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

6th

5

(8)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:05 York

Eternal Sunshine

9st 11lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

In fine form last summer, culminating in her Portland win off a 2lb higher mark; slow to come to hand this year but much better dropped back to Class 4 company on her last two starts; this is tougher than the fillies' handicap in which she finished second last week but she is a major player all the same.

9/2

2nd

1

(6)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

16:55 Doncaster

Eternal Sunshine

10st 2lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Progressed well once handicapping as a 4yo and kicked on again last season, landing a hat-trick in late summer, latterly here off 2lb higher; not at her best in the spring but this is her time of year and she offered more latest; respected.

9/4

4th

1

(2)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Eternal Sunshine

10st 4lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Got on a roll in the second half of 2025, completing a quick hat-trick when landing the Portland Handicap at Doncaster (5.6f, good) in September; yet to get going this year and drop in class isn't enough to tempt.

8/1

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

3rd

4

(1)

7th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:18 Pontefract

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Bounced back from some lesser efforts when making all and scoring comfortably from a subsequent winner at Ripon (6f, good) 19 days ago; the visor may have helped and although similar tactics may not be so easy in this field, he doesn't have to lead; much respected from 6lb higher.

11/8

1st

4

(7)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 2lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Won three times last year (5f/6f, good/good to firm/AW), the third when wearing cheekpieces for the first time; disappointing this season, last time unseating his rider at the start in first-time visor which is retained.

9/1

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

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

7th

1

(9)

2nd Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:33 Kempton (AW)

Spangled Mac

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Three good runs over the winter (two of them from five runs in Bahrain) but he has struggled in two 7f runs back in Britain since April; handicapper slow to relent and this step up to 1m isn't sure to spark a revival.

16/1

13th

6

(2)

11th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Newbury

Spangled Mac

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

7yo who was well beaten in Bahrain and at Chester on his last two starts; however, he was drawn wide at Chester and showed some good form in Bahrain in January; he's run really well on both previous attempts at this C&D and is not ruled out each-way off a competitive mark.

20/1

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

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

10

(13)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Duran

9st 10lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

In better heart than recent form-figures suggest, shaping encouragingly at Beverley on reappearance and poorly drawn at Ascot next time; usually runs at 5f but also successful at 6f; falling in weights and has each-way hopes.

16/1

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

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

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

1st

2

(2)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

19:30 Beverley

It Just Takes Time

9st 5lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Back in form with three placed efforts this summer; the latest one took his C&D record to 1113; this front-running 8yo remains just 1lb above last winning mark; solid chance.

5/2

3rd

1

(3)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:10 Beverley

It Just Takes Time

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

A three-time C&D scorer; right back to his best of late when runner-up in 7f handicaps at Wetherby and Thirsk, caught only late on latter occasion; up 2lb but another bold showing is on the cards.

3/1

2nd

2

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:02 Thirsk

It Just Takes Time

10st 0lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner who bounced back to his best with second of 14 in 7f Wetherby handicap 12 days ago; up 2lb but he remains 1lb below his last winning mark so merits serious consideration.

4/1

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

6th

8

(6)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 2

19:15 Hamilton

Sir Garfield

8st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Reappeared with a win at Catterick (6f, good) in April and then made all at Epsom (6f, good) this month; his stable is a dab hand when it comes to older horses progressing through the ranks and, with the Epsom form having been franked, a 3lb rise could prove lenient for this thriving 5yo.

7/2

1st

6

(1)

1st Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

18:22 Epsom

Sir Garfield

9st 8lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: John & Sean Quinn

Six-time winner who improved last year and was better than ever when scoring at Catterick (6f, good) on his reappearance nearly three months ago; subsequently absent but unlikely he'd be making the journey down without good reason and may be capable of better yet.

15/2

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

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

17th

11

(13)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Dakota Gold

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Michael Dods

Smart in his prime and a multiple winner over the years but became disappointing after last season's winning reappearance and was last of 20 when back in action at York in May; needs to turn things around.

33/1

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

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

3rd

5

(5)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Rousing Encore

10st 1lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Dual C&D winner; finished well for fourth at Carlisle (6f, good to firm) in May but has rather mixed record since returned to turf in April and never really got involved at York last time.

9/1

18th

2

(18)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Rousing Encore

10st 0lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Tends to come from well off the pace and sometimes meets trouble; did well in the circumstances when a never-nearer fourth of 14 at Carlisle two weeks ago; won over C&D last spring; big player if the gaps appear.

12/1

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

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

5th

5

(6)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:03 Newcastle (AW)

Tiriac

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Can blow the start but he won two C&D handicaps in late 2025 and is well treated on that form; trainer has won the last two renewals of this race; high on the list.

8/1

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

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

13th

6

(6)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Tinto

10st 0lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Dods

Operating off a reduced mark but on a losing run; has strong C&D form but reserves his best for Thirsk these days; well beaten on last month's seasonal return.

20/1

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

+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