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

8th

8

(9)

2nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:52 Chester

Korker

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

On a long losing run but he has dropped to a dangerous mark and his latest Newcastle run confirmed he retains a good chunk of ability, surging to the front 1f out but failing to see out the stiff 7f; this easier test should suit and he can't be discounted.

10/1

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

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

17th

22

(22)

19th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

13:50 York

Another Baar

8st 10lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Won a local Group 1 in Bahrain in January but got clobbered by the handicapper as a result; slipping back to a more realistic mark but drawn highest and others bring much more pressing claims.

50/1

7th

4

(13)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 2

19:30 Hamilton

Another Baar

9st 8lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Landed a 5f Bahrain handicap in January but has struggled since; the handicapper is starting to relent but others are still preferred.

33/1

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

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

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

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

3rd

11

(8)

12th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 75y

Class 4

15:45 Beverley

Intervention

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael Appleby

Hurtling down the weights but for good reason as this multiple winner is looking very regressive.

33/1

15th

17

(1)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:32 York

Intervention

8st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Fully 15lb lower than when winning at Lingfield (6f, AW) last December but this 9yo has regressed in recent months; has to turn things around.

40/1

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

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

8th

8

(4)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Beverley

Beaujolais Nouveau

8st 13lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

C&D winner; campaigned over 6f+ since her 2yo days; better than ever this year but she looks to face a stiff task in this company; new visor replaces cheekpieces.

40/1

4th

6

(1)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Goodwood

Beaujolais Nouveau

9st 3lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

First-time cheekpieces and a reduced mark when coming good again at Ripon (6f, good) in May and she was close up in Bintaryana's race at York next time; the latter form in particular raises hopes but she was off her game last time at Pontefract.

33/1

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

6

(8)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

17:00 Chester

Station X

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

Two wins this year, the latest a front-running C&D success in June; solid third off this mark at Hamilton 11 days ago; has other pace to contend with this time.

9/1

3rd

1

(4)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

Station X

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

Front-runner whose three turf wins have all been on ground slower than good, the most recent coming when holding on at Chester (6f, good to soft) two months ago; may not have things all his own way in front but commands respect off this 2lb higher mark.

4/1

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

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

12th

13

(10)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Manila Scouse

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Back to winning ways at Ayr (6f) in July but well below par both runs since and he failed to beat a rival in Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last time; needs to take a major step forward.

33/1

14th

10

(13)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Manila Scouse

8st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

0-5 at Ripon but he has run well here; back near his best when seeing off 16 rivals at Ayr last month but a subsequent Hamilton run (5f) was underwhelming; still feasibly weighted despite being 1lb wrong but he is another who would make more appeal on a slower surface.

16/1

10th

10

(2)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 2

19:30 Hamilton

Manila Scouse

9st 1lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Running well this year, including close third to Vantheman over C&D in May, and he posted a deserved win in a big field at Ayr (6f, good) 26 days ago; raised 5lb but he was very competitive off similar marks in 2024.

9/1

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

3rd

7

(2)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:13 Ripon

Mister Sox

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

A four-time scorer (including twice over C&D) in 2025; back on track with fifth of 20 over C&D 17 days ago when first home in his group; must enter calculations off the same mark in a change of headgear.

5/1

5th

14

(1)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Mister Sox

9st 4lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Two C&D wins last year and he is now 5lb lower than for the second of them; needs to bounce back from some modest efforts but that's quite possible under these conditions.

16/1

5th

7

(4)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Pontefract

Mister Sox

9st 3lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

C&D winner; all wins on good or slower but acts on fast ground; 1l second from this mark at Thirsk last month but needs to shrug off two lesser efforts.

9/1

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

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

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