Ripon 5:45 Result

Zimmerman's recent form line 361114 is outstanding - three wins from his last four starts, all showing he's flying at present and clearly relishes this sort of marathon trip. Running just 7 days ago and coming back quickly suggests the yard has him fit and firing, and Tim Easterby knows how to place these stayers over 2m. The tongue-tie addition has coincided with this rich vein of form. Weight of 133lbs with a 71 OR looks fair given he's beating rivals with figures in that range or higher. David Allan riding suggests stable confidence. The main danger on pure figures is Sax Appeal (OR 82, highest rated) but his form figures 653334 show a horse who keeps finishing just outside the frame - placing plenty but not winning, and he's had a huge break of concern given the higher weight he now carries. Talismans Time has a break of 46 days and a flat effort last time (0-P354) with an inconsistent profile. Tarbat Ness has some placed form but hasn't strung together the pattern of victories Zimmerman has. Gibside, stablemate to Zimmerman, has a modest current form figure (603836) and looks second string. Zimmerman's current-form momentum, proven course/trip aptitude, and fair weight make him the stand-out in a race lacking a dominant favourite - this looks a good opportunity to back a genuinely progressive, in-form stayer at a fair price rather than chase the higher-rated but under-performing top-weight.