2:55 Ripon Tips

Woodstock looks interesting back over 6f after a respectable effort in stronger company at Thirsk. He should appreciate the drop in trip and remains on a workable mark if getting the right pace setup. E/W bet.

Magic Boy has a great chance of winning this mega-competitive handicap. I think he should still be improving, as sprinters very often make significant progress at four. He won at York in July in a similarly big-field handicap, then returned there last time as favorite in what looked a slightly stronger race. Things didn't go well at the start that day, so I think we can ignore that run. With the claimer's three-pound allowance here, he is only a pound higher than he was at York when he won. Nigel Tinkler has managed Alex Jary and his claim well, and I'm sure this has been the plan for a while.

Two runs this year from the the 4yo after joining a new yard and he was a good 3rd of 21 three weeks ago in a decent handicap. He was returning from an eight month break and the trainer maybe have found the key to him. He did run some nice races last year off a much higher mark. Not the best jockey in the world but he's worth a punt under these conditions.

This previous course and distance winner is now back down to a good mark. Ran well and beaten only two lengths here in a higher grade just twelve days ago. Could go close.

This horse looks very well handicapped on the best of his form. Ran well when 4th here on his last visit and can reward each-way support in this race.

His impressive track record at Ripon includes ten wins and eleven places, showcasing his expertise. The advantageous draw on the stands rail enhances his chances for an each-way finish at 20/1.