JUST over one month ago Tony Culhane found himself needing a police escort from Pontefract racecourse as angry spectators vented their fury on the blundering jockey, who had carelessly thrown away race he should have won.

But this afternoon it could be a case of villain-turned-hero provided Culhane steers Armagnac (3.55) to victory in Ripon's richest race of season, the £50,000 six-furlong Great St Wilfred Handicap.

With a maximum 23 runners going to post for the William Hill-sponsored sprint, good fortune is always required in such cavalry charges. Sadly luck was a commodity in short supply for Armagnac at Windsor on Monday evening when the door was slammed shut in his face just as he was about to make his move.

However, it's normally worth considering the big picture in these types of handicaps and for starters Mark Buckley's speedster is weighted to reverse an earlier defeat by Budelli, one of the market leaders for today's race.

The pair clashed at Ascot in July and although Budelli got the better of the argument by one length, Armagnac now has a handy 7lb turn round in the weights.

Consider also the fact that the smart four-year-old won over course and distance last year off a mark of 83 and is currently only 4lb higher on 87.

He has definitely strengthened up and made considerable improvement, so rates as a knocking each-way bet at around 14-1 with the sponsors. Fill your boots!

* A maximum field of 23 will go to post for the St Wilfrid Stakes.

There were no great surprises at the overnight declaration stage with Vodafone Stewards Cup winner Bond Boy among the absentees due to the drying ground.

James Given's Tom Tun will also miss the race as the trainer had expressed some doubts about the quicker going.

Irish challenger Serov from the yard of Tommy Stack heads the field on 9st 8lb while Halmahera, who is bidding for his first win since June 1999, is next best on 9st 6lb.

Bottom weight is David Nicholls' Zuhair and leading hope Tayif also stands his ground but the stable's other fancied runner Flak Jacket just missed the cut

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