Our Ripon racing tips cover all 7 races on the card today, Thursday 16th April 2026. The action gets underway at 14:00 and runs through to 17:25, with going reported as 7.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Cosmos Raj boasts a 33.33% strike rate from 12 runs at the track, Mason Paetel has been in fine form here with 2 wins from 5 rides, Jack Channon’s yard sends out runners with a 30.77% strike rate at this venue. Below you’ll find race-by-race breakdowns with our top selections, live odds and tipster picks.
Tipster Performance at Ripon
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Ripon over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The North | Racing Post | 14 | 3 | 21.43% | 50% |
| Postdata | Racing Post | 10 | 2 | 20% | 50% |
| The Duke | Yorkshire Post | 11 | 2 | 18.18% | 36.36% |
| The Guardian | The Guardian | 14 | 2 | 14.29% | 64.29% |
| Sunday Express | Sunday Express | 10 | 1 | 10% | 50% |
14:00 – Napoleons Casino And Restaurant Leeds Restricted Novice Stakes (Horses In Bands B/C/D) (GBB Race)
Race Details: 6f | Class 5 | Going: 7.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a fairly ordinary restricted novice on paper rather than a deep one, and the market has latched onto that. The Untamed sets the standard after a solid runner-up effort on debut and is the obvious one to beat if he takes the expected step forward for Richard Hannon. Behind him, there are a few with enough promise to make this interesting rather than straightforward. Vega Storm shaped well when third first time up and comes from a yard that can ready one for these northern novice events, while Different Opinions has already shown a bit of ability in two starts and shouldn’t be dismissed. Mind Over Matter brings the highest rating into the race, but he returns from a break and hasn’t yet converted promise into a win. Not a race dripping in strength, but there are enough unexposed types to make it mildly tricky.
Top Selections
1. The Untamed – 1/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Joe Leavy | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Form: 2 | Rating: 80 | Topspeed:
He’s the one with the cleanest profile. A debut second is often the key piece of form in races like this, and The Untamed already looks a more professional proposition than most of these. Hannon’s juveniles and three-year-old sprinters tend to sharpen up plenty for that initial outing, and from stall 2 he should get a handy position without wasting energy. At even money he is no giveaway, but this is not an especially intimidating novice and his opening effort gives him the most persuasive claims. If he progresses as expected, the rest may be playing for places. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Vega Storm – 4/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Harry Russell | Trainer: Richard & Peter Fahey | Form: 3 | Rating: 72 | Topspeed:
For an each-way play, Vega Storm makes plenty of appeal. He showed enough when third on debut to suggest he has a race in him, and this doesn’t look stacked with hardened form. Drawn in 1, he should be able to hold a sensible position around this sharp track, which is no bad thing over 6f at Ripon. Fahey’s youngsters often come forward for a run, so there’s every chance we haven’t seen the best of him yet. At 4/1 he’s not exactly hiding from the assessor or the market, but in an eight-runner race with three places on offer he looks the most solid each-way punt behind the favourite. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
The Untamed is the straight win bet and makes the most obvious appeal in a race lacking depth. For those wanting a bit more insurance, Vega Storm is the each-way alternative in an eight-runner field. The main dangers are Different Opinions, who has shown enough in two starts, and Mind Over Matter, whose rating gives him a serious shout if fit and ready after the break.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milford Grange | 16/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Mind Over Matter | 9/2 | 7/2 | 18/5 | 7/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| The Untamed | 1/1 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 10/11 | 1/1 (Bet365) |
| Agric Ranger | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Different Opinions | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Kode Grey | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 (Bet365) |
| Vega Storm | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Tickhill Flyer | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 | 40/1 (Bet365) |
14:35 – Download The Raceday Ready App Restricted Novice Stakes (Horses In Bands C And D) (GBB Race)
Race Details: 1m 2f | Class 4 | Going: 7.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a fairly ordinary restricted novice on paper and, bluntly, Urchin has the one piece of form the others have to get up to. K R Burke’s colt showed promise when third on debut and brings a mark of 74 into a race where several rivals are either completely unexposed or have achieved very little. The market has latched onto that and it is easy to see why. Poppeye sets the standard among the older horses after a respectable fourth on debut, while newcomers Sea And Sun, Sun Lord and Picaro add some intrigue if the market speaks for them. N’Ion and Rocky River already look up against it. In truth, this is not a deep race, but the unexposed types stop it being a total formality.
Top Selections
1. Urchin – 8/11 with Betfair
Jockey: Sam James | Trainer: K R Burke | Form: 3- | Rating: 74 | Topspeed: 70
Urchin is the obvious one, but that does not automatically make him a bad bet. He shaped well when third on his only start, and that bare form is comfortably the best brought into this contest. A Topspeed of 70 and an opening mark of 74 leave him clear of these on known evidence, and Burke’s three-year-olds are usually well drilled for assignments like this. The step up to 1m2f looks a sensible move rather than a stab in the dark, and from stall 1 Sam James should be able to hold a handy position around Ripon. At odds-on you are not stealing money, but he is still very hard to oppose. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Poppeye – 6/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Oliver Stammers | Trainer: Grant Tuer | Form: 4 | Rating: 67 | Topspeed:
For an each-way angle in a seven-runner race, Poppeye makes more appeal than some of the completely unseen three-year-olds because at least he has shown a bit. He was fourth on debut and, as a four-year-old receiving no favours from the conditions, he still has the benefit of experience over a few rivals who are being asked a serious question first time out. A mark of 67 does not scream future star, but this is a restricted novice rather than a hot maiden, and 6/1 looks fair if he can build on that initial effort. Grant Tuer can place one to nick prize-money in races like this. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple: Urchin is the win play because he has the standout piece of form and sets the clear standard. For those wanting a bit more insurance, Poppeye is the each-way punt in a race lacking depth behind the favourite. The obvious dangers are the unknown quantities, especially Sea And Sun, Sun Lord and Picaro if strong in the market.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poppeye | 6/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Sea And Sun | 15/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Sun Lord | 6/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Urchin | 4/6 | 8/11 | 8/11 | 8/13 | 8/13 | 8/11 (Betfair) |
| Picaro | 6/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Rocky River | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 | 150/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| racing-daily.com | Urchin |
15:10 – Ripon Silver Bowl Handicap
Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: 7.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a proper competitive 3yo sprint handicap rather than a race full of weak links, and there are several with legitimate claims. Empress Olivia arrives off a solid second and is very interesting from stall 13 with just 121lb, while Generous Rascal has the profile of one still edging forward after his reappearance third. Hvar and Rogue Temptation are obvious players too, both bringing useful juvenile form, and Storm Esme is unexposed after winning two of her three starts. The shape of the race suggests pace across the track, so position and how well they travel into Ripon’s stiff finish could be decisive. It is not an easy puzzle, but it does look the sort of race where a well-treated filly can pinch it.
Top Selections
1. Empress Olivia – 11/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Rhys Elliott | Trainer: Mark Walford | Form: 1546-2 | Rating: 87 | Topspeed: 77
She makes plenty of appeal here. That latest second suggested she has trained on well at three, and she comes into this off the joint-best Topspeed figure in the field while carrying a very workable 121lb. An official mark of 87 asks a question, but not an impossible one, and there is a fair chance she still has a bit more to offer over 6f. Stall 13 is no disaster if they stay on the wing, and this looks exactly the sort of big-field sprint where a light weight can make a serious difference late on. At 11/2 she is no giveaway, but she still makes plenty of win appeal.
Bet: WIN
2. Mighty Magnus – 12/1 with Betfair
Jockey: Connor Beasley | Trainer: Michael Dods | Form: 12428- | Rating: 86 | Topspeed: 77
He is the one at a price who makes me look twice. Mighty Magnus did plenty right as a juvenile, his form figures showing consistency in better races than this, and that Topspeed mark of 77 says he has the raw pace to be very competitive off 86. The slight concern is that he did not end last season with a win, but his body of work is stronger than the double-digit odds imply and the Dods-Beasley combination is always worth respecting in northern sprints. Drawn 8, he should have options whichever side proves favoured. At 12/1, he looks the value each-way play in a race where not much separates the principals.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Empress Olivia is the win bet, with her low weight and solid comeback run making her hard to ignore. For an each-way punt, Mighty Magnus looks overpriced on last season’s best efforts and has the speed figures to get involved. The main dangers are Generous Rascal, who is solid, and Rogue Temptation, while Hvar is another who would not surprise if improving again.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotai Belle | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Rogue Temptation | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Storm Esme | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Mighty Magnus | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Betfair) |
| Hvar | 6/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Wyle Cop | 8/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Generous Rascal | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Bye Law | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Yy Spirit | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Fordham Flyer | 22/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 22/1 (Bet365) |
| Wise Crack | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| Head For Freedom | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Empress Olivia | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Jason Heavey | Empress Olivia |
| Kieran McHugh | Rogue Temptation |
15:45 – Armstrong Memorial Handicap
Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: 7.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This is a proper Ripon sprint handicap: plenty in with chances, loads of exposed older speedsters, and just enough unexposed 4yos to make it awkward. The high numbers catch the eye on paper with Sixtygeesbaby, American Style and Wild Clary all drawn double figures, while lower down Wen Moon and Kats Bob look the type to be played late if the pace collapses. Sixtygeesbaby comes here off a perfectly respectable reappearance and still has the look of a horse who can win a race like this off 96, while Wild Clary appeals as a solid, progressive sort in a yard that can nick these northern raids. It is competitive rather than classy, and in truth you could make a case for six or seven, which usually means siding with value rather than getting cute.
Top Selections
1. Sixtygeesbaby – 11/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Mark Winn | Trainer: David O’Meara | Form: 4302-8 | Rating: 96 | Topspeed: 92
David O’Meara loves targeting these sprint handicaps and Sixtygeesbaby looks primed to strike after what was likely a needed comeback run. That 4302-8 line does not scream future winner at first glance, but the second at the end of last season reads well enough in this company and the reappearance eighth should have blown the cobwebs away. A mark of 96 looks workable, the Topspeed figure stacks up, and stall 15 could be a positive if they come up the near side. Mark Winn knows the track and this horse has enough pace to hold a handy position. At 11/2, he makes plenty of appeal in a race full of older sprinters who may already have shown their hand. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Wild Clary – 7/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Joe Leavy | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Form: 1322-4 | Rating: 96 | Topspeed: 88
Wild Clary is the each-way angle because he brings the sort of profile you want in a race of this shape: lightly raced enough to think there is another step forward in him, but battle-hardened enough to cope with a cavalry charge. He signed off last year with a pair of runner-up efforts and his recent fourth was perfectly fair, suggesting he has returned in good order. Richard Hannon does not send them north for the scenery and Joe Leavy takes off useful weight in a race where small margins matter. From stall 12 he should be in the right part of the track, and 7/1 for a horse with solid recent credentials and a bit of upside looks more than fair. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Sixtygeesbaby is the main play here, with conditions and draw both giving him strong claims of going one better than on several good efforts in this grade. Wild Clary is the sensible each-way punt in a 16-runner race with five places on offer, as he looks reliable and still open to improvement. Biggest dangers? Kats Bob is very solid from a handy draw, while Wen Moon is weighted to get involved if things drop right.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sixtygeesbaby | 11/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| American Style | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Betfair) |
| It Just Takes Time | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Roberto Caro | 6/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Betfair) |
| Wild Clary | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Intervention | 14/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Almarada Prince | 12/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Mister Sox | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Kodiac Thriller | 16/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Kats Bob | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Fortamour | 16/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 16/1 (Bet365) |
| Modern Times | 12/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Rock Opera | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Wen Moon | 9/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Another Investment | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 | 50/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Steve Mullington | Fortamour |
| Chris Wright | Intervention |
| Fortunatus | It Just Takes Time |
| The North | Modern Times |
| Matt Polley | Rock Opera |
| The Guardian | Sixtygeesbaby |
16:16 – Ripon “Cock O’ The North” Handicap
Race Details: 1m 1f | Class 4 | Going: 7.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a properly competitive middle-distance handicap rather than a race full of lurkers, with several of these already proven to a useful level. Spoken Truth heads the market after a solid return and is the obvious starting point on figures, while Spioradalta has the profile of one who should strip fitter for his reappearance. Sir William and Austrian Theory are weighted to get involved if this turns tactical, and Financer is another with enough back class to matter. Ripon can reward track position and a bit of streetcraft, so the draw and pace will play their part, but this still feels like a race where the classier handicappers should dominate. Tricky enough, yes, but not impossible to solve.
Top Selections
1. Spoken Truth – 9/4 with Bet365
Jockey: Mark Winn | Trainer: David O’Meara | Form: 3408-4 | Rating: 101 | Topspeed: 91
He makes plenty of appeal. That seasonal return fourth suggested he retains all his ability, and in a race where a few of the main players still have something to prove this spring, Spoken Truth arrives with the strongest recent piece of evidence. His mark of 101 is demanding in a Class 4, but he also brings the best Topspeed figure in the field and that usually matters around Ripon if the race is run honestly. O’Meara tends to place these experienced handicappers well, and Mark Winn is more than capable of delivering him late. At 9/4 he is no giveaway, but he is the likeliest winner and hard to oppose.
Bet: WIN
2. Sir William – 8/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Callum Shepherd | Trainer: Charlie Johnston | Form: 1224-5 | Rating: 99 | Topspeed: 85
For an each-way play, Sir William looks the more interesting alternative to the obvious ones. He was a dependable 3yo, stringing together solid efforts, and his latest fifth on reappearance may well have been just what he needed after the break. Charlie Johnston’s runners are often sharp for this sort of test and this 4yo still has a bit of scope compared with some of the older exposed handicappers in here. Drawn 2, he should be able to hold a handy position, which is rarely a bad thing at Ripon. Available at 8/1, he makes plenty of each-way appeal if building on that comeback run.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Spoken Truth is the win play because he brings the best recent form and the strongest raw figures to the table. For an each-way punt, Sir William appeals as a fairly treated 4yo who should come on for his return. The obvious danger is Spioradalta, who is well found in the market and could easily step forward second time out, while Austrian Theory is another to respect.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raulin | 12/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Spioradalta | 10/3 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 7/2 (Paddy Power) |
| Lunar Eclipse | 18/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Spoken Truth | 9/4 | 11/5 | 11/5 | 9/4 | 9/4 | 9/4 (Bet365) |
| Pomme Pomme | 10/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 7/1 | 17/2 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Financer | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| Austrian Theory | 15/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Cristo | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 7/1 | 17/2 | 17/2 (William Hill) |
| Sir William | 8/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Glistening Nights | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| sportinglife.com | Spoken Truth |
16:52 – Racing BetBuilder At Spreadex Sports Handicap
Race Details: 1m | Class 6 | Going: 7.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a typical 3yo Ripon handicap: not a deep race, but certainly not one you can solve in 10 seconds either. A few arrive with solid enough recent form without setting an especially daunting standard. Saxon Prince has been knocking on the door and is the obvious one near the head of the market, while Sailor Batt brings a reliable profile and the best Topspeed figure in the field. Norcross Brow has been busy and competitive, Ciao Capo signed off last season with a win, and Fickle McSelfish is another who has at least hinted there is a race in him. Draw and track position can matter here, but this may simply come down to which of these lightly raced types finds a bit more improvement at the mile.
Top Selections
1. Sailor Batt – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Connor Beasley | Trainer: David & Nicola Barron | Form: 36-253 | Rating: 70 | Topspeed: 65
He appeals as the one bringing the soundest recent handicap form into the race. That latest third reads well enough in the context of this modest Class 6 and, crucially, he has been holding his form rather than merely threatening to. A mark of 70 looks workable judged on that profile, and the Topspeed figure of 65 is a standout in this field. Connor Beasley is a positive booking around Ripon and the Barron yard know exactly how to place one here. At 9/2, he looks the percentage call in a race where some of the others still have more to prove than the market suggests. Bet type: WIN.
Bet: WIN
2. Ciao Capo – 5/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Cam Hardie | Trainer: Richard & Peter Fahey | Form: 70641- | Rating: 69 | Topspeed: 51
There is enough substance to his profile to think he could easily outrun an each-way price. He ended last year with a win, and while that did not come in a strong contest, it at least showed he knows how to get his head in front. Off 69, he is not obviously thrown in, but he is one of the few in here arriving after actually doing the job rather than running respectably in defeat. Cam Hardie should have him in a handy spot from stall 5, and in an 11-runner field with three places on offer, 5/1 makes him a very fair each-way punt. Bet type: EACH-WAY.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Sailor Batt is the win play because he brings the strongest recent body of work and the best speed figure in the line-up. For an each-way alternative, Ciao Capo makes plenty of appeal after ending last season on a high and should be competitive from a decent draw. The main danger is Saxon Prince, who is entitled to go close again if building on his latest second.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saxon Prince | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Singarda | 15/2 | 15/2 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 (Bet365) |
| Domination | 10/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Norcross Brow | 11/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Sailor Batt | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Ciao Capo | 5/1 | 9/2 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Fickle McSelfish | 13/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 13/2 (Bet365) |
| Walk On Walk On | 14/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Leysthorpe Star | 18/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 (Bet365) |
| Hood Wink | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
17:25 – Go Racing In Yorkshire Apprentice Handicap (Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series)
Race Details: 1m | Class 4 | Going: 7.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick) | | flat
This is a proper Ripon mile handicap to close the card: tight enough, competitive enough and full of seasoned operators who know their way around this sort of test. On The River heads the market and is easy to see why after a fair reappearance, while Barley is lurking on a dangerous mark if bouncing back to his best. Walsingham won three on the spin before signing off with a lesser effort, and Empirestateofmind is another with the raw figures to be involved if sharper for his comeback. The draw could matter here, with Good Morning Alex, Chesneys Charm and Barley all berthed low, which is no bad thing around Ripon. It is not a deep race in terms of unexposed talent, but it is a tricky puzzle among battle-hardened handicappers.
Top Selections
1. On The River – 3/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Harry Vigors | Trainer: Harriet Bethell | Form: 5642-5 | Rating: 96 | Topspeed: 83
He makes most appeal in a race where plenty have something to prove. On The River returned with a perfectly respectable fifth, and that run looked the sort to bring him forward rather than define him. He is now effectively well treated at the weights in this apprentice company, carrying 134 despite the joint-highest rating in the field, and his profile suggests this sharp mile on good ground will suit well enough. Harriet Bethell also runs Milteye, but this one is clearly the yard’s stronger hand on the figures and recent substance. At 3/1 he is not a giveaway, but he is the most solid option and holds strong claims if getting a decent position from stall 4. Bet type: WIN.
Bet: WIN
2. Barley – 9/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Tom Kiely Marshall | Trainer: Tim Easterby | Form: 47097- | Rating: 96 | Topspeed: 94
Barley is the each-way angle because his recent form figures do not look pretty, but they have pushed him into a workable spot and his best numbers are right at the top of this field. A Topspeed of 94 leaps off the page in a race like this, and the low draw in 3 is another plus around Ripon where being handy and saving ground often matters. Tim Easterby’s veteran does need a leap of faith after a quiet spell, but this is the time of year when these exposed handicappers can pop back up, and he is weighted to do just that. Available at 9/2, he looks the value against a favourite who has fewer secrets than the market implies. Bet type: EACH-WAY.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Keep it simple: On The River is the win play, as he arrives with the soundest recent run and the least guesswork attached. Barley is the each-way punt, with his low draw and standout Topspeed figure making him dangerous at the prices. Main dangers are Walsingham, who could easily resume progress, and Empirestateofmind if much sharper second time up.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walsingham | 6/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 (Bet365) |
| Empirestateofmind | 11/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 6/1 (Betfair) |
| Milteye | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Good Morning Alex | 9/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
| On The River | 3/1 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 3/1 (Bet365) |
| Mr Mistoffelees | 11/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 (Bet365) |
| Garden Oasis | 14/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Cosmos Raj | 14/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 10/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 (Bet365) |
| Barley | 9/2 | 18/5 | 4/1 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 9/2 (Bet365) |
| Chesneys Charm | 8/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Dean Kilbryde | Cosmos Raj |
| Rory Paddock | Empirestateofmind |
Ripon Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmos Raj | 12 | 4 | 33.33% | 41.67% |
| Spioradalta | 6 | 2 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
| Mister Sox | 7 | 2 | 28.57% | 57.14% |
| Garden Oasis | 28 | 7 | 25% | 46.43% |
| Fortamour | 26 | 6 | 23.08% | 50% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Paetel | 5 | 2 | 40% | 80% |
| Jack Nicholls | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
| Rhys Elliott | 10 | 2 | 20% | 30% |
| Callum Shepherd | 41 | 8 | 19.51% | 36.59% |
| Sean D Bowen | 7 | 1 | 14.29% | 42.86% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Ripon:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Channon | 13 | 4 | 30.77% | 69.23% |
| Richard Hannon | 79 | 17 | 21.52% | 35.44% |
| Ian Williams | 38 | 8 | 21.05% | 42.11% |
| Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood | 29 | 6 | 20.69% | 31.03% |
| James Owen | 10 | 2 | 20% | 30% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Ripon racing tips for Thursday 16th April 2026. We’ve covered all 7 races with our top selections highlighted above. Use the betting strategies as a starting point, always shop around for the best odds, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
FAQ
What time does racing start at Ripon today?
The first race at Ripon on Thursday 16th April 2026 goes off at 14:00, with 7 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Ripon today?
The going at Ripon is reported as 7.4) (rail movements (Good (goingstick).
How many races are at Ripon today?
There are 7 races on the card at Ripon today, running from 14:00 through to 17:25.
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