August 29 / 15.38 Thirsk

15.38

Good

Ruby Lodge Care Home In Thirsk Handicap

  • Prize money: £9720
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
Ruby Lodge Care Home In Thirsk Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.40
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 429220 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Chased home Sir Garfield at Hamilton and then turned in a career best when pipped at the post in a hot 5f fillies' handicap at York's Ebor meeting last week; well beaten over 7f the following day but she can be given a pass for that; 3lb ahead of her mark and has a C&D win on her record; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(10)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Eternal Sunshine

8st 9lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Completed a hat-trick last August/September and she's capable of going close off her current mark if at her best; she's 3-3 here and perhaps the return to Thirsk will trigger a revival, but it very much needs to as she's not shone on her three outings this season.

20/1

13th

14

(3)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:20 York

Eternal Sunshine

8st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Trainer won this last year with subsequent Group 1 winner American Affair; progressive last season and she's 1lb lower than when a close third of 18 over C&D (good) last October; however, well beaten on both starts this season (irregular heartbeat last time) and a major turnaround is needed.

20/1

13th

12

(2)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Eternal Sunshine

8st 11lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Won last year's Portland during a great spell of form that has come to an end with duck eggs in last two appearances; perhaps best watched until she shows clear signs of a revival.

25/1

11/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 143091 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
C&D maiden winner as a 2yo; two wins in 6f handicaps this year, the latest a Class 4 at Leicester 19 days ago; conditions will suit and a 3lb rise shouldn't handicap him out of things.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(12)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Had a solid 2025, winning three times (5f/6f), but hasn't finished in the first eight this year; dropping in the weights but needs to turn a corner; perhaps a change of headgear will help.

25/1

16th

15

(10)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Dark Cloud Rising

8st 13lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Three handicap wins during last season's 3yo campaign (6f/5f, including on good/good to firm) and the return of cheekpieces may be a plus; however, he's been unplaced on both runs this year; has to raise his game.

25/1

9th

8

(13)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Leicester

Dark Cloud Rising

8st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David O’Meara

C&D winner who ended his 2025 campaign with a success and creditable effort over 5f at Newcastle (AW); was as good as ever in those two runs but he was well below form on his reappearance at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) 18 days ago; may have needed that run but he needs more progress to defy this mark.

14/1

OUR TIP

14/1

  • Place: £4.10

Form: 505069 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won a 6f handicap in Bahrain in January; down the field in three runs back in Britain this summer (after a wind operation) and although he dropping down the weights, others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(10)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Spangled Mac

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Campaigned back in Bahrain since December, best efforts when placed twice over 6f; well treated on historical data but hasn't won a domestic race since 2023; returns to 7f for first time since last July.

25/1

14

(9)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 111y

Class 2

15:00 Doncaster

Spangled Mac

8st 10lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: George Boughey

Returned to form when third of 14 at Thirsk (6f, good) recently and he retains the same mark, which is 6lb lower than when 3l fourth of nine in this last year (soft); might not be far away.

14/1

3rd

2

(13)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:38 Thirsk

Spangled Mac

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Won a 6f handicap in Bahrain in January; down the field in three runs back in Britain this summer (after a wind operation) and although he dropping down the weights, others appeal more.

14/1

4th
9 (11)
Duran

8/1

Form: 210044 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won his maiden over this trip but better known for his exploits at 5f, including a Haydock win off this mark in May; faced a hopeless task as things panned out back at Haydock 19 days ago but he did best of those to race up the middle of the track; the trip is the nagging doubt today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

4

(3)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Ascot

Duran

9st 8lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Second in this race last year before running out the ready winner of a 5f AW handicap at Haydock last May (good to firm) off a 1lb lower mark; made an encouraging return to action at Beverley 16 days ago; each-way shout.

10/1

5th

5

(8)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Beverley

Duran

9st 0lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Pushed the reopposing Smart Vision close at Doncaster last autumn; started last season well (including second in this race on reappearance) and should be on the premises if resuming in similar form.

8/1

12

(10)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

13:30 Doncaster

Duran

8st 10lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Ran well when second over C&D (soft) last month; respectable efforts twice since but this first experience of heavy going needs to prompt some further progress.

12/1

10/1

Form: 810720 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
He has blown hot and cold in 2025, last of 17 in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon two weeks ago, but his C&D win in May was a fine effort, as was his penultimate second here (both on good ground).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

8th

4

(4)

8th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

17:05 Catterick

Secret Guest

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

Mixed bag this winter but he returns to turf on a handy mark; this trip probably his best and a revival could be forthcoming.

8/1

Form: 05122- D BF

Last run: 350 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
On the up once switched to nurseries last summer, winning at Glorious Goodwood and then placed at both the Ebor meeting and the St Leger meeting; gelded during his 350-day absence; still has potential and he is an interesting contender on his first run for a new stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(5)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Artagnan

9st 10lb

J: Faleh Bughenaim

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Dead-heated in a 6f handicap at Chelmsford last October; three solid efforts have followed and he should appreciate returning to 6f; drying ground no problem and he's high on the list.

9/4

4th

3

(11)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Ascot

Artagnan

9st 10lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Two solid placed efforts have followed his AW win (6f; dead-heated) at Chelmsford last October; still has relatively low mileage and a promising claimer has been booked; first 5f run since his 2yo days.

6/1

2nd

1

(6)

9th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Artagnan

9st 10lb

J: James Doyle

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Had a tongue-tie on for the first time when dead-heating at Chelmsford (6f) in October and he ran another solid race off this mark at Southwell (6f) next time; returns from a 160-day break and he could have more to offer on the AW.

11/4

Form: 745302 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Yet to win this year but latest Ripon second was a solid effort; two-time course winner and apprentice's claim useful; each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(13)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

It Just Takes Time

9st 7lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner in 2022, with no joy from nine subsequent visits but most of those were over shorter, whereas his last four wins (elsewhere) have been at about 7f; he's now 1lb lower than when making all at Beverley last September and a case can be made.

40/1

6th

7

(11)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

It Just Takes Time

9st 5lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner in 2023 but all his subsequent wins have come over 7f+; on dangerous mark but he's faded at big prices in both runs this season and latest was over C&D (eighth of 16) three weeks ago; down the list.

16/1

12/1

Form: -87059 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Smart 2yo, including third place in the Coventry Stakes; slow start to 2025 but he has run creditably in deep 3yo handicaps on his last two starts; something bigger could be brewing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(1)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:38 Thirsk

Columnist

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Smart 2yo, including third place in the Coventry Stakes; slow start to 2025 but he has run creditably in deep 3yo handicaps on his last two starts; something bigger could be brewing.

12/1

9th

8

(8)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Goodwood

Columnist

8st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Fahey

Record of 0-7 since debut win; had Group form last year but isn't particularly solid on 2025 handicap results, for all that the latest seemed encouraging; James Doyle prefers the other Wathnan Racing runner.

20/1

8

(6)

10th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Columnist

8st 13lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Fahey

Third in last season's Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and followed that with fourth in the Superlative Stakes at this meeting; well beaten in three handicap runs this year, the latest behind Hucklesbrook last month, and a further 4lb drop in the weights isn't enough to tempt.

50/1

Form: 274621 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Three wins on turf this year, the latest when narrowly seeing off Eternal Sunshine at Hamilton 12 days ago (strong in the betting); 2lb rise shouldn't stop him from going well once again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

(6)

8th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

17:05 Catterick

Sir Garfield

8st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Three wins last year included one at Catterick (7f) and one off this mark (6f, good); absent five months and he will need to be at his best to make a winning return.

12/1

7th

2

(11)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

13:25 Redcar

Sir Garfield

9st 12lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: John & Sean Quinn

Beat the Portland winner in August (6f, good) but rather subdued since then and the usual blinkers are off, replaced by cheekpieces.

14/1

7th

2

(11)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

13:25 Redcar

Sir Garfield

9st 12lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: John & Sean Quinn

Beat the Portland winner in August (6f, good) but rather subdued since then and the usual blinkers are off, replaced by cheekpieces.

14/1

25/1

Form: 02-100 C

Last run: 58 days

W: 9st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Veteran who showed a fire still burned when winning a Class 4 handicap at Ripon on his return in April (off this mark); two heavy defeats followed but the stable wasn't really firing at the time; each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

11

(2)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Dakota Gold

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Tremendous stable servant over the years with 17 wins; understandably not the force of old but won on 2025 reappearance (off 6lb higher) and has a strong York record (6-18).

25/1

9th

6

(3)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:37 Redcar

Dakota Gold

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Tremendous stable servant over the years with 17 wins; not the force of old but he showed there's still some fire in his belly with a fifth of 13 at Doncaster (5f, soft) three weeks ago off 2lb higher; has a win and a second from just two outings here; makes the shortlist.

8/1

11

(17)

14th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

16:40 Doncaster

Dakota Gold

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Won a Class 4 handicap at Ripon on his return in April (6f, good; 2lb higher); heavy defeats have followed and he could do with the ground softening up back at 5f.

25/1

5/1

Form: 614440 D BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Gained a deserved victory at York in May (6f, good to firm) and he ran well on his next three starts; failed to fire in the Great St Wilfrid two weeks ago but he was sent off favourite and remains on a dangerous mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(15)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Rousing Encore

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Promising second on reappearance at Newcastle and better than the bare results suggest since, meeting significant trouble in running in a big field at York last time; could play a major role if getting the breaks.

11/1

15th

19

(11)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Rousing Encore

8st 10lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Merely fifth on his last two starts, following a very promising second on his reappearance at Newcastle (6f, AW); however, he won this last year (good to firm) and is handicapped to be in the mix if he's back on song.

14/1

5th

2

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

18:27 Doncaster

Rousing Encore

9st 7lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Not much room for manoeuvre off this mark but has resumed in good form, latterly when inclined to pull hard at Newmarket (6f) in a race not run to suit; usually ridden patiently these days but has made all more than once in the past; a lot may hinge on how things unfold early.

8/1

12th
13 (2)
Tiriac

12/1

Form: 5-0586 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in four runs for new stable this season; down in the weights and didn't run badly at Doncaster five weeks ago (6f, good to soft); might not be one for today but, given his penchant for slow ground, he's one to keep an eye on with a view to the autumn.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

22

(9)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Tiriac

9st 4lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Paul Midgley

Slowly away and never a threat on all three starts this year, the latest last weekend; being dropped another 2lb can only help but he isn't obviously in good enough form to add to his 2024 success in this.

33/1

8th

7

(15)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:37 Thirsk

Tiriac

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Slowly away and never a threat both starts this year; dropped only 1lb and others make more appeal; one of three runners for Paul Midgley.

20/1

7th

8

(4)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:25 Beverley

Tiriac

8st 7lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Paul Midgley

Reacted well to a belated switch to AW at the end of 2025, winning twice over 5f at Newcastle; behind Sports Coach back there last month but it was his first outing for 104 days so he could be sharper now.

11/1

13th
10 (14)
Kings Call

25/1

Form: 700800 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Signs of retaining ability this year but last two runs were disappointing and others look stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

(15)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Kings Call

9st 3lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

Eighth of 24 in a 5f handicap at Royal Ascot last season but he's finished out the back in his subsequent runs; bit risky.

33/1

13th

7

(4)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Ascot

Kings Call

9st 6lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

Ran quite well when an unconsidered 100-1 shot at Royal Ascot last summer but that didn't prove a springboard to better things; down in the weights but best watched back from a 245-day break.

33/1

13th

10

(14)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:38 Thirsk

Kings Call

9st 3lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

Signs of retaining ability this year but last two runs were disappointing and others look stronger.

25/1

14/1

Form: -02000 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won the corresponding race 12 months ago off a 2lb higher mark; looked booked for another good season when finishing fast for second over 5f here in May; struggled in three runs since but cheekpieces return today and Paul Mulrennan is back on board; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(12)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Tinto

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

C&D winner; best known for exploits at Thirsk more recently, including a close second there last May (5f, good); cheekpieces off for his reappearance and not a solid option, for all he has dropped to a good mark.

20/1

18

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Tinto

9st 10lb

T: Michael Dods

14th

5

(6)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:38 Thirsk

Tinto

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Won the corresponding race 12 months ago off a 2lb higher mark; looked booked for another good season when finishing fast for second over 5f here in May; struggled in three runs since but cheekpieces return today and Paul Mulrennan is back on board; big player.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £46.10
Straight Forecast £32.07
Tricast £308.69
Trifecta £590.50

Selections

POSTDATA:

It Just Takes Time

SPOTLIGHT:

Artagnan

TOPSPEED:

Eternal Sunshine

The Times:

Secret Guest

RP RATINGS:

Rousing Encore

Telegraph:

Sir Garfield

D Express:

Tiriac

THE NORTH:

Tinto

Daily Record:

Artagnan

The Star:

Eternal Sunshine

Daily Mail:

Secret Guest

The Sun:

Rousing Encore

The Guardian:

It Just Takes Time

Daily Mirror:

It Just Takes Time