8.25 Ripon: Class 5 Handicap, 5f

As competitive as this race looks, less than a handful should be serious contenders, and of those I reckon Herakles makes plenty of appeal to run – at least – to form.

His most recent Beverley run was eyecatching as he stormed to the front and led as part of a trio. He was travelling much the best, still ahead half a furlong from home and only late beaten by two horses from further back, to finish 3rd, eventually.

Herakles performed with credit, and mostly warranted an upgrade, in a majority of his six runs in 2024, since he came back from a break and wind operation.

Since then he finished four times in the money and ran respectably in two races of higher level. He’s down in 0-68 today, a level he should have the class to win.

Back in April the 4-year-old achieved a career-best speed rating on the All-Weather, and he followed up with two strong efforts on turf, at Pontefract in deep ground, and at Beverley latest, on a fast surface.

The decent ground today is certainly fine for him, even if it continues to dry out further. Even though still missing a W on turf, he’s got 4 placing from 7 starts over the minimum trip and the recent runs suggest it’s a matter of time before he wins.

These undulating tracks, like Ripon, seem to suit him best as well. He’s not quite ideally drawn, but #5 won’t give to many excuses I reckon, given his fine early speed will ensure he gets quickly close to the pace that may develop, as so often, toward the stands’ side.

10pts win – Herakles @ 6/1