3:25 Ripon Tips

Has been running consistently well of late, winning once and placing twice from the last three starts, including when finishing 2nd over this course and distance in April. Should be there or thereabouts.

Dark Thirty looks the one to beat in this small-field handicap and could be difficult to catch if allowed an uncontested lead. His latest run at Thirsk Racecourse was below par, but that came shortly after a hard race at York Racecourse and may simply have come too soon. Prior to that, he won a competitive Class 2 handicap over 6f at York, making virtually all in a field of 22 and holding on by a neck off a mark of 90. That effort backed up his consistency in similar races. Last season he finished 2nd in the same York contest before following up in a smaller-field handicap, suggesting these tactical affairs suit him particularly well. His profile also includes a Class 2 handicap success at Newmarket Racecourse over 6f off 93 in 2024, proving he is capable of winning from today's mark. Back on a rating of 93 and likely to get his own way near the front, Dark Thirty looks well placed. If bouncing back from the Thirsk run and able to dictate the pace, he could prove very hard to reel in.