3:25 Ripon Tips

The Clive Cox trained 4yo looks the one to beat following his second at Ascot 36 days ago. The first time cheekpieces used then are re-applied here

I came close to tipping Kodiac Thriller but although he likes it here he's not obviously well handicapped and my preference instead is for the only horse drawn higher - Dark Cloud Rising in stall 15. He thrives this time of year, with form figures in August of 1-1-2-2, and won well over C&D three starts back from a mark of 88. His stable have a strong record in this race, winning it three times and having numerous placed horses. I want a horse on the front end and stall 15 should enable Dark Cloud Rising to bounce out and make all under his regular jockey Danny Tudhope. A mark of 94 would be a career high but his C&D 2nd last time from the same mark suggests it's within reach and he looks to have plenty in his favour back at Ripon.

Lord Roxby takes a step up in class to contest the Great St Wilfred Handicap at Ripon. The Nigel Tinkler-trained Lord Roxby won last time out over today's course and distance by just under two lengths. For that win, Lord Roxby has gone up five pounds in the weights. He is again ridden by the three-pound claimer Alex Jary. On ground that Lord Roxby appears to like, I expect him to take the step up in class in his stride and once again be involved at the finish of this race.

I'd probably be happier if Aramram had been drawn higher rather than lower. However, horses drawn low have won the Great St Wilfrid in the past. Aramram is the class horse in this field by some way, and his progression over the last 18 months has been exceptional. His last three runs have been in Group races, and, although outclassed at the Royal meeting, he performed with much credit in a Group Two and Group Three before that. He hasn't been seen since Ascot and will have been freshened up for this task at Ripon.

An open-looking race in which Royal Zabeel can outrun his odds. Dropped 4 lb following a 7 lb rise for winning at Newmarket two starts back. He can run well here on ground he likes.

This is very open as usual, and a chance is taken with Musical Touch at a big-looking 20/1. He wasn't beaten far last time at York in a hot race and had previously won well there. He still looks on a good mark.

Back to a low mark of OR85 (1lb out of the handicap proper). Course and distance form figures of 121. Returns from a little break. Interesting from stall 1 draw.