Ripon 4:40 Result

Kings Merchant has the standout form of the field - recent figures of 8-2-1-4-5-1 show consistent placing culminating in a win last time out, and he's clearly progressive under Philip Kirby with the yard in good form. Top-rated at OR 65 (joint-highest with Liverpool Star), he has course-and-distance winning form and is race-fit having run 18 days ago. The addition of blinkers has sharpened him, and a 1-4-5 sequence into a win suggests he's peaking at the right time. Draw 6 is workable at Ripon over 6f. Conor Whiteley takes a sensible 5lb claim which helps on the weights. Liverpool Star, the other 65-rated horse, has been out 35 days and his recent form (145490) shows a downward trend after an early season win, finishing 9th and 0 (well beaten) in his last two - one for the notebook to leave alone. Valentine Catcher is another in-form type (397233) but has yet to show he can find the extra gear to win, with three straight thirds - he looks the eternal minor-placed type rather than a winner. Solar Cooper is interesting with a big drop in class-rated form but 74 days off and unproven fitness is a concern, and his form figures are patchy (801696). Kings Merchant's move forward, the strong recent placings-to-win pattern, and the panel of small positive angles (claimer, blinkers, fitness) make him the most solid look in a moderate Class 6 heat. He looks the one they all have to catch, and represents a fair bet at what should be a realistic price given the open nature of this contest.