RIPON 15:12 6s716p

All 7 ran.

Time: 1m 10.51s Closing Sectional: (3f): 34.75s (101.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 112%, Betfair SP 99.9%

The standard-setting Shadow Army ran no sort of race but all bar one of the others arrived on the back of a victory and it looks an up-to-scratch running of this long-standing listed race; the progressive winner was quickly into stride and in command from under 2f out, leading home one who improved plenty with a gap to the remainder, the time only a tenth of a second slower than the juvenile track record which has stood for over 2 decades, a third win in this event since 2020 for the Crisfords.

SOLDIER'S HEART in is improving in leaps and bounds and followed up from his victory in the Hornblower over C&D last week in similarly dominant fashion, front-running tactics certainly bringing out the best of him; broke well, made all, tanked along, went clear approaching final 1f, closed down final 50 yds; he's in the Mill Reef and this form isn't far off the level it usually takes to figure prominently in that.

BENEVENTO (IRE) was much improved from debut 4 months earlier, suited by the increase in trip (will stay 7f) and beaten only by one destined for an even higher grade, the pair clear; prominent, ridden under 2f out, stayed on; likely to progress again.

MEARALL (IRE) up in grade, ran at least as well as when making a winning debut over C&D earlier in the month; handy, ridden 2f out, one paced.

LINE OF FORCE (IRE) was beaten nearly twice as far by the winner than here the previous week, possibly finding the race coming too soon; bumped start, in touch, pushed along under 3f out, beaten 2f out, no extra.

SPIRIT OF LEROS was below form, going about things in stark contrast to Newbury, possible the track didn't suit him; soon behind, went with little fluency, merely closed up late.

PREANKA the sole filly, had created a good impression on debut and is best excused this run upped in grade, things not going right from the off and forced to make her ground in the centre of the track; raced off the pace, hampered soon after start, pushed along out wide under 3f out, progress 2f out, no extra final 1f; remains capable of better.

SHADOW ARMY in a change of headgear, ran too badly to be true, connections blaming the undulating track though he was beaten a long way out in truth; dwelt, driven halfway, hung right 1f out and heavily eased off, always behind.