20:42 Ripon

Wednesday 3 June 2026

All18:0018:3519:1019:4220:1220:42

Ripon Theatre Festival 5th - 12th July Handicap

Off time: 20:42 | Winning time: 1m 40.45s

(8)

Ziggy's Avenger¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: H Crouch| T: M L W Bell| OR: 65

10/3

Took a big step forward on recent handicap debut when third of 13 at Kempton having been well backed after a gelding operation. Races from the same mark here and looks to have been found a good opportunity assuming he proves as effective back on turf.

Form: 8-083

(6)

Deep Sleep¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 65

5/1

Bounced back to his best juvenile form when upped to this trip on handicap debut last time, finishing fourth of 9 at Hamilton 19 days ago, though without suggesting he's ahead of his mark.

Form: 594-04

(5)

Paroda Diva^p¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: A Mullen| T: P Neville| OR: 65| D

4/1

Improved form for new connections when doubling her tally in a handicap at Haydock 12 days ago, responding well to the return of cheekpieces. Up 5 lb for that success but is having only her second outing at 1m so should remain competitive.

Form: 06-7461

(3)

Karakula Dancer^p¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Liam Wright⁽⁵⁾| T: J Ferguson| OR: 64| D

17/2

Won 3 times this year and performed well in the face of rises in the weights the last twice, shaping better than the result when fifth of 13 at Kempton 14 days ago. Should be in the mix once again but finished behind Ziggy's Avenger last time so has a bit to find with that rival back on turf.

Form: 123125

(1)

Popty Ping^v²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 62

6/1

Both wins came at Southwell over 7f on all-weather and ran creditably when second of 11 in a handicap there 27 days ago. Likely to prove competitive again but steps back up to 1m and has the return to turf to contend with.

Form: 626142

(2)

Talking In Kode²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: E Bethell| OR: 60

7/1

In shrewd hands and showed first form when second of 5 in a maiden at Beverley 22 days ago, but that looked a very weak affair and she's got plenty more on her plate stepping into handicap company.

Form: 702

(4)

What Fools Believe²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Jason Hart| T: I Furtado| OR: 58| D

11/1

Off the mark over this trip at Southwell in April, but struggled next 2 outings, including upped to 1¼m on turf debut last time. Returns to 1m with something to prove.

Form: 68-7157

(7)

Cobalt Comet^h¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Cam Hardie| T: J Mackie| OR: 58

9/1

Has shown a lot more since stepping into handicap company, finishing third on last 2 outings, including on recent turf debut at Carlisle. More required in this company but he's still lightly raced.

Form: 06633

Forecasts

Ziggy's Avenger (10/3), Paroda Diva (4/1), Deep Sleep (5/1), Popty Ping (6/1), Talking In Kode (7/1), Karakula Dancer (17/2), Cobalt Comet (9/1), What Fools Believe (11/1)

ZIGGY'S AVENGER was gelded before his recent handicap debut and showed a lot more when third at Kempton. This looks a good opportunity for him to get off the mark at the expense of Paroda Diva, who showed improved form for new connections when winning at Haydock 12 days ago, and Karakula Dancer, who didn't get the clearest of runs behind the selection at Kempton.