5:20 Ripon
A Class 6 classified stakes over 1m1f170y at Ripon on good ground features a field of ten limited performers where the KTB Fit scores are tightly bunched between 54 and 27. The race lacks any obvious leader, pointing to a steadily-run, tactical contest in which prominent or handy racing could prove advantageous. Overall the KTB numbers highlight modest ability across the board, with recent form generally uninspiring and several runners stepping up or down in trip while carrying relatively low official ratings.
How the race shapes up
With no horse obviously wanting the lead, the pace shape suggests a steadily-run affair in which being handy will pay. Quirke On Parole is the one most likely to race prominently and could take advantage of that positioning in a tactical race. The remainder of the field are predominantly held-up types who will be looking to produce their efforts late, raising the key question of whether the prominent runner can dictate matters or if the closers will get the chance to come through in the straight.
The KTB Fit ranking
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1Quirke On Parole KTB Selection54/100
Quirke On Parole is a limited performer who has shown only modest form this year and was well beaten on his only previous visit to Ripon. He has won over today's trip but has failed to place in four runs on good ground and his overall record suggests he struggles to compete at this level. The trainer has a 16% strike rate at Ripon with an A/E of 1.3 from 103 runs while the jockey boasts a 14% strike rate at the track with an A/E of 0.97 from 334 rides. Usually races handily on or close to the lead, which looks a positive given the lack of any obvious front-runner. Trainer and jockey both have solid records at the track, giving this 4-year-old every chance to be involved.
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2Ten Sixty Six53/100
Ten Sixty Six is a limited horse who has failed to win in ten starts and whose recent form of 979465 shows no real spark. He steps up in trip for the first time today which asks a fresh question while he has only placed once from six runs on good ground. The trainer has a 15% strike rate at Ripon with an A/E of 0.98 from 788 runs and the jockey has a 21% strike rate at the track with an A/E of 1.02 from 479 rides. Usually held up and produces his effort late, which may suit if the race develops into a steadily-run affair. Both trainer and jockey have solid records at Ripon, though the 3-year-old will need to find improvement.
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3Balance Of Trade52/100
Balance Of Trade is a limited performer who has been largely out of his depth in recent starts and has failed to place in five runs on good ground. He steps up in trip today having shown no joy at this distance in three previous attempts. The yard has no recorded runners at Ripon but the jockey has a strong 28% strike rate at the track with an A/E of 2.46 from 25 rides. Usually held up and produces his effort late with high confidence in that assessment. The 3-year-old will need the run to fall his way in what looks a steadily-run race, though the yard's lack of a Ripon record is a concern.
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4Wheres The Crumpet51/100
Wheres The Crumpet is a limited performer who has been out of form for some time with recent efforts reading 800988. He steps up in trip today having won once from 11 starts at this distance though his record on good ground is modest with just one success from six runs. The trainer has a 3% strike rate at Ripon with an A/E of 0.67 from 31 runs while the jockey fares better with a 12% strike rate from 57 rides here and an A/E of 1.68. Usually held up and produces his effort late with high confidence. The 8-year-old has a bit to find on recent form despite the trip returning to a more suitable distance.
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5Back From Dubai50/100
Back From Dubai is a limited performer who has won twice over today's trip but is stepping back up in distance after a string of modest efforts. He has placed once from five runs on good ground and has a solid recent record in this grade yet lacks any experience at Ripon. The trainer operates at an 8% strike rate here with an A/E of 0.91 from 102 runs while the jockey is on 12% with an A/E of 0.62 from 50 rides. Usually held up and produces his effort late with high confidence. The 9-year-old's experience in this grade is a plus but recent form leaves him with questions to answer.
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6Evelyn's Phoenix48/100
Evelyn's Phoenix is a limited performer who has won once in four runs at Ripon and also has a win at today's trip. Recent form is modest with a string of unplaced efforts and he steps up in distance today having last run over a mile. Trainer and jockey both have solid records at the track though the yard's strike-rate here is below average.
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7Golden Samba45/100
Golden Samba is a limited performer who has struggled to make an impact in nine starts this year and is now dropping back from 2m. Has shown a bit of ability on good ground but remains winless and has been largely out of the frame. Trainer's modest 4% strike rate at Ripon is a concern while the jockey has a solid record here.
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8Tiberio Force44/100
Tiberio Force is a limited performer who has dropped to his lowest mark for some time. He has won over this trip and at this track, and his record on good ground is respectable, but the recent form figures of 66789 tell their own story. The yard and jockey both have modest records at Ripon.
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9Captain Bruce41/100
Captain Bruce is a limited performer who has struggled this year, finishing no better than ninth in five starts. He has already tried today's trip and won once from three attempts, though his only run here at Ripon was poor. The yard and jockey both hold modest 3% strike rates at the track.
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10Retro Rocket27/100
Retro Rocket is a limited horse who has shown very little in four starts to date. Steps up in trip for the first time today while wearing first-time headgear. Trainer and jockey both have only one previous run at Ripon so their local record remains unproven, and he is unproven on good ground.
KTB verdict
Quirke On Parole is the KTB Selection in a race where the standard is modest and several runners bring limited recent form. His ability to race prominently looks a significant asset given the pace shape that lacks a leader, and the solid track records of both trainer and jockey add to his claims. He has won over the trip before, though his record on good ground is modest and he was well beaten on his sole previous Ripon start. The main dangers are likely to come from the held-up brigade if the race falls into a good rhythm for them, with Ten Sixty Six, Balance Of Trade and Back From Dubai all capable of running into a place on their best days.
KTB Selection Quirke On Parole
Morning odds
Best available price per runner, captured 00:06 UTC, 31 Aug. These are a morning snapshot and will have moved — see the live racecard for current prices.
| Runner | Morning price | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Quirke On Parole | 7/2 | Midnite |
| Ten Sixty Six | 10/3 | Bet365 |
| Balance Of Trade | 33/1 | Bet365 |
| Wheres The Crumpet | 22/1 | Bet365 |
| Back From Dubai | 10/3 | William Hill |
| Evelyn's Phoenix | 7/2 | William Hill |
| Golden Samba | 12/1 | Bet365 |
| Tiberio Force | 12/1 | Bet365 |
| Captain Bruce | 25/1 | Midnite |
| Retro Rocket | 28/1 | Bet365 |
This is the narrative read of the 5:20 Ripon. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Ripon racecard. Every result we hold for the track is on the Ripon results & records page. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Why does the pace shape favour being handy?
The race lacks a leader with medium confidence, making it likely a steadily-run, tactical affair where being handy pays.
Which horse has the strongest jockey record at Ripon?
Balance Of Trade's jockey has a 28% strike rate at Ripon with an A/E of 2.46 from 25 rides.
How many of the principals are held-up runners?
Four of the five principals are held-up types: Ten Sixty Six, Balance Of Trade, Wheres The Crumpet and Back From Dubai.
Which horse is stepping up in trip for the first time?
Ten Sixty Six and Retro Rocket are both stepping up in trip for the first time today.
Which runners have previous winning form at Ripon?
Evelyn's Phoenix has won once in four runs at Ripon and Tiberio Force has won here from seven starts.
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