April 17 / 15.42 Ripon

15.42

Good

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: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £16.20
  • Place: £4.80

Form: 79502- CD

Last run: 180 days

W: 9st 9lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Grand old horse, the winner of 16 of his 71 races including the 2019 C&D Great St Wilfrid; one win last year the last time he contested a Class 4, although faced only three rivals then; has no great record when fresh; doesn't want the ground to dry out too much.
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

6/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 74022- D BF

Last run: 126 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Formerly smart handicapper; hasn't won since 2023 but runner-up in Class 4 handicaps on last two starts, the latest in December; fitness to be taken on trust, but goes on any ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(8)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Pontefract

Aberama Gold

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Prolific winner, mainly over 6f, the latest when 2lb higher at Catterick (6f, good) in April; went close when on this mark in successive starts last month, before a below-par effort in a big-field York sprint latest; player if he can bounce back.

7/1

20th

6

(18)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Aberama Gold

9st 7lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

C&D winner; runner-up on his last two starts but this is more competitive and more minor money may be his best hope.

10/1

2nd

1

(6)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

15:40 Catterick

Aberama Gold

10st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Not the force of old but won over C&D (good) off 2lb higher in April and last week's second at Epsom (6f, good to firm) confirms he's back in form; bold show likely.

11/4

11/2

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 31039- CD

Last run: 180 days

W: 9st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
6-20 record at Ripon including winning this race in 2022 and last year; however, off since October and may not want the ground to dry out.
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

20/1

Form: 24297- D

Last run: 174 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Ex-Jack Channon; hasn't won since 2023 and needs to run as well as ever for new stable; sold for 9,000gns in October; acts on fast and soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(4)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

18:45 Pontefract

The Good Biscuit

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Won at Catterick (6f, good to firm) last month and beat three rivals to follow up over this C&D (good to firm); not written off after just one lesser run but he was only sixth of eight behind Alfa Whiteburd over C&D (good to firm) 11 days ago and has to bounce back.

9/1

6th

1

(1)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Pontefract

The Good Biscuit

9st 12lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Goes well here and arrives seeking a hat-trick after wins at Catterick and over C&D (readily latest; both good to firm); carries penalty but on last week's evidence that may still not stop him.

7/2

5th
14 (13)
Danzan

14/1

Form: 03325- D

Last run: 174 days

W: 8st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Last win came over 7f in 2023, off since October; third behind Fortamour in this race on last season's reappearance, but the ground was heavy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(7)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

12:50 Catterick

Danzan

9st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran who retains some gusto and won from the front at Ayr (6f, good to soft) in July; however, his last two efforts have been well below par and he could be vulnerable to younger legs.

16/1

6th

5

(2)

21st Sep 2025

Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 5

16:43 Hamilton

Danzan

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran who retains some gusto but registered his sole win this term in Class 6; it's over two years since last success above that level.

12/1

125

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Danzan

8st 7lb

T: Tim Easterby

25/1

Form: 0095-0 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Two 6f wins on testing turf in France before sold for 20,000euros last year; well beaten at Doncaster on stable debut on reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

4

(8)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:40 Thirsk

La Rochette

9st 9lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Tracy Waggott

On a long losing sequence and she was retried in cheekpieces when beating just one in 5f Newcastle handicap in February last time; others appeal more.

12/1

9th

3

(9)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:42 Newcastle (AW)

La Rochette

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tracy Waggott

Fourth (beaten 1l+) to Azucena over C&D on penultimate start, and wasn't far off the principals when fifth to Digital (Shatin Venture second, Azucena fourth) here nine days ago; possible she's able to take advantage of joint career-low mark.

12/1

5th

8

(10)

15th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

La Rochette

9st 1lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Tracy Waggott

Handicap mark has tumbled for this yard and there have been more positive signs on her last two starts; better off with the three runners who beat her over C&D last month and not ruled out.

7/1

Form: 00320- D

Last run: 150 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Two Class 4 sprint handicap wins last year; competitively weighted if ready after five months off; may not want rain.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(7)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

20:10 Southwell (AW)

Rock Opera

9st 2lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won off reduced mark at Pontefract (6f, good) in June and also has a C&D success on his CV but needs to up his game after three down-the-field turf runs this summer (6f-7f).

16/1

11th

1

(5)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:37 Doncaster

Rock Opera

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Resumed winning ways at Pontefract (6f) in June but below par in big-field 6f handicaps at York on his last two runs; this course scorer needs to bounce back on a rare run over 7f.

9/1

13th

22

(14)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Rock Opera

8st 2lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Run of in-frame efforts came to an end here two weeks ago but he still ran with more promise than his finishing position suggests; still likely vulnerable at this level.

25/1

7/1

Form: 00900- CD

Last run: 180 days

W: 9st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
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.
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: 0/1-25 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Won Class 4 Wolverhampton handicap in December on return with former stable after 15 months off; beaten in two starts this year, but still well weighted on his best; form on good to firm and good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(6)

1st Jun 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:45 Chelmsford (AW)

Cairn Gorm

9st 12lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Michael Appleby

Made a winning stable debut at Wolverhampton in December (6f), overcoming a 448-day absence in the process; he hasn't kicked on from that in three runs since and connections now reach for cheekpieces.

14/1

5

(6)

1st Jun 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:45 Chelmsford (AW)

Cairn Gorm

9st 12lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Michael Appleby

Made a winning stable debut at Wolverhampton in December (6f), overcoming a 448-day absence in the process; he hasn't kicked on from that in three runs since and connections now reach for cheekpieces.

14/1

9th

3

(1)

17th Apr 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:42 Ripon

Cairn Gorm

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Michael Appleby

raced far side, prominent, weakened inside final furlong, 1st of 2 in group

8/1

Form: 42/15- D

Last run: 231 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Had only five starts, winning twice (6f, soft/good to firm) including Class 4 Nottingham handicap last summer; off since August but both the wins came first up for the season; could progress again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(6)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

17:20 Hamilton

Valentine Catcher

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

No threat to the easy winner but his staying-on second at Carlisle three weeks ago was still a fair effort; conditions shouldn't be an issue but others appeal more for win purposes.

8/1

2nd

9

(7)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

16:15 Carlisle

Valentine Catcher

9st 3lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Placed twice off higher marks this spring, latterly when third over nearly 7f here (good) in May; safely held twice since, though, (7f/1m) and reverts to sprinting with a bit to prove.

33/1

7th

9

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 5

14:35 Doncaster

Valentine Catcher

9st 2lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Soundly beaten at Redcar (7f, good) a fortnight ago, so his losing run continues, but he was in good heart previously and kept on well when making the frame at Ayr (7f, good to firm) and Carlisle (7f, good); this first crack at 1m is worth a go and he's not ruled out each-way.

33/1

11th
10 (4)
Tiriac

12/1

Form: 45655- D BF

Last run: 204 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Ex-Jack Channon; won two 6f Class 4 handicaps last term; sold for 20,000gns in October; suited by good and testing ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(4)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Beverley

Tiriac

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Paul Midgley

Well handicapped and loves slow ground; in better form than his formfigures suggest but the worry is his tendency to blow the start.

7/1

6th

3

(5)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

20:00 Hamilton

Tiriac

9st 5lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

1lb below his last winning mark but usually misses the break and has finished out of the frame in all five starts this year; rain would help.

10/1

5th

5

(6)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:03 Newcastle (AW)

Tiriac

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Can blow the start but he won two C&D handicaps in late 2025 and is well treated on that form; trainer has won the last two renewals of this race; high on the list.

8/1

Form: 46395- D

Last run: 264 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Ex-Karl Burke; hasn't won since 2023; off since July; sold for 22,000gns this January; needs to run as well as ever; goes on most ground; newly gelded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

18

(9)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Beyond Borders

9st 3lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Gemma Tutty

The addition of a tongue-tie saw him return to winning ways at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) in June; the tongue-tie was left off on last month's stable debut and he ran creditably in fifth at Southwell; this may prove too competitive.

16/1

5th

9

(1)

27th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

18:05 Southwell (AW)

Beyond Borders

9st 6lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Gemma Tutty

Made it 3-4 on Tapeta when winning off 4lb lower early last month; a poor effort on turf a few weeks ago will need forgiving but he's the type to respond positively to a change of yard and the headgear coming off, so holds possibilities.

20/1

6th

2

(3)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

19:00 Nottingham

Beyond Borders

10st 0lb

J: William Pyle

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Triple turf winner who made it 3-5 on AW when leading close home at Wolverhampton (6f; tongue-tie added) last month; ran another good race when a close second at Ripon (6f, good) last time and he's respected off only 1lb higher.

4/1

14/1

Form: 5415-6 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Was useful for Harry Charlton including 6f Redcar novice win last season, before being sold for 30,000gns; must do more than on reappearance and stable debut at Wolverhampton, but that's possible; acts on good to firm and good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(12)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:47 Haydock

American Bay

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

He has finished runner-up twice this season, including at Redcar (5f, good) off 4lb higher, but he failed to justify support when seventh at Beverley three weeks ago; career-low mark but his modest strike-rate (2-27) tempers confidence and there's a soft-ground query too.

12/1

7th

4

(4)

13th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

American Bay

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Runner-up off 2lb higher at Redcar (5f, good to firm) in June; respectable fifth (Castan sixth) of 12 at Thirsk (5f, good) 12 days ago; enters calculations for last year's winning yard.

5/1

5th

4

(8)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:17 Thirsk

American Bay

9st 10lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Paul Midgley

C&D winner; below par in a big field at York (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago but plenty of form this season that makes him of interest; Jack Callan's claim a bonus; one to consider back at 5f.

8/1

Non-runners

Wobwobwob

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £62.60
Straight Forecast £109.15
Tricast £1072.86
Trifecta £229.50

Selections

The Guardian:

Dakota Gold

RP RATINGS:

Valentine Catcher

POSTDATA:

Aberama Gold

The Times:

American Bay

The Star:

The Good Biscuit

SPOTLIGHT:

Wobwobwob

D Express:

Fortamour

TOPSPEED:

Mr Wagyu

Telegraph:

Valentine Catcher

The Sun:

Aberama Gold

Daily Mail:

Dakota Gold

Daily Mirror:

Dakota Gold

Daily Record:

Dakota Gold