15:40 Ripon

Monday 4 August 2025

All14:1014:4015:1015:4016:1016:40

Wilmot-Smith Memorial Handicap

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 1m 10.60s

(8)

Mister Sketch¹⁷⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-13| J: Faleh Bughenaim| T: H Al Jehani| OR: 92| D

16/1

Inconsistent since changing trainers, finishing third of 13 in a novice at Al Uqda (7f) 137 days ago. Faces a challenge returning to handicaps.

Form: 60396-0

(11)

Mandurah²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-10| J: Harry Davies| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 93| D

12/1

Kingman filly made a winning debut in 6f Newmarket novice last summer and stepped up on that when a close fourth in Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot. Not in same form next 2 starts 9 month apart but probably needed the run at Deauville. Makes handicap debut.

Form: 146-0

(9)

First Folio^p⁴⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 9-9| J: Ryan Sexton| T: Miss J A Camacho| OR: 88| D

6/1

Form was poor in spring before showing significant improvement when second of 9 in handicap at this course and distance (15/2), finding plenty under pressure and only losing out by a short-head. Front-running tactics could prove effective again.

Form: 16-0902

(4)

Archduke Ferdinand^p¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-8| J: D Swift| T: S Spencer| OR: 87| D

10/1

Won at Redcar in May but form has declined, finishing 12th of 18 in 6f handicap at Ayr (20/1) 14 days ago when weakening after forcing pace. Needs easier task.

Form: 451500

(5)

Grant Wood⁶⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: D Nolan| T: P T Midgley| OR: 85| CD

12/1

Ran well when runner-up in two AW handicaps before finishing fifteenth of 16 in handicap at Haydock (25/1) 65 days ago. Has previous C&D winning form.

Form: 140-220

(7)

Eye Of Dubai^p1¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Jason Hart| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 85| CD

17/2

Previous course and distance winner who performs best with cut in the ground, finished 10th of 14 in handicap at Hamilton (28/1) 17 days ago when finding the drying ground against him. Wears first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 31-0000

(10)

Another Investment²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: Alex Jary⁽⁵⁾| T: N Tinkler| OR: 83| D

16/1

Won at Doncaster over 6f in June but finished tenth of 13 in handicap at Ascot (22/1) 24 days ago when racing off the pace. Inconsistent performer.

Form: 3-00510

(6)

Kats Bob^v¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-3| J: William Pyle⁽³⁾| T: Mrs R Carr| OR: 82| D

9/1

Won at York (18/1) in June when making all and was sixth of 14 in handicap at Hamilton (50/1) 17 days ago, doing well from a wide draw. Not taken lightly.

Form: 436186

(12)

Kodiac Thriller⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Warren Fentiman⁽⁵⁾| T: M Walford| OR: 81| BF

4/1

Consistent 5f performer with several in-frame finishes in handicaps this summer. Creditable second of 8 in a handicap at Chester (5/2) 9 days ago, unable to get to grips with the winner from a wider stall. Could be well suited by the step up to 6f.

Form: 314332

(1)

Fortamour²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 9-1| J: Joanna Mason| T: B Haslam| OR: 80| CD

11/2

Course specialist with six wins at Ripon including in this race last year. Finished 10th of 15 in handicap at York (66/1) 24 days ago making a rare start away from Ripon at 7f. Returns to beloved track where excellent record suggests strong claims.

Form: 39-3230

(3)

Mister Sox^p¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 8-12| J: Sean Kirrane| T: T D Easterby| OR: 77| CD

6/1

Has been running better than form figures suggest, repeatedly not seen to best effect in recent handicaps. Seventh of 22 at York (22/1) 10 days ago, stamina ebbing away late over 7f. Will be more effective back at 6f.

Form: 180707

Non-Runners

(2)

Westmorian⁸⁵

Weight: 9-11| Age: 6

T: Grant Tuer J: Oliver Stammers

Forecasts

Kodiac Thriller (4/1), Fortamour (11/2), Mister Sox (6/1), First Folio (6/1), Eye Of Dubai (17/2), Kats Bob (9/1), Archduke Ferdinand (10/1), Grant Wood (12/1), Mandurah (12/1), Westmorian (12/1), Another Investment (16/1), Mister Sketch (16/1)

KODIAC THRILLER has been consistent with several in-frame finishes this summer and can make another bold bid. Mister Sox has been running better than his form figures suggest and will appreciate returning to 6f, so is feared most. Last year's winner Fortamour completes the shortlist.