here is far from exciting and he's some way down the pecking order.

16/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 143310 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

13

(18)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:32 York

Fortamour

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ben Haslam

10yo who went close at Ripon (6f, good) in May and stumbled at the start when an unplaced favourite there last month; however, his last eight wins have come at Ripon or Newcastle and he's 0-8 at York.

20/1

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

OUR TIP
4th
2 (10)
Baradar

9/1

Form: 470707 BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
It's been a struggle for him so far this year, including back under favourable conditions at Doncaster 13 days ago, but he's down to a good mark and possible the switch to blinkers will pique his interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Baradar

9st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Won the International at Ascot and a 6.5f course handicap on soft at the St Leger meeting in a very good 2023 campaign; has failed to hit the same heights this year but now dangerously well handicapped and recent efforts have been a bit better.

11/1

6th

5

(6)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Baradar

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: George Boughey

He's had a disappointing campaign but has dropped down the weights and took a big step back in the right direction in first-time blinkers (retained) when a close fourth at Ripon (6f, soft) last Saturday, having been slowly away; this course winner may be able to build on that latest performance.

6/1

4th

2

(10)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Baradar

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: George Boughey

It's been a struggle for him so far this year, including back under favourable conditions at Doncaster 13 days ago, but he's down to a good mark and possible the switch to blinkers will pique his interest.

9/1

10/1

Form: 821279 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Veteran who was in good form in the first half of the year; his form has dipped the last twice but he's drawn against the rail, has won a Great St Wilfrid on soft ground and could bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

11

(13)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Dakota Gold

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Michael Dods

Smart in his prime and a multiple winner over the years but became disappointing after last season's winning reappearance and was last of 20 when back in action at York in May; needs to turn things around.

33/1

20th

11

(2)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Dakota Gold

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Tremendous stable servant over the years with 17 wins; understandably not the force of old but won on 2025 reappearance (off 6lb higher) and has a strong York record (6-18).

25/1

Form: 005841 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Always been useful on AW and he's been enjoying himself on slow turf this year, winning at Goodwood in May (6f, heavy) and producing a career-best when dominating a 6.5f handicap at Doncaster two weeks ago; hit with a 5lb rise but he might be able to snare the rail from stall 11 and is set for another big run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

(11)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Baldomero

9st 0lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Michael Appleby

Yet to score this term but his sixth of 21 at the Ebor festival (6f, good to firm) indicated he might be rediscovering his level; that didn't prove the case at Windsor last time but he's too well handicapped to ignore and rain would certainly not hinder him.

10/1

9th

16

(11)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Baldomero

8st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Saw out 2025 with three AW wins from his final four starts but he's played only minor roles in turf handicaps this year, including when beaten nearly 5l behind King Of Light over C&D in May; could do with some rain or, failing that, a return to the AW as he's well treated now.

25/1

6th

15

(12)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Baldomero

8st 10lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Michael Appleby

Ended 2025 in fine form on AW; 0-7 in 2026 but he has slipped 6lb below his last winning mark and has Toby Moore taking another 7lb off his back; suspicion a few will prove stronger.

33/1

Form: -65094 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Two good course runs as a 2yo; shaped with abundant promise on her seasonal return at York in June (6f, good to soft) and although she hasn't built on it, there have been excuses along the way; not seen to best effect in a slowly run 7f event last time and this should see her in a better light.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(4)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:56 Redcar

Tropical Island

9st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Richard Fahey

Made the running and sprang 40-1 shock in Listed race at Galway (7f, soft) in July but has run poorly in another Listed event over 6f at Pontefract (fractious in the stalls) since.

20/1

1

(8)

17th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:42 Pontefract

Tropical Island

9st 7lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Richard Fahey

Made the running and sprang 40-1 shock in Listed race at Galway (7f, soft) last month; won over 6f on good ground at Ripon in May; carries a 3lb penalty today and has to back up that latest form, but is not ruled out.

7/1

1st

5

(15)

31st Jul 2025

Yielding

0m 7f 0y

15:20 Galway

Tropical Island

9st 7lb

J: Luke McAteer

T: Richard Fahey

Belied her 150-1 odds with a fourth-place finish in a Listed race at Chelmsford (7f, AW); failed to build on that at Pontefract; appears short of the standard required to win a Listed race

10/1

Form: 824752 D BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Two 6f wins for Julie Camacho in 2022; all runs for Tim Easterby have been over 7f or 1m, winning twice last season; contender on the pick of this year's form and the more rain that falls the better it should be for him, but he folded late on when one of the market leaders at Haydock yesterday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(11)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:32 York

Quest For Fun

9st 5lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

8yo who has displayed mixed form this season and was below par over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago, but he showed spark when third of 22 over C&D (good) two starts ago and he has an excellent record in this race, having won it in 2023 and dead-heated for first last year; respected.

15/2

12th

19

(15)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Quest For Fun

8st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Two-time C&D winner and has also run with distinction in defeat here on numerous occasions; retains plenty of ability despite his advancing years but he would be better suited by slower conditions.

9/1

12

(9)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 York

Quest For Fun

9st 6lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Plenty of C&D form in big fields, notably wins on good to soft in July of 2023 and 2025; behind Leadman when fifth at the Dante meeting last month but well in front of David O'Meara's charge and looked a bit unlucky (met trouble) when third of 22 back here three weeks ago; solid.

6/1

14/1

Form: 6-1000 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Three heavy defeats have followed his impressive Doncaster win in April (6f, soft); not the easiest to predict but conditions won't be an issue and he's dangerous to write off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(5)

25th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Magical Spirit

8st 10lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

8yo who has finished down the field on his last four runs and needs a major turnaround; however, he's just 1lb higher than when winning in a big field over C&D (soft) in April on his last run here, and his good record at Doncaster also includes a win in this race in 2021; dangerous to dismiss.

12/1

9th

3

(8)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Magical Spirit

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Three heavy defeats have followed his impressive Doncaster win in April (6f, soft); not the easiest to predict but conditions won't be an issue and he's dangerous to write off.

14/1

15th

3

(9)

17th Aug 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Magical Spirit

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

raced near side

33/1

10/1

Form: 000226 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Good second to a progressive rival at Goodwood on his return to 6f last month; also second in a slowly run handicap at Ascot next time; form dipped at Doncaster 13 days ago though (not well positioned) and this mark probably high enough now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(2)

28th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Tacarib Bay

9st 12lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Richard Hannon

raced far side

10/1

6th

2

(2)

15th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

16:15 Doncaster

Tacarib Bay

9st 5lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

in rear

13/2

2nd

1

(3)

7th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:55 Ascot

Tacarib Bay

10st 0lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Both turf wins on soft and won a Listed race on AW in November; ducks and dives regarding the trip but he nearly made his first 6f turf handicap a winning one at Goodwood recently; back up 4lb but has course form at 7f; interesting.

11/2

20/1

Form: 481069 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
His turf wins have come on good or faster and limited encouragement on slower than good; his last two 6f runs have resulted in a comfortable Pontefract win and a fair sixth in the Great St Wilfrid; the ground is a concern though.
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

Non-runners

Makanah

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £74.50
Straight Forecast £73.45
Tricast £678.09
Trifecta £528.60

Selections

Telegraph:

Baldomero

POSTDATA:

Quest For Fun

SPOTLIGHT:

Tropical Island

The Sun:

Eye Of Dubai

RP RATINGS:

Tacarib Bay

NEWMARKET:

Baradar

TOPSPEED:

The Turpinator

The Times:

Dakota Gold

D Express:

Tropical Island

Daily Mail:

Baldomero

Daily Mirror:

Baldomero

The Star:

Baldomero

The Guardian:

Quest For Fun

Daily Record:

Quest For Fun