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

12th

3

(4)

5th Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:40 Pontefract

Fortamour

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ben Haslam

Best known for his Ripon exploits and he finished down the field in his one visit to Pontefract; drying ground not in his favour and this veteran may prove vulnerable despite dropping in class.

25/1

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

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

2

(11)

5th Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Pontefract

The Good Biscuit

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Five wins and a second from his 13 visits to Pontefract; better than ever with his C&D success 11 days ago but he is 4lb higher in a stronger race and a double-figure stall isn't optimal.

7/2

1st

1

(8)

24th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:03 Pontefract

The Good Biscuit

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ruth Carr

Hit a rich vein of form this summer, including a pair of C&D wins on good to firm; not at best when fifth of nine at Thirsk (6f, good to soft) 19 days ago but his good Pontefract record makes him a dangerous one to discount.

10/1

5th

9

(6)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Thirsk

The Good Biscuit

9st 5lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Eight-time turf winner who has won three of his last four starts, including a comfortable success at Pontefract (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago; up another 5lb but he's been as good as ever this summer and could continue on an upward curve; respected.

11/2

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

3rd

14

(12)

2nd Oct 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 Ascot

Rock Opera

10st 12lb

J: Mr Eireann Cagney

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Has struggled since finishing first and second over 6f at Pontefract (both good) at the start of the summer but is well handicapped again; has yet to prove himself at 7f, though.

16/1

10th

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

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

2nd

14

(14)

5th Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:40 Pontefract

Valentine Catcher

8st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

He has been threatening in recent starts but he moves back up in class today and has the widest stall to overcome.

14/1

5th

3

(9)

26th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Ripon

Valentine Catcher

9st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

6f places off this mark on his last three outings, but 2-25 overall (below form on sole start here) and there's been no win since 2024.

5/1

3rd

9

(8)

8th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:02 Leicester

Valentine Catcher

9st 4lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Without a win since 2024 but posted his best effort of the season when third of 13 in 6f handicap at Hamilton six days ago; must enter calculations off the same mark.

7/2

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

6th

5

(17)

13th Oct 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:39 Leicester

Tiriac

9st 8lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Paul Midgley

Multiple 5f-6f winner who acts on slow ground; 0-9 in 2026 but his better efforts in that period would give him each-way claims, if the forecast slower ground proves to be advantageous.

10/1

4th

7

(12)

1st Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

16:50 Nottingham

Tiriac

9st 8lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Paul Midgley

Two 6f wins earlier in career but he does most of his racing over 5f these days; some promise over that trip at Hamilton in August but he hasn't looked like coining in on a favourable mark since; remains with queries.

12/1

6th

10

(4)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

16:15 Doncaster

Tiriac

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Paul Midgley

He's on a dangerous mark and will be right at home if slow ground prevails; things may click again at some point but slow starts are an issue and his form has been patchy this season.

11/1

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

13th

12

(5)

16th Oct 2026

Heavy

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:07 Haydock

American Bay

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Paul Midgley

Runner-up off 6lb higher at Redcar (5f, good) in June but hasn't kicked on from that and hopes are pinned on first-time blinkers prompting a revival; unproven on soft/heavy ground.

20/1

7th

6

(5)

19th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

American Bay

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Went very close off 5lb higher at Wolverhampton (5f, Tapeta) in March but he's been up and down since; had an excuse in the mud at Haydock last time but losing run is now up to 13 and others are more convincing.

16/1

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

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