RIPON’S most valuable raceday of 2017 on Saturday offers over £144,000 in prize money, with a pot of £75,000 for the feature, The William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap over 6f at 3.25.

The Stewards Cup could well hold the key. Richard Fahey’s top weight Growl finished fourth and even under top weight should run well at 13/2, while Shangai Glory, just behind Growl at Goodwood, is much better in at the weights and an 8/1 shot.

Kevin Ryan’s improving Tommy Taylor was badly hampered last time out and deserves another chance at 12/1, while Kachy at 14/1 is another for the shortlist.

Any draw bias may be gleaned from the consolation race at 2.40. Tim Easterby’s pair, Bossipop and Rasheeq, plus Lexington Times, are of interest if balloted out of the feature.

The 2.05 opener may go to Cosa Nostra, while Chookie Dunedin should land the 3.50. I’ll also suggest Blind Faith in the 4.25, Instant Attraction in the 5.00 and take Fire Leopard, who won with plenty in hand at Ripon on Monday, to follow up in the 5.35 finale.

Then it’s on to the massive four-day Ebor meeting at York the following Wednesday, when the £1m Group 1 Juddmonte, has attracted entries from a host of superstars, including Barney Roy, 3/1 fav, Churchill and Ulysses, both 7/2, Highland Reel, 9/1, and Winter 10/1.

At the weights I can’t see past the favourite, though of the O’Brien entries, note Ryan Moore’s choice.

Favourite backers can also collect in the Great Voltiguer with Cracksman 6/4. We’ll look at the final three days in more detail next week.