GB - Ripon - Race 5

Thoroughbred

7 Runners

Handicap

Turf

Good (Good to Firm in places)

20.5K

VIEW

Verdict

JIMMY SPEAKING has returned an improved performer in 2026 and emerged with credit having raced up with a strong gallop in a higher grade than this at Epsom last time. He's preferred to Cadarn, who retains handicapping scope on the back of his shock York win, and recent C&D winner Jesmond Dawn.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
2	Has returned better than ever, justifying good support in 16-runner handicap at Doncaster before following up despite doing plenty wrong at Southwell (7f). Ran well again when runner-up at Newmarket (1m) last month and fared best of those ridden prominently in a strong race at Epsom since. 1st Pick 2 Jimmy Speaking Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa Trainer: Chris Dwyer J: Silvestre De Sousa T: Chris Dwyer	97	-	-	-	19%	9/2
Analysis Has returned better than ever, justifying good support in 16-runner handicap at Doncaster before following up despite doing plenty wrong at Southwell (7f). Ran well again when runner-up at Newmarket (1m) last month and fared best of those ridden prominently in a strong race at Epsom since.
1	Began 2025 with 2 Redcar wins (for George Boughey) and returned to form from out of the blue with a tongue strap reapplied when winning a 14-runner handicap at York (1m, good to firm) 21 days ago, keeping on well after going with plenty of zest in front. Up 3 lb but still well treated on old form. 2nd Pick 1 Cadarn (Ire) Jockey: Shane Gray Trainer: Kevin Ryan J: Shane Gray T: Kevin Ryan	98	-	-	-	29%	5/2
Analysis Began 2025 with 2 Redcar wins (for George Boughey) and returned to form from out of the blue with a tongue strap reapplied when winning a 14-runner handicap at York (1m, good to firm) 21 days ago, keeping on well after going with plenty of zest in front. Up 3 lb but still well treated on old form.
7	Has a good record here (finished in the first 2 on 5 of his 7 starts) and proved better than ever when winning a 9-runner handicap at this C&D (good) 12 days ago. Up in grade from 5 lb higher mark but he should go well again. 3rd Pick 7 Jesmond Dawn (Ire) Jockey: Andrew Mullen Trainer: Grant Tuer J: Andrew Mullen T: Grant Tuer	97	-	-	-	34%	2/1
Analysis Has a good record here (finished in the first 2 on 5 of his 7 starts) and proved better than ever when winning a 9-runner handicap at this C&D (good) 12 days ago. Up in grade from 5 lb higher mark but he should go well again.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Exacta

A bet selecting the first and second horses in a race in the correct order. An exacta box refers to paying a little more to ensure they can finish in either order.

Overlay

A horse going off at higher odds than his recent efforts show that he deserves.

Blinkers

A hood worn on a horse’s head to limit side vision, which can improve concentration. Blinkers are added or removed to relax a horse or give it more focus.