Mark's Choice, Ripon's Most-Winning Horse Handicap

Won a 6f maiden (soft) and 5f novice (good) here last year. Shaped well when third of 9 in handicap at Pontefract (5f, good) on reappearance 15 days ago, no extra late on as if the outing was just needed. Should have a big say with that behind him.

Hit the frame in top-end sprint handicaps last season (including Great St Wilfrid here) and was all the better for his reappearance when landing a 6f course handicap (good) in April. Lesser runs at Ascot and York have followed but his Ripon record affords him respect. Visored first time.

C&D winner who has posted plenty of creditable efforts in defeat this year. Capable of making his presence felt if things fall right.

Produced his best effort for a while when scoring over C&D in May but below par since, including markedly so back here (6f) 18 days ago.

Capitalised on a falling mark in 5-runner handicap at Catterick (5f, firm) 14 days ago in a race which went ideally. More on his plate up 5 lb and in a higher grade.

Made it 2 wins in last 4 starts when seeing off the reopposing Canaria Queen by 1½ lengths over C&D (good to firm) 33 days ago. Should remain competitive off 6 lb higher.

Tremendous record at Ripon (this race is named after him), 3 more victories last year taking his record at the course to 10-29. Best effort of 2026 when fourth of 6 over 6f here (good to firm) 19 days ago but he remains 3 lb above his last successful mark.

Kept busy and thriving this season, winning 3 times and also runner-up twice over this C&D. Found out in this class 5 company at Hamilton last time, though.

Has made a slow start to this year, including last of 9 at Pontefract a fortnight ago. Her mark has come down a long way as a result but need to see more.