Ripon Bell-Ringer Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Off time: 15:56 | Winning time: 2m 41.53s

(5)

The Reverend^p⁶⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: D Tudhope| T: W J Haggas| OR: 94| BF| D

4/7

Impressive winner on his handicap debut at Ascot in September and shaped well back up n trip (strong in the betting returning from 7 months off) when fifth of 12 in handicap at York (11.8f, good, 2/1) 66 days ago. On a good mark and can open his account for the season with cheekpieces back on.

Form: 22149-5

(3)

Fox Journey²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: K Stott| T: K A Ryan| OR: 88| D

13/2

Useful winner over this trip for Sir Michael Stoute but again below form on second start for new connections when sixth of 8 in handicap at Ayr (13.1f, good to firm) 28 days ago. Handicapper has given him a chance though.

Form: 7663-06

(2)

Per Contra²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 84| D

5/1

3-time winner for Ollie Sangster has shown improved form for this yard without managing to get his head in front, for all he did somewhat flatter to deceive (led on bridle 2 out, found less than expected) when fifth of 9 in handicap at Carlisle (11.2f, soft) 24 days ago. Should be competitive.

Form: 6-65335

(6)

Ludo's Landing⁴³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: J Fanning| T: C Johnston| OR: 82| D

16/1

Well positioned and resumed winning ways back down to his last winning mark when landing a 6-runner handicap at Thirsk (12f, good) 43 days ago, always holding on. Only 2 lb higher but this is a tougher task upped in grade.

Form: 400-351

(4)

Woodstock City²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-11| J: Joe Leavy| T: Ian Williams| OR: 72| C

9/1

Course winner wasted no time getting back to form when respectable third of 8 in handicap at Chester (12.3f, good to firm) 21 days ago. Eligible for lesser races than this and faces no easy task from 3 lb out of the handicap.

Form: 5-74283

Non-Runners

(1)

Tribal Wisdom⁸

Weight: 8-11| Age: 6

T: Ian Williams J: A Mullen

Forecasts

The Reverend (4/7), Per Contra (5/1), Fox Journey (13/2), Woodstock City (9/1), Tribal Wisdom (14/1), Ludo's Landing (16/1)

THE REVEREND shaped with plenty of encouragement (with headgear left off) on reappearance at York in May and racing from a potentially lenient mark, he makes plenty of appeal with cheekpieces refitted and plenty of rain forecast. Despite flattering to deceive last time Per Contra has been in good form and appeals at the main danger stepping back up in distance, while Fox Journey has been given a chance by the handicapper if he can rediscover the form he showed for Sir Michael Stoute.