The Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy at Ripon will be contested on the Bank Holiday Monday, with additional races from Chepstow and Southwell also broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. This feature‑rich meeting offers a blend of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners, each looking to add a valuable win to their résumé.
One of the standout entries is Clash of Hearts, who arrives at Ripon with a promising record after securing his maiden victory at Pontefract in a confident fashion. Following that win, he delivered a respectable performance in a nursery at Glorious Goodwood, demonstrating his ability to handle a competitive field.
Most recently, Clash of Hearts finished fifth in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York, trailing the well‑favoured winner Haffner by just over five lengths. That effort suggests he possesses both the stamina and the class to be a serious contender in the two‑year‑old contest at Ripon. Another notable contender is Rogue Jewel, who is unbeaten in two starts for The Rogues Gallery stable. The colt has shown a particular affinity for the Ripon track and the distance of this race, having recorded his second win there not long ago.
Trainer Ed Bethell will be eager to see if Rogue Jewel can continue his upward trajectory and add another victory to his growing record. Pure Mint, an impressive scorer for owners Simon and Ed Crisford, also features prominently.
Ridden by Harry Davies, Pure Mint broke his maiden at Ripon last month and is a son of Minzaal, a sire known for producing versatile juveniles. The Crisford partnership boasts a strong historical record at the venue, having claimed three of the last six renewals.
Their proven success at Ripon adds weight to Pure Mint’s chances of repeating that pattern. English Oak, a top‑rated horse with a rating of 102, is entered in the Ripon Rowels Handicap. Carrying nine pounds more than his nearest rivals, English Oak carries a significant weight advantage that reflects his high class.
If he can replicate the form that earned him a Royal Ascot win, he may dominate the field, especially if he can leave behind the disappointing sixteenth‑of‑eighteen finish he recorded in the Golden Mile at Goodwood last month. Thunder Roar presents an interesting case. After having his rating increased to 100, he has now been reduced back to his previous winning mark of 93. This adjustment follows a strong win at Ayr in September, and the lower weight could make him more competitive in the current handicap.
Observers will be watching to see whether the reduced burden allows Thunder Roar to recapture his winning form. Mr Professor, the 2024 Lincoln winner, makes his third start for trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy. He arrives at Ripon after a solid second‑place finish at Kempton, indicating he is in good shape and ready to take on the competition.
His recent performances suggest he could be a strong contender for the top spot. The Chepstow Mile Series Final Handicap also promises excitement, with top‑weight Revelance facing a four‑pound penalty.
The race offers a prize of just over £20,000 for the winner, adding extra incentive. Revelance previously captured the Chepstow Mile Series Qualifier at the start of August, winning comfortably under the guidance of jockey Eddy Greatrex. In that race, she beat Nakaaha, who will now be carrying seven pounds more than she did, a significant swing that could influence the outcome.
Other horses to watch include Spirit of the Bay, who won at Ripon in July and subsequently delivered a credible third in the aforementioned Chepstow race. Additionally, the field features Rating, Too Much Trevor, and Redhot Whisper, all of whom have recently secured victories at Ripon and should not be dismissed lightly. Their recent success on this track suggests they possess the necessary experience and form to challenge for the trophy.
Overall, the Ripon two‑year‑old event offers a compelling mix of unbeaten juveniles, seasoned handicappers, and horses returning from strong performances elsewhere. With Sky Sports Racing providing live coverage, fans will have the opportunity to follow each horse’s journey throughout the day, from the early action at Chepstow and Southwell to the climactic showdown for the Champion Two‑Year‑Old Trophy at Ripon. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual viewer, the day promises high‑quality racing, strategic weight assignments, and the chance to see future stars emerge on the track.