May 03 / 16.23 Thirsk

16.23

Good

Ladbrokes ‘Get Rewarded With Ladbucks’ Handicap

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
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Ladbrokes ‘Get Rewarded With Ladbucks’ Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £8.10
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 032-68 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Spent most of 2024 contesting strong handicaps and he rarely failed to give his running; should be sharper with a recent Newcastle run behind him (caught in the middle of the track) and he has run well over C&D in the past; one to be interested in back down into a Class 4.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

18

(16)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Secret Guest

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

Infrequent winner nowadays; faded into fifth of 13 at Hamilton four weeks ago; well below his last winning mark but that reflects a decline in his form.

20/1

5th

5

(6)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Secret Guest

9st 7lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Bryan Smart

Only won one of his last 28 starts but has slid to a competitive mark as a result and was unlucky not to finish closer behind The Good Biscuit and Jonny Concrete at Chester (hampered late); holds each-way claims.

16/1

6th

7

(3)

8th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 4

15:40 Chester

Secret Guest

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

He hasn't been at his best in recent starts but he has dipped to a dangerous mark and he has landed a good draw; this is a tough race in which to try and turn things around though.

16/1

13/2

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 1-2217 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
He's had a good winter at Newcastle, winning three times, and latest Lingfield disappointment doesn't take much forgiving; no reason why he wouldn't be equally effective on turf and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(10)

23rd Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Pals Battalion

10st 0lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Mixed results in higher grades on turf of late; has a better strike-rate (4-10) on AW and looks interesting returned to this sphere off 1lb below last winning mark.

10/1

5

(6)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Haydock

Pals Battalion

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: David O’Meara

Never in contention in the Ayr Silver Cup last week; mark not beyond him judged on this year's best but he has few secrets now.

20/1

18th

21

(17)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Ayr

Pals Battalion

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Has a useful strike-rate on the AW but just 1-18 on turf; suffered some interference over C&D on his latest 6f start in July but he looks to have his share of weight relative to the company he keeps today.

40/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 5362-8 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Had some strong handicap form for Andrew Balding last summer; sold for 67,000gns in October and gelded; the combination of 7f and returning from 190 days off may have contributed to his weak finish at Doncaster on his stable debut five weeks ago; better expected back at 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(3)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

15:00 Ayr

Imperial Guard

10st 5lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Michael Dods

Belatedly ended a long losing run with a smooth defeat of Ramon Di Loria over C&D last week; looks well in under a 5lb penalty and his claims are obvious.

10/11

1st

1

(8)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

16:00 Ayr

Imperial Guard

10st 0lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Has modest 1-22 strike-rate and is better known as a sprinter but kept on for respectable fifth at Thirsk (7f, good to firm) recently; drops in grade here and is well worth another crack at this trip; interesting.

6/1

5th

13

(11)

1st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Thirsk

Imperial Guard

9st 1lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Over two years since his sole success and well held in two starts this year; on a dangerous mark but that has been the case for some time; returning to 7f not enough to tempt.

16/1

9/1

Form: 716-55 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
C&D winner; back to his last winning mark and both runs this spring suggest he retains ability; yard amongst the winners and better expected from him soon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(2)

9th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

15:45 Carlisle

Bay Breeze

9st 13lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Eight-time winner, the latest over C&D (good to soft) 14 months ago off a 5lb higher mark; capable at this level but slower ground would have been preferable.

10/1

4th

1

(4)

9th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

18:12 Carlisle

Bay Breeze

11st 2lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

Won over C&D in May last year (good to soft); beaten 7l when third at Ripon last week (6f, good); these are his ideal conditions and should go well.

7/2

3rd

12

(11)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Bay Breeze

8st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Half of his wins have come over C&D and he finished sixth (Fortamour third) in this race in 2024; runner-up in added blinkers at Hamilton (6f, soft; 11-2) last September, but has failed to sparkle since (0-3); easing mark and a return to Ripon are the positives.

20/1

Form: 033-00 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Infrequent winner; often flattered to deceive last year and he has been well beaten at 33-1 in two 7f handicaps this time around; should be well treated back at 6f but he's not alone in that regard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(8)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

20:39 Carlisle

Another Investment

10st 9lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Modest win record but he scored at Doncaster (6f) off 5lb higher around a year ago and it was his first go in this grade when running well for second over that C&D (also good to firm) a fortnight ago; Faye McManoman knows him well; respected.

7/2

2nd

2

(1)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 5

20:00 Doncaster

Another Investment

9st 10lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Ended a long losing run over C&D last June but there's been little to enthuse about since, tenth in 6f Ripon handicap in April; needs to take a big step forward after a break.

9/1

10th

15

(3)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:45 Ripon

Another Investment

8st 8lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

More modest runs than good ones in 2025 but he did bolt up at Doncaster last June (6f, good to firm) and he is 4lb lower now; needs to leave his reappearance effort well behind him and he has finished down the field in his two visits here.

40/1

Form: 1215-7 CD BF

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Big improver on turf last summer, winning three handicaps, two of them over C&D; couldn't live up to market billing on his return to action in March but he was drawn wide over 5f; much better expected back under these conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

20:50 Chester

Kings Merchant

9st 9lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Philip Kirby

Gained all four wins over sprint trips, the latest in September 2024; ran quite well over 7f at Catterick (good) in May, though, and nearly exploited this career-low mark at Doncaster (6f, good to firm; second run in cheekpieces) a week ago; due to go back up 3lb; must be considered.

11/4

2nd

3

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 6

16:20 Doncaster

Kings Merchant

9st 12lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Philip Kirby

Progressive as a 3yo (C&D winner) but regressed last year and has continued to slide this season; hit a bit of traffic when not beaten far in first-time cheekpieces (retained) latest but others look to have stronger claims.

7/1

Form: 5/0-66 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Second run for new yard was better than his first, beaten under 2l in a 13-runner Class 3 at Newcastle last month; more will be needed to win but he's got handicapping scope if you go back far enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(5)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:05 Southwell (AW)

Tough Enough

9st 9lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Slowly away on his last three starts; runner-up over 6f here in April following a break; hasn't built on that on turf on his two starts since (6f) but he made late headway at Chester last time and the return to 7f may be a good move; could be involved back here.

8/1

6th

9

(5)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

13:35 Chester

Tough Enough

8st 4lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Antony Brittain

There were hopes he was rediscovering his level when chasing home Station X at Southwell (6f, AW) in April but his return to turf didn't go particularly well when again slowly away before finishing down the field at Doncaster last Friday; out of the weights today and others more solid.

25/1

10th

15

(5)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

20:05 Doncaster

Tough Enough

8st 11lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Dual turf winner who last won in August 2023; had reduced mark and regular hood removed when back to some form for second of six at Southwell (6f, AW; Alondra third) in April; could be rediscovering his level and he's not dismissed from the same mark.

16/1

16/1

Form: 034-98 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won a 6f handicap at Pontefract off this mark last July; yet to shine in 2025 and others bring more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Havana Rum

9st 7lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Ended 2025 in good form on AW; some solid efforts back on turf this year without suggesting he had much in hand of his mark; minor money perhaps his best hope.

14/1

3rd

5

(5)

1st Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

18:22 Epsom

Havana Rum

9st 10lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Back to his best last year and his reappearance second of 13 at Pontefract (5f) in April sent his mark to new heights; hasn't matched that in three starts since but last time's fifth of ten from the widest stall at Chester (6f, also good to soft; not clear run) suggests this mark isn't beyond him; in the picture.

10/1

5th

7

(10)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

13:35 Chester

Havana Rum

8st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

His year started well when bustling up Saturday's Epsom "Dash" winner at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) in April but his two runs last month didn't come close and he has the widest stall.

20/1

40/1

Form: 0431-7

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Low-key stable debut at Catterick ten days ago (6f, good to firm; 50-1); will be of more interest back at 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(3)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

17:23 Redcar

Soul Seeker

10st 2lb

J: Mr Daniel Perrin

T: Philip Kirby

Regressive 9yo who hasn't been offering much for a while now.

33/1

7th

9

(9)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

17:35 Musselburgh

Soul Seeker

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Regressive 9yo; beaten around 4l on his last two starts and needs to up his game to trouble the principals.

33/1

7th

8

(9)

11th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Catterick

Soul Seeker

9st 0lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Down to a basement mark and he's one to watch in the betting, but it's been a long time since this regressive 9yo has been competitive.

25/1

Form: 29242- C

Last run: 168 days

W: 9st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Ended a barren spell in a small-field 6f handicap at Redcar last August; ran well off this mark over C&D three weeks later; can go well fresh and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(6)

3rd May 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:23 Thirsk

Makanah

9st 9lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

midfield, weakened over 2f out, tailed off

11/4

10th

4

(6)

3rd May 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:23 Thirsk

Makanah

9st 9lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

midfield, weakened over 2f out, tailed off

11/4

2nd

5

(9)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:48 Newcastle (AW)

Makanah

9st 7lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

midfield against near rail, waiting for room halfway, switched left 1f out, good headway inside final furlong, switched right and squeezed through final 110yds, went second post, eyecatcher

6/1

Non-runners

Media Shooter

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £62.70
Straight Forecast £61.12
Tricast £210.74
Trifecta £314.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Kings Merchant

The Guardian:

Imperial Guard

POSTDATA:

Pals Battalion

Telegraph:

Media Shooter

RP RATINGS:

Makanah

D Express:

Secret Guest

THE NORTH:

Kings Merchant

The Times:

Kings Merchant

Daily Mail:

Kings Merchant

The Sun:

Kings Merchant

The Star:

Imperial Guard

Daily Record:

Pals Battalion

Daily Mirror:

Media Shooter

TOPSPEED:

Makanah