The Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy at Ripon will be contested on the Bank Holiday Monday, with additional racing action from Chepstow and Southwell streamed live on Sky Sports Racing. This feature‑length preview breaks down the key contenders, their recent form, and what to expect from each horse as they line up for the prestigious juvenile contest. **Clash Of Hearts** arrives at Ripon with a tidy record in the bank after securing his maiden victory at Pontefract in a decisive fashion.
Following that win, he produced a respectable run in the nursery at Glorious Goodwood, showing he can handle a step up in class. Most recently, the colt finished a solid fifth in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York, trailing the well‑favoured winner Haffner by just over five lengths. His consistency across a range of courses suggests he will be a serious threat in the two‑year‑old sprint at Ripon.
**Rogue Jewel** has already won twice for the Rogues Gallery operation, and his recent triumph at Ripon over the same distance adds a valuable dose of course‑specific experience. Trainer Ed Bethell has a good rapport with the horse, and the pair look poised to repeat their success.
The colt’s ability to settle and accelerate in the final furlong makes him a strong candidate for another win at his home track. **Pure Mint** represents the partnership of Simon and Ed Crisford, with Harry Davies in the saddle. The filly burst onto the scene last month when she won at Ripon, showcasing a turn of foot that caught the field off guard.
The Crisfords have a proven pedigree at this venue, having claimed three of the last six renewals of the two‑year‑old trophy. Pure Mint, a son of Minzaal, carries that legacy forward and should not be underestimated, especially given the stable’s strong historical performance. **English Oak** is a top‑rated contender, entering the Ripon Rowels Handicap with a rating of 102 – a full nine pounds higher than any of his rivals.
The horse’s class was on display in his previous outings, and the weight advantage should translate into a commanding performance if he can replicate his best form. English Oak’s connections are confident that the extra weight will not deter him from taking the lead early and maintaining it to the finish.
A former Royal Ascot winner, **English Oak** (or another horse if the name is a typo) aims to demonstrate that his class can translate to success at Ripon. After a disappointing 16th place out of 18 in the Golden Mile at Goodwood last month, the connections are eager to see him bounce back. If he can shed the memory of that poor run, the horse should be able to handle the pace and settle into a winning rhythm.
**Thunder Roar** has seen his official rating fluctuate dramatically, dropping back to 93 after a brief stint at 100. This reduction is intriguing because it mirrors the weight he carried when he secured a win at Ayr last September. The horse’s connections hope that returning to his lower rating will give him a competitive edge in the Ripon contest, allowing him to compete on more favorable terms. **Mr Professor**, the 2024 Lincoln winner, is making his third start for trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy.
He comes into the Ripon race after a respectable second place at Kempton, indicating he is in good form and ready to contest the top spot. His experience over a variety of tracks should serve him well in the fast‑moving juvenile sprint. The top‑weight **Revelance** faces a four‑pound penalty in the valuable Chepstow Mile Series Final Handicap, where the winner will collect just over £20,000. Revelance captured the Chepstow Mile Series Qualifier earlier this season at Ripon, delivering a comfortable win under the guidance of jockey Eddy Greatrex.
The horse’s previous success at the venue, combined with a solid ride, makes her a strong contender despite the added weight. In the same Chepstow series, **Nakaaha** finished second in the qualifier and will now be carrying seven pounds more. The weight increase is significant, especially given the narrow margin between the two horses in the earlier contest.
Nakaaha will need to find a way to overcome this handicap if she hopes to reverse the previous result. **Spirit Of The Bay** earned a win at Ripon in July and subsequently produced a credible third‑place finish in the aforementioned Chepstow Mile Series race. The horse’s consistency across different courses suggests a level of adaptability that could prove valuable in the two‑year‑old trophy.
Other notable runners include **Rating**, **Too Much Trevor**, and **Redhot Whisper**, each of which arrives at Ripon after securing victories on the same track. Their recent wins indicate they are in peak condition and should not be dismissed lightly. All three have demonstrated the ability to handle the track’s unique surface and layout, making them potential dark horses in the field.
Overall, the Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy at Ripon promises a thrilling day of juvenile racing, with a blend of proven winners, rising stars, and seasoned campaigners. Sky Sports Racing will provide live coverage, allowing fans to follow the action from start to finish.
Whether you are backing a favorite like Clash Of Hearts or seeking value in an outsider such as Pure Mint, the race offers ample opportunities for excitement and potential upsets. Prepare for a fast‑paced contest, as the young horses vie for early-season glory and a valuable addition to their racing resumes.