August 16 / 15.20 Ripon

15.20

Good

William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap

  • Prize money: £51540
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 17 runners
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William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap

Runners: 17 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 28-868

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Looked a potential superstar early on for Sir Michael Stoute, finishing third in the 2022 Dewhurst; struggled in two of three runs last year and he's yet to feature in three Group races for new yard this year; drops in trip and class and he has more to prove than many.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(2)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:45 Sandown

Nostrum

9st 3lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Group 3 runner-up in June 2024; nothing like the same force subsequently but some encouragement can be taken from his stable/seasonal debut in the Victoria Cup at Ascot, where he was soundly beaten overall but was first of seven in the group that raced initially on the far side; he's not ruled out.

12/1

14th

21

(4)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Nostrum

9st 1lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Very promising early in career for his first stable but broadly hasn't lived up to expectations and his form went markedly awry last term for a second yard; big turnaround is required on debut for his third trainer; dismissed unless the betting speaks positively.

40/1

14th

7

(2)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Nostrum

8st 13lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: David O’Meara

Runner-up in Group 3 at Newmarket last June and very well treated on that form; watch the betting, but he was tailed off last September on his final run for Sir Michael Stoute and has struggled for his new stable this season.

33/1

Form: 411180 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
He's enjoyed a fine year and although he's come unstuck on his last two starts, he did too much early at York and then raced up the middle in the Stewards' Cup; earlier Ascot win off just 2lb lower was a fine effort; first visit to Ripon but he has won on the undulations at Epsom; drawn against the rail and a big run would seem likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:38 Beverley

Alzahir

10st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jennie Candlish

Recorded his sixth victory of the year with a career-best effort in 5.4f handicap at York 16 days ago; he's also a winner in the mud so must enter calculations once more.

5/1

1

(7)

7th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

15:00 York

Alzahir

9st 12lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

He has enjoyed a fine season, winning five handicaps, and he ran another sound race when fourth in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon three weeks ago; this intermediate trip should suit and he's versatile where the going is concerned; likely to run well but might find a few better treated.

10/1

2

(17)

16th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Alzahir

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Jennie Candlish

He's enjoyed a fine year and although he's come unstuck on his last two starts, he did too much early at York and then raced up the middle in the Stewards' Cup; earlier Ascot win off just 2lb lower was a fine effort; first visit to Ripon but he has won on the undulations at Epsom; drawn against the rail and a big run would seem likely.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 16/0-9 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Has two turf wins on his record but sprinting on the AW looks his forte; only seen twice since March 2023 and he has finished down the field on each occasion; enough to prove despite a reduced mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(3)

16th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

City Walk

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Has two turf wins on his record but sprinting on the AW looks his forte; only seen twice since March 2023 and he has finished down the field on each occasion; enough to prove despite a reduced mark.

14/1

9th

3

(10)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

City Walk

9st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Useful sprinter who has enough to prove over this new trip on return from lengthy absence; however, looks an interesting contender back on AW, with form figures in this sphere reading 44111; landed the Gosforth Park Cup here three years ago and market confidence should be heeded.

8/1

Form: 681072 D

Last run: 45 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Finished third in this race 12 months ago when rated 3lb lower; better than ever when winning a 6f handicap at Thirsk in May and similar form when second back at Thirsk last month; shouldn't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(6)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Secret Guest

9st 7lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Bryan Smart

Only won one of his last 28 starts but has slid to a competitive mark as a result and was unlucky not to finish closer behind The Good Biscuit and Jonny Concrete at Chester (hampered late); holds each-way claims.

16/1

6th

7

(3)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Secret Guest

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

He hasn't been at his best in recent starts but he has dipped to a dangerous mark and he has landed a good draw; this is a tough race in which to try and turn things around though.

16/1

8th

4

(4)

8th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

17:05 Catterick

Secret Guest

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

Mixed bag this winter but he returns to turf on a handy mark; this trip probably his best and a revival could be forthcoming.

8/1

Form: 561069 C

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
This year's two wins have both come on AW; his turf efforts have been less convincing though and others appeal more for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(6)

17th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 3

12:40 Lingfield (AW)

Prince Of Pillo

8st 11lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Richard Fahey

Not out of it on his best form but consistency isn't his strongest suit; up in class and others appeal more for win purposes.

14/1

14

(9)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 3

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Prince Of Pillo

9st 1lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Richard Fahey

His C&D win in April came off 5lb higher but little to celebrate since; needs the nine-week break to have revived his fortunes.

20/1

Form: 985182 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
No question he's a better horse on AW these days but he's handicapped accordingly; there is pace amongst the low numbers so he should get a tow into the race; too talented to dismiss.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(14)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Fivethousandtoone

9st 3lb

J: David Probert

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time AW winner, only 1-27 on grass; never the slightest threat on return to turf at Leicester; others have more convincing profiles.

16/1

11th

11

(6)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Fivethousandtoone

8st 7lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time AW winner who has finished close up on Tapeta (5f/6f) in his last three runs; record of 1-26 on turf but he's on a lower mark in this sphere and he ran well in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (6f, good to firm) last summer; dangerous.

8/1

2nd

13

(14)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Fivethousandtoone

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Three-time C&D winner, including this race in 2024 off a 2lb higher mark, and he has shaped well on his last two starts; he will need luck if it gets congested up the stands' rail but too much ability to rule out.

14/1

Form: 561444 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Strong traveller; saw off 15 rivals at York's Dante meeting (6f, good to firm) and he ran another fine race when a close fourth at York three weeks ago (6f, good); mark left unchanged and he's of obvious interest, for all this is his first visit to Ripon (handled Epsom's undulations on Derby day when unlucky in running).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(15)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Rousing Encore

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Promising second on reappearance at Newcastle and better than the bare results suggest since, meeting significant trouble in running in a big field at York last time; could play a major role if getting the breaks.

11/1

15th

19

(11)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Rousing Encore

8st 10lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Merely fifth on his last two starts, following a very promising second on his reappearance at Newcastle (6f, AW); however, he won this last year (good to firm) and is handicapped to be in the mix if he's back on song.

14/1

5th

2

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

18:27 Doncaster

Rousing Encore

9st 7lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Not much room for manoeuvre off this mark but has resumed in good form, latterly when inclined to pull hard at Newmarket (6f) in a race not run to suit; usually ridden patiently these days but has made all more than once in the past; a lot may hinge on how things unfold early.

8/1

Form: -09026 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Went desperately close over C&D in June when just 1lb lower; not so good back here 12 days ago but one of the pace influences amongst the high numbers and he has been rated much higher in the past.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(1)

28th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

16:23 Yarmouth

First Folio

9st 9lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

Five visits here have resulted in three wins and two places, all at 6f; made an encouraging return when fourth of nine at Ripon three weeks ago and he's slipped to a dangerous mark; tempting.

6/1

4th

6

(6)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

First Folio

9st 7lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

All of his four wins have been at Yarmouth (6f, good/good to firm) and latest was in September 2024; well treated on old form but he had a mixed record last season and was well held in the autumn on his final two runs; has a bit to prove after six months off and others are preferred.

12/1

3

(4)

12th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:37 Goodwood

First Folio

9st 4lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

7yo who has run some good races in defeat this season, finishing third of 17 at Ripon (6f, good to firm) in August and 3l second of five at Yarmouth (6f, good to soft) last time; this front-runner can make a bold bid.

8/1

Form: 0-2208 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Well backed when running out the comfortable winner of the consolation race here 12 months ago; two good AW runs in the spring but less good on turf twice this summer; likely this has been his main target all year and he's more appealing than many.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(4)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Grant Wood

9st 1lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Paul Midgley

Almost as good as ever at the age of seven and went down narrowly at Ripon (6f, good) earlier this month; hard to knock but this is a warm race and he faces some unexposed rivals.

14/1

3rd

5

(7)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

Grant Wood

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Began this year with two Newcastle wins (6f, Tapeta) but he was only eighth of ten there last month; has won over C&D but has a patchy profile and needs to step up again on this return to turf.

10/1

8th

8

(1)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Grant Wood

8st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Began the season with two C&D wins, the second an impressive one; only fourth at Wolverhampton last time but he was putting in good late work and that form has been well advertised since; another 4lb higher today but the return to Newcastle is in his favour.

5/1

Form: 206313 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Back to winning ways at Wolverhampton last month (6f, AW; always prominent); solid third at Chepstow (7f, good to soft) last week; nearly three years since his sole turf success (from 38 attempts) but he's likely to snare the far rail and shouldn't be discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

15

(15)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Intervention

9st 5lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Michael Appleby

Won last season's Great St Wilfrid at Ripon off a 7lb higher mark; didn't run badly at Nottingham (5f, good) on penultimate start and a wide draw offers an excuse at Chester since.

33/1

10th

13

(12)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Intervention

9st 5lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Won last season's Great St Wilfrid at Ripon off a 5lb higher mark; didn't run badly at Nottingham 12 days ago (5f, good) but he has a double-figure stall to contend with and could prove vulnerable.

16/1

4th

9

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 3

16:25 Nottingham

Intervention

8st 11lb

J: David Egan

T: Michael Appleby

Has a better strike-rate on AW than on turf and has done all his winning over 6f/7f; inconsistent since last success; 0-12 over 5f and doesn't look the answer.

16/1

Form: 143323 BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Prominent racer; successful at the second attempt for new connections when making all at Thirsk (5f, good to firm); string of good runs have followed, including over C&D 12 days ago, but possible 5f is his optimum.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(9)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Ascot

Kodiac Thriller

8st 10lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Mark Walford

Had a good season for new yard in 2025, winning on second start and running two excellent races at Ripon when returned to 6f, notably when first home on his side in the Great St Wilfrid (good to firm) in August; confirmed his liking for that course when winning there three weeks ago and needs to prove he's the same horse elsewhere.

8/1

1st

9

(8)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:45 Ripon

Kodiac Thriller

9st 3lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Mark Walford

Prominent-racer; did well for this yard last year, winning at Thirsk in May and running several good races in defeat, notably when best of the stands' rail group in the Great St Wilfrid over C&D; he needs to leave his low-key seasonal return well behind if he is to feature today though.

33/1

17th

16

(5)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

17:15 Doncaster

Kodiac Thriller

8st 9lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Mark Walford

Prominent-racer; did well for this yard last year, winning at Thirsk in May and running several good races in defeat, notably when best of the stands' rail group in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon; 1lb lower today and a big run could be forthcoming.

12/1

10/1

Form: 626567 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Only 2lb higher than for his AW win (6f) in March; in better form than his subsequent figures might suggest and he actually ran a solid race (rushed up after 1f from a wide stall) when seventh at Wolverhampton last month (behind Intervention); showed an aptitude for this track when best of the far-side group in last year's consolation race; big chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(12)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

18:38 Doncaster

Supreme King

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: David Evans

C&D winner two years ago who tends to stick to the AW these days; back up in the weights following a hat-trick in the winter and needs to bounce back from a lesser effort when last seen five weeks ago.

10/1

5th

5

(1)

10th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Supreme King

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: David Evans

0-8 here but completed a 6f hat-trick when scoring at Kempton (Polytrack; also won on Tapeta) in February; repeatedly denied a run when unlucky fifth next time and latest third (Hunky Dory fifth) was a solid effort a fortnight ago; considered.

5/1

3rd

6

(3)

26th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Supreme King

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: David Evans

Unlucky fifth, getting no sort of run, in the Kempton event won by Lazzar when bidding for a 6f four-timer; treated as still in form and still well handicapped (mark is unchanged); remains of interest at this level.

5/1

16/1

Form: 441741 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Won two of his last four starts, the latest a Chester claimer (7.5f, good to firm) for today's rider; no reason why he wouldn't give it another good go if the track proves suitable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(11)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Abduction

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Won over C&D off this mark last summer but does most racing now over further and wants a good test at this trip; said to have run flat last time but does have his good and bad days now for a yard responsible for two others; 2-4 for Kaiya Fraser.

12/1

8th

9

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Abduction

9st 0lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Jim Goldie

Won at Newcastle (7f, AW) in January and close fourth at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in February before winning over this C&D (good) a fortnight ago; it was a tight finish but he's gone up just 2lb; again in calculations.

9/2

1st

7

(4)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

18:15 Musselburgh

Abduction

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

6lb lower than when winning from a poor draw at Chester (7.6f, good to firm) last August and just 1lb higher than when successful at Newcastle (7f, AW) in January; ran well when a close fourth of 12 at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) last time and capable of playing a part; stable also runs Kelpie Grey.

7/1

Form: 807071 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Four wins in 6f handicaps on good ground this year, the latest over C&D (second win here) 12 days ago when running on well in the final furlong; 3lb rise shouldn't prevent another good run but he might not want the ground to dry out too much.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

(6)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Mister Sox

8st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

His six successes include four last season; retains all his ability but he's still above his last winning mark and he was only eighth at York last Saturday.

16/1

8th

8

(18)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Mister Sox

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Started 2025 with three wins; wasn't as forward for this year's reappearance but quickly back on form when second (Kats Bob fourth) of nine at Thirsk (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago.

12/1

2nd

4

(8)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Mister Sox

9st 7lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Started 2025 with three wins but didn't seem as forward for this year's reappearance, never threatening at Ripon 16 days ago; he'll need to have come on a bit but is nicely handicapped again if staging a revival.

11/1

Form: -08017 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Ready win in a small field at Yarmouth in June (6f, good; made all) but that effort head and shoulders above his other runs for new connections in 2025; others are much stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(2)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Beyond Borders

9st 7lb

J: William Pyle

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Currently 2-3 on Tapeta but he's generally struggled since leaving Karl Burke, his only win coming when allowed his own way in a small field last summer (been dropped in lately); the first-time tongue-tie will need to make a difference.

14/1

6th

2

(6)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 5

15:10 Catterick

Beyond Borders

9st 9lb

J: Sam James

T: Kevin Frost

5-24; hit by the handicapper after making all at Yarmouth (6f, good) last June, and has taken a while to come back down the weights (now 3lb below that winning mark); posted low-key seasonal reappearance at Leicester; cheekpieces introduced seeking more.

25/1

11

(9)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

Beyond Borders

8st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Kevin Frost

Scored off 3lb higher at Yarmouth (6f, good) last June but he's not come close to that form since and was seventh of nine on Leicester reappearance last month; plenty to prove and four of his five wins were as 2yo; cheekpieces added.

25/1

Form: 434373 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
He hasn't shone in three visits to Ripon but he comes here on the back of a cracking third in a stronger race at York three weeks ago (6f, good); won't be far away with a repeat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

(9)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

Rock Opera

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

In reasonably good form having made the frame in last two starts, rallying both times; on a two-year losing spell but remain 7lb below last winning mark; enters calculations.

6/1

4th

11

(1)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Rock Opera

8st 13lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Winless in two years but has slid to a handy mark and resumed in decent form; holds each-way claims but this is a stronger race than the Thirsk handicap in which he was a bit unlucky not to finish closer last time.

10/1

3rd

7

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Rock Opera

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Hold-up sprinter and on a losing run of 21; well handicapped as a consequence and should be sharper for his Ripon reappearance 16 days ago.

5/1

Form: 34104 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Wide-margin winner of a weak Wolverhampton novice (6f) in June; no progress in two handicaps since and opposable from 2lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

(5)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ascot

Azure Zain

9st 2lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Yet to win a handicap and he finished down the field on his seasonal return at Southwell in February; down in the weights but he has more to prove than many of these.

16/1

11th

1

(5)

11th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

16:14 Southwell (AW)

Azure Zain

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Easy win in 6f novice at Wolverhampton last June but he's not matched that form since; finished placed in two turf events in the autumn, but he didn't fire when favourite at Chelmsford in his final run last year; mark continues to fall but he's now 0-7 in handicaps and others are more convincing.

12/1

Selections

POSTDATA:

Mister Sox

SPOTLIGHT:

Supreme King

RP RATINGS:

Rousing Encore

NEWMARKET:

City Walk

Telegraph:

Kodiac Thriller

The Sun:

Secret Guest

The Star:

Prince Of Pillo

The Guardian:

Grant Wood

TOPSPEED:

Intervention

Daily Mirror:

Supreme King

Daily Mail:

Mister Sox

Daily Record:

Mister Sox

The Times:

Rousing Encore

D Express:

City Walk