September 27 / 15.25 Ripon

15.25

Good To Soft

Ripon Cathedral City Of The Dales Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
SKY
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Ripon Cathedral City Of The Dales Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 033800

Last run: 56 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Hard to win with nowadays, often hamstrung by slow starts; it has been a long time since his handicap mark dipped under 100 though (May 2022) and if he takes to the track then a big run could be on the cards.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(12)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Slow starter; on a long losing run; creditable effort at Chester four weeks ago but this stiff 7f isn't sure to suit.

20/1

6th

7

(11)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: K R Burke

Slow-starter; on a dangerous mark but he is without a win since October 2023 and one 7f run didn't see him improve for the trip.

28/1

10th

9

(13)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Korker

9st 1lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Useful on his day but is on a long losing run and has a doubt over current form; by no means sure to take advantage of a reduced mark.

25/1

Form: 921111 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Three-time course winner, the latest when scoring comfortably over 5f last month; easy wins in successive days in early September (good to firm and heavy); now 24lb higher than when starting his winning spree and he will require another career best to overcome latest 11lb rise; certainly can't be ignored though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(6)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

19:28 Newcastle (AW)

Another Baar

9st 9lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

On a tough mark after a big-race win in Bahrain in January; no impact in two runs this month and he is due to be 3lb lower from the weekend.

33/1

6th

1

(5)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Another Baar

9st 9lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Three course wins, two over 6f, the other at 5f; this season's win was a 13-runner event at Bahrain in January (5f, good to firm); hasn't run quite as well since, but may have needed it when 5.25l tenth of 20 in the Epsom Dash last time (5f, good to soft; 66-1); a possible.

7/1

10th

2

(4)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Another Baar

9st 11lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Acts on any ground; having dropped in the weights he enjoyed a revival last August/September, rattling off a four-timer (5f-5.3f); had a stint in Bahrain over the winter, unplaced on four occasions but recording a career best when winning a 5f event (good to firm) in January; looks on a tough mark back in Britain.

40/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4-8007 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Ended 2024 in fine form, winning handicaps at Newmarket and Pontefract before a good fourth in a Doncaster Listed race; unplaced in all four runs this year but does appear to retain ability (blew start at Ayr last week when the blindfold was slow to be removed); on a manageable mark again but drying ground not ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 6f 2y

Class 2

13:33 Doncaster

Sophias Starlight

9st 8lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Record of 7-24 on turf; made all at Pontefract (6f) on Monday, scoring with something to spare and confirming that she's well suited by soft ground; may well remain competitive, even with 5lb penalty.

8/1

3

(4)

20th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:33 Pontefract

Sophias Starlight

9st 8lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Won this 12 months ago off 3lb higher before a good fourth in a Doncaster Listed race; this season started slowly but the blindfold was removed late on her penultimate start and she did a solo when fifth of 12 at Ripon; not ruled out.

9/4

Form: 1-1200 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Short-priced favourite when winning an Ayr maiden on his debut and a Pontefract novice on his 3yo return; solid effort on his handicap debut at Windsor in June but found the Commonwealth Cup too hot to handle 18 days later; no improvement for 7f at Ascot three weeks ago; tongue tie now reached for; risky but Richard Fahey won this with a 3yo in 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(4)

1st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Thirsk

Strong Warrior

10st 0lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won his first two starts in maiden/novice company; second of nine at Windsor (6f, good to firm) on his handicap debut last June but it has been tougher going since; latest third at Ripon was a promising enough return to action though and he should give a good account.

7/1

3rd

3

(6)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Strong Warrior

9st 3lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Shaped well on his first four career starts, winning an Ayr maiden (5f, good) and a Pontefract novice (6f, good); disappointing since, including on first run after being gelded (AW) last time; back after a break.

14/1

12th

5

(8)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Warrior

9st 6lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Won his first two starts and he was a close second on his handicap debut last June (6f, good to firm); struggled thereafter, albeit pitched into a Group 1 at Royal Ascot; gelded during his 132-day absence; could still have some potential and switching to AW shouldn't be a problem.

12/1

Form: -98100 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
C&D winner; responded well to a change of tactics when making all at Pontefract in July (6f, good); not so good in either start since but not handicapped out of things if bouncing back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(9)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Aleezdancer

9st 6lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner; responded well to a change of tactics when making all at Pontefract in July (6f, good); not so good in either start since but not handicapped out of things if bouncing back.

12/1

11

(12)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Aleezdancer

8st 12lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Inconsistent 6yo who hasn't gone beyond a bare 6f for a long time and finished down the field at York in July when last seen; however, he won at Pontefract (6f, good) earlier that month and has shown some strong form here in the past (including a soft-ground win); could go well.

20/1

12

(2)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Aleezdancer

9st 0lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner; exploited his drop down the weights when making all at Pontefract 18 days ago (6f, good); still has handicapping scope despite a 4lb rise; one to consider.

12/1

Form: 002053 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won the corresponding race 12 months ago (soft ground) off 3lb lower; slow to come to hand this year but the addition of cheekpieces perked him up when second to Mister Sox over C&D last month; bounced back from two lesser efforts with a good third in the Ayr Silver Cup last week; runs off the same mark and he has the ability to go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

10th

10

(12)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 2

17:55 Epsom

Eye Of Dubai

8st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Has the ability to take a serious hand but he ran well below market expectations in this race last year and another reappearance duck egg doesn't augur well; has shown peak form in autumn months.

22/1

11th

5

(9)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Eye Of Dubai

9st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Capable of being involved but is by no means certain to shine in this spring reappearance, having shown his best handicap form in autumn months; the market signals may offer further guidance.

16/1

Form: 313159 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Better known for his AW exploits but he enjoyed a big win on turf when making all up the far rail to win the Great St Wilfrid over C&D last month (good to firm); two lesser efforts have followed; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 5

14:10 Chester

Intervention

9st 8lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

On a good mark, fully 14lb lower than when winning last season's Great St Wilfrid, but 0-14 at 5f and he is drawn out wide.

25/1

7th

7

(5)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

16:40 Doncaster

Intervention

9st 5lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael Appleby

12lb lower than for his win in the Great St Wilfrid last August (6f, good to firm); mixed bag in 2026 but he is the type to pop up soon, albeit probably over a shorter trip.

16/1

8th

11

(10)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

14:30 Doncaster

Intervention

8st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Michael Appleby

Won last season's Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (6f, good to firm) off a 9lb higher mark; some creditable efforts since but he's hard to predict and has struggled at Chester and York in his last two starts; comes with risks attached and he needs to bounce back on this drop back in trip.

18/1

Form: -34253

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Her handicap mark has risen 21lb in the last 12 months despite only having a Beverley maiden win to show for it; good third at Thirsk three weeks ago (7f, good) where she travelled powerfully through the race but was headed close home; returning to 6f should be fine but another nudge up the weights won't help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(2)

7th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:18 Pontefract

Beaujolais Nouveau

8st 13lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Responded well to first-time cheekpieces and a drop in the weights when winning at Ripon (6f, good) in May and beaten less than a length into fifth of 12 off this mark at York (6f, good) last month; shouldn't be far away.

4/1

5th

2

(4)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 York

Beaujolais Nouveau

9st 11lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Returned to her best when winning a handicap with something to spare in first-time cheekpieces at Ripon (6f, good) four weeks ago; a 7lb rise asks a stiffer question of her today though.

7/1

Form: 411-25 D

Last run: 91 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Ended 2024 on the up and he reappeared with an excellent second at Hamilton in June (6f, good to soft); another good run at York two weeks later; other pace influences and drying ground could count against him today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(1)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

13:35 Chester

Station X

8st 13lb

J: David Probert

T: Bryan Smart

His two turf wins (6f) came on soft and heavy; in good form this year and he made all at Southwell (6f, AW) in April; latest fourth at Carlisle was a fair effort on Tuesday and he's well drawn to attack.

7/2

4th

1

(12)

9th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:42 Carlisle

Station X

10st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

All his wins have been at 6f, the latest at Southwell in April, but effective at 5f; goes particularly well on soft/heavy ground so today's conditions should be ideal; fair run last time at Hamilton (1.25l sixth of 13); could go well from his high draw.

6/1

Form: 761670 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; made all to win at Thirsk in July off 1lb lower; his form has dipped on his last two starts and there are plenty of other pace influences to contend with in today's field; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

(12)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Manila Scouse

9st 10lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Close up on consecutive outings in May (5f/6f) and also ran well when sixth of 21 at York (6f, good; behind Woven) last month; still on a workable mark and ought to be in the thick of things again.

8/1

6th

13

(9)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Manila Scouse

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Exposed 7yo but he arrives in good form, beaten only a neck at Thirsk two weeks ago; 0-8 at York but has run well here on several occasions; should be thereabouts.

7/1

Form: 071548 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Four wins this year, two of them over C&D, and he wasn't beaten far at Thirsk on his penultimate start; another solid run in the Ayr Bronze Cup last week and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

16

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Mister Sox

9st 4lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

He has been threatening to add to his six wins, with a third at Pontefract and second at Thirsk on his last two starts; on the downside he has been unplaced in all seven visits to York.

7/1

2nd

11

(11)

1st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Thirsk

Mister Sox

9st 0lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

He has run well over C&D in the past, including in May, and he didn't run badly when third of six in a Class 3 handicap at Pontefract (6f, good) ten days ago; each-way shout.

6/1

3rd

7

(1)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Pontefract

Mister Sox

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Comfortably beat Rock Opera over C&D in spring 2025, albeit was in better form at the time, that success the middle leg of a hat-trick; not solid on 2026 results but has slipped to an attractive mark.

14/1

16/1

Form: 230490 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
His last six wins have come over C&D on good ground or slower; only midfield in the Ayr Bronze Cup last week but these conditions will see him in a better light; 3lb out of the weights but that's still manageable on this year's best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

2nd

9

(2)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

Fortamour

8st 13lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Ben Haslam

Six-time course winner but well held in his three runs this year and latest was over C&D (good to soft) last month; has form figures of 1242 in this race in the last four years but he needs to turn things around off a sliding mark.

12/1

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Another Baar

SPOTLIGHT:

Eye Of Dubai

Telegraph:

Mister Sox

TOPSPEED:

Manila Scouse

D Express:

Korker

POSTDATA:

Eye Of Dubai

The Times:

Another Baar

The Guardian:

Another Baar

Daily Mail:

Another Baar

Daily Mirror:

Another Baar

The Sun:

Another Baar

The Star:

Another Baar

Daily Record:

Another Baar