May 08 / 19.15 Ripon

19.15

Good To Soft

Sam Alexander Memorial Handicap

  • Prize money: £6184.8
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Sam Alexander Memorial Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 2012-4 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
All 12 runs have been on turf and he won twice at Catterick (6f/7f, good) last season; 6lb higher than for his last success but he reappeared with a creditable fourth of 13 at Thirsk last month; should benefit from that run and he's in the mix on this drop back in trip; tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(5)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

U Sure Do

9st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

All 12 runs have been on turf and he won twice at Catterick (6f/7f, good) last season; 6lb higher than for his last success but he reappeared with a creditable fourth of 13 at Thirsk last month; should benefit from that run and he's in the mix on this drop back in trip; tongue-tie added.

6/1

4th

3

(13)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:23 Thirsk

U Sure Do

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Ended 2025 in a rich vein of form, winning a Catterick handicap (7f, good) before a narrow defeat at Musselburgh (7f, soft) when last seen 164 days ago; another 2lb higher on his reappearance so he will need to be cherry ripe for this return to action.

12/1

5

(6)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

12:50 Catterick

U Sure Do

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Like Yaaser he was well held at York last Friday, but his previous second to a progressive type at Ayr (7f, soft) looks pretty solid form; sole win came on good ground here; no surprise if he bounces back.

9/1

12/1

  • Place: £5.90

Form: 11-600 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
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.
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

10/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 0-1148 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

9

(2)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Grant Wood

9st 10lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

In and out since two Newcastle wins early in the year, down the field at Carlisle most recently; others preferred.

20/1

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

Form: 63276- D

Last run: 184 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(19)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

First Folio

9st 7lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

Not the force of old but that is reflected in his handicap mark; has undergone wind surgery since his latest run but it isn't enough to earn him the vote in this competitive race; usual headgear is absent today.

22/1

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

Form: 441-53 CD BF

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Won a C&D maiden (good) last June on his second start for Tim Easterby; returned after a lengthy absence with a creditable fifth here (6f, good to soft) last month and ran another solid race at Pontefract last time; still looks on a workable mark and he shouldn't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(1)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

14:50 Musselburgh

Modern Times

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Maiden winner who has had lots of chances in handicaps but ran well to be sixth of 22 at York (good), running on over 7f; drawn in 1 and can race prominently; considered.

3/1

6th

20

(22)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Modern Times

9st 2lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Tim Easterby

Won a 6f Ripon maiden last June and stays 7f; 0-13 in handicaps, however, and others present stronger cases despite his career-low mark.

14/1

5th

8

(4)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

Modern Times

9st 0lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Won a C&D maiden (good) last June on his second start for Tim Easterby; returned after a lengthy absence with a creditable fifth here (6f, good to soft) last month and ran another solid race at Pontefract last time; still looks on a workable mark and he shouldn't be far away.

5/1

Form: 137-08 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
C&D winner in 2023 but all his subsequent wins have come over 7f+; on dangerous mark but he's faded at big prices in both runs this season and latest was over C&D (eighth of 16) three weeks ago; down the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(3)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:10 Beverley

It Just Takes Time

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

A three-time C&D scorer; right back to his best of late when runner-up in 7f handicaps at Wetherby and Thirsk, caught only late on latter occasion; up 2lb but another bold showing is on the cards.

3/1

2nd

2

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Thirsk

It Just Takes Time

10st 0lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner who bounced back to his best with second of 14 in 7f Wetherby handicap 12 days ago; up 2lb but he remains 1lb below his last winning mark so merits serious consideration.

4/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4600-1 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Acts on good to firm and soft ground; won at Thirsk (6f, good) last spring and recorded his second AW win on his Southwell reappearance last month; up 4lb but he still looks feasibly treated and should get a good tow into this race; key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(5)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Musical Touch

9st 13lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Sixth to Kats Bob in this race 12 months ago; made a winning return at Southwell in April but disappointing at Ripon next time and needs to bounce back.

20/1

7th

1

(1)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

Musical Touch

9st 9lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Acts on good to firm and soft ground; won at Thirsk (6f, good) last spring and recorded his second AW win on his Southwell reappearance last month; up 4lb but he still looks feasibly treated and should get a good tow into this race; key player.

3/1

1st

3

(2)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

17:48 Southwell (AW)

Musical Touch

9st 9lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Ended 2025 with a whimper but he has slipped back down the weights as a consequence; won on last year's reappearance and also ran a fine race after a 175-day layoff in 2024 so unlikely to be lacking in fitness; one to consider.

8/1

9/1

Form: 10-914 CD BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
6yo who hit a personal best with his emphatic win at Leicester (6f, good) last month but he flopped off this revised mark there 12 days later; has won at Ripon but he's not easy to predict and needs to bounce back again after that last run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(13)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Wreck It Ryley

9st 6lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Alan Brown

The handicapper has been in command since his runaway win at Leicester (6f, good) in April; today's return to sprinting is in his favour but he's likely to be vulnerable at this level.

40/1

9th

10

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 3

13:55 York

Wreck It Ryley

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Alan Brown

Raced exclusively at shorter, gaining most wins over 6f; looks likely to be outstayed and outclassed upped in trip/grade.

66/1

8th

4

(3)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

14:50 Musselburgh

Wreck It Ryley

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Alan Brown

Kept trying when third at Doncaster last time (6f) but was beaten over 3l and he's not looked well handicapped since scoring by 6l in April; he's also only 1-16 over 7f.

10/1

13/2

Form: 11104- CD

Last run: 239 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won three in a row on turf (6f, good) last July and the first leg was over C&D; went up 25lb but she ended last season with a creditable fourth on AW at Newcastle; could have more to offer as a 4yo and needs a close look on her return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(5)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

20:08 Newmarket (July)

Novamay

9st 8lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

She rattled off a hat-trick at 6f on good ground around this time last year and was back in the groove when scoring at Ayr (6f, soft) four weeks ago; has been put back to her career-high mark (0-2) but there's a solid chance she can defy it this time.

5/1

1st

3

(4)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Novamay

10st 2lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Reeled off a 6f hat-trick last July, one of them here, scaling the handicap in the process; promising run at Redcar (6f, good to firm) last month, her second run of the year, and she now has something to build on; unraced on slower than good but she is by Mayson out a mare whose best form came on slower than good; interesting.

6/1

5th

4

(7)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Novamay

9st 6lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Reeled off a 6f hat-trick last July but went up 25lb for her troubles; low-key reappearance 17 days and may need another run or two before she is of renewed interest.

25/1

Form: 245427 D BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
All five wins have been this trip but he had a near-miss over 5f at Wolverhampton in March; only 1lb higher today but he was a disappointing favourite back on turf at Doncaster (5f, good to soft) last time; has a bit to prove again after that and this is a step back up in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(1)

14th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

17:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Charlie Mason

9st 6lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Tony Carroll

Showed career-best form when winning at Lingfield (6f, soft) two starts ago and is also suited by this C&D but could be a shade vulnerable off a mark this high.

8/1

6th

5

(2)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

13:38 Sandown

Charlie Mason

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Tony Carroll

Consistent 5yo who came clear with the second when justifying market support last weekend at Lingfield (6f, soft); carries a 5lb penalty and Myla Coppins claimed 7lb on Saturday, so these terms are tougher; still a likely contender and any rain welcomed.

7/2

1st

7

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

20:10 Lingfield

Charlie Mason

9st 4lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Tony Carroll

Modest strike-rate in the last 14 months but he is generally consistent and is versatile as regards surfaces; form figures off current mark read 222; could go one better, with Myla Coppins taking off 7lb.

5/1

Form: 8006-7 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

2nd

4

(5)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Ripon

Beyond Borders

9st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Triple turf winner who made it 3-5 on AW when leading close home at Wolverhampton (6f; tongue-tie added) two weeks ago; up 4lb but he beat a clear second last time and he's respected back in this sphere.

4/1

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

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £132.90
Straight Forecast £127.89
Tricast £1166.48
Trifecta £849.90

Selections

POSTDATA:

Modern Times

The Guardian:

U Sure Do

RP RATINGS:

Novamay

SPOTLIGHT:

Musical Touch

Daily Mail:

Wreck It Ryley

The Times:

It Just Takes Time

The Sun:

First Folio

TOPSPEED:

Fortamour

Daily Mirror:

U Sure Do

The Star:

U Sure Do

Telegraph:

Modern Times

D Express:

Modern Times

Daily Record:

Modern Times