Ripon Races Directors Cup Handicap

Off time: 19:46 | Winning time: 2m 33.41s

(1)

Trojan Horse⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: Jason Hart| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 78| CD

7/2

C&D winner in April. Fifth of 7 in handicap at Hamilton (13.1f, good, 9/4) 9 days ago. Disappointing though that effort was, it would be no surprise were he to bounce back with a bold show, albeit slower ground would probably be ideal.

Form: 135055

(5)

King Eagle³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: D Tudhope| T: M L W Bell| OR: 76

11/4

Thrice-raced maiden. 14/1, fifth of 10 in minor event at Chelmsford City (10f) 36 days ago, not knocked about. Good chance that this stiffer test will help unlock some improvement now handicapping and he's one to note in the betting.

Form: 0-55

(4)

Kalahari Prince³¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: T Eaves| T: K A Ryan| OR: 72

20/1

Lightly-raced maiden. 16/1, fifth of 6 in handicap at York (10.2f, good to firm) 31 days ago. Needs to raise his game in order to open account here.

Form: 6-445

(2)

Belle Of Annandale⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 70

6/1

Good second of 9 in handicap (9/2) at Thirsk (12f, good to soft) 9 days ago. No reason to believe that she won't be on the premises once more.

Form: 325242

(3)

Gibside¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-10| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 65| BF| CD

6/4

C&D winner in July. 11/4, respectable fourth of 11 in handicap at York (11.8f, good to firm) 16 days ago. Very much one to consider off the same mark.

Form: 253214

Forecasts

Gibside (6/4), King Eagle (11/4), Trojan Horse (7/2), Belle Of Annandale (6/1), Kalahari Prince (20/1)

KING EAGLE appears to have benefited from a wind operation judged on his effort in a 1¼m Chelmsford novice last month and is of strong interest now upped in trip for this handicap debut. He gets the nod ahead of Trojan Horse, who is greatly respected off this reduced mark but his best form to date has come on slower ground. Gibside and Belle of Annandale both need considering, too.