17:35 Ripon

Saturday 26 April 2025

All16:0016:3517:0517:3518:0518:3519:05

M.C.H. Hutchinson Memorial Trophy Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Off time: 17:35 | Winning time: 2m 35.32s

(6)

Touch The Moon⁶⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Callum Shepherd| T: George Scott| OR: 91

20/1

Winner at Sakhir (Bahrain) in January. Below form fourteenth of 16 in 9f handicap at that track in February. Steps back up in trip but will need to find improvement.

Form: 531-130

(4)

Cabrera²⁰³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: E Bethell| OR: 90| D

11/4

Got off the mark at Doncaster in July and finished last season with cheekpieces on for first time, respectable sixth of 11 in handicap (7/2) at Newmarket (12f, good to soft), missing break. Chance if ready to roll on reappearance.

Form: 231226-

(1)

Sam Hawkens²¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Cieren Fallon| T: W J Haggas| OR: 84| BF| D

5/2

Heavy ground maiden winner wasn't seen to best effect in two starts for William Haggas last season, fifth of 7 in handicap at Haydock (14f, heavy) latest. Has been gelded and could have more to offer as a 4-y-o.

Form: 515445-

(5)

Percy Shelley^p²¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-1| J: Laura Pearson| T: James Owen| OR: 83| BF

10/1

Useful performer in France who was successful 3 times in 2022. Creditable placed efforts for David O'Meara last season and has joined yard who excel with new recruits. One to consider on return with cheekpieces refitted.

Form: 353625-

(3)

Knightswood¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: J Fanning| T: C Johnston| OR: 82| CD

11/4

C&D winner shaped with promise on return, chasing home a less-exposed winner when second of 9 in handicap at Thirsk (12f, good) 14 days ago. No surprise to see him capitalise on his falling handicap mark.

Form: 57409-2

(2)

Dancingwithmyself¹⁹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-10| J: Jason Hart| T: M L W Bell| OR: 78| CD

13/2

Landed a double at this track last season (latter coming over C&D) and ran with credit subsequently. May not have been seen to best effect over a longer trip/heavy ground on final run last year. Could bounce back.

Form: 451146-

(7)

Flickering Halo^p²³¹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-9| J: Cam Hardie| T: T D Easterby| OR: 77

40/1

Progress levelled off last season, cheekpieces on for first time, last of 10 in handicap at Haydock (14f, good, 28/1) on final outing. Bit to prove on comeback.

Form: 932560-

Forecasts

Sam Hawkens (5/2), Knightswood (11/4), Cabrera (11/4), Dancingwithmyself (13/2), Percy Shelley (10/1), Touch The Moon (20/1), Flickering Halo (40/1)

KNIGHTSWOOD confirmed his well-being when runner-up to a less-exposed rival on reappearance at Thirsk 2 weeks ago, and he may be able to take advantage of his falling handicap mark. Percy Shelley makes appeal on first run for James Owen, who so often improves new recruits, while Cabrera could be open to further progress as a 4-y-o.