April 18 / 15.23 Thirsk

15.23

Good

Join Racing TV Today Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
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Join Racing TV Today Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 1/622/ D BF

Last run: 560 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Only raced four times for Charles Hills but he won a 7f novice on his debut and finished second in both handicaps in 2024; the form of the Newbury second worked out extremely well and this mark ought to be in range; a 560-day absence, during which time he has changed hands (30,000gns last July) and been gelded, is the obvious concern but he returns for a stable in red-hot form; hooded first time; betting informative.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(8)

15th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Ripon

Murashah

10st 3lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Edward Bethell

Lightly raced 5yo who was strong in the market when making light of a 560-day absence at Thirsk (7f, good) in May on his first outing for Ed Bethell; won going away in a style which suggests this step up to 1m could unlock more improvement; a further four-month break is of little concern given he goes so well fresh (also won on debut).

2/1

1st

9

(7)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:23 Thirsk

Murashah

9st 3lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Only raced four times for Charles Hills but he won a 7f novice on his debut and finished second in both handicaps in 2024; the form of the Newbury second worked out extremely well and this mark ought to be in range; a 560-day absence, during which time he has changed hands (30,000gns last July) and been gelded, is the obvious concern but he returns for a stable in red-hot form; hooded first time; betting informative.

10/1

2nd

10

(2)

5th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Murashah

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charles Hills

slowly into stride

9/4

7/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 4931-6

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
The winner of four of his eight starts last year (6f, good or slower); perhaps needed the run on his return to action at Newcastle last month, running respectably in the smaller stands' side group; the more rain to fall the better for him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(5)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:45 Hamilton

City Captain

9st 12lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Harriet Bethell

Acts on good and soft ground; record of 4-15 and his wins were in handicaps last season, including over C&D; still 8lb higher than for his last success but he was runner-up at Thirsk in April and did best of the pacesetters when fourth at Haydock (7f, good) last time; returns after a break and he's in the mix on this drop back in trip.

5/1

4th

9

(4)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

16:15 Haydock

City Captain

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Harriet Bethell

Did well for Harriet Bethell last season and his two runs this year have been encouraging, second of 13 to an unexposed one at Thirsk three weeks ago; mark left unchanged; big player.

3/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 28317- CD

Last run: 199 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Lost his action and weakened at Catterick when last seen 199 days ago; prior to that he had comfortably seen off nine rivals in a C&D handicap (soft) in September; only had seven starts and there should be more to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(8)

1st Sep 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

14:10 Ripon

Draupnir

9st 9lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Michael & David Easterby

Sole win from 13 came at Thirsk (7f, soft) last September; placed at Thirsk (7f) in April and Hamilton (1m1f) in June, before a slight dip in form; latest Ayr fifth (1m2f, beaten under 5l) respectable; 2lb lower, with claiming rider Shay Farmer booked, so isn't discounted.

5/1

5th

3

(6)

8th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

18:30 Ayr

Draupnir

9st 11lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

1-12; fair third over 1m1f at Hamilton three starts back but lesser efforts at York (1m6f and 1m) since; still 3lb above his winning mark and best form is at up to 1m1f; others more appealing.

20/1

10th

14

(16)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 4

15:05 York

Draupnir

9st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Upped markedly in trip here (1m6f) four weeks ago and predictably failed to stay; previous form (7f-1m1f) is solid enough but a wide draw could be difficult to overcome.

28/1

12/1

Form: 12012- D

Last run: 164 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Ended 2025 in a rich vein of form, winning a Catterick handicap (7f, good) before a narrow defeat at Musselburgh (7f, soft) when last seen 164 days ago; another 2lb higher on his reappearance so he will need to be cherry ripe for this return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

(11)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

U Sure Do

8st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Landed his third race when successful from a flag start at Ripon (6f, good) in May; may have needed the run when sixth of 12 at Hamilton (6f, good) on his first run since 11 days ago; races beyond 7f for the first time.

25/1

6th

6

(1)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

20:00 Hamilton

U Sure Do

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Tongue tied for the first time when showing a good attitude to win at Ripon (6f, good; flag start) in May when last seen; only 1lb higher and he can be competitive granted he's ready to go on his first outing for 95 days.

13/2

Form: 2620-9 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
He finished down the field in this race 12 months ago but he has had the benefit of a run this time around and a promising effort it was too, shuffled back at a crucial stage but keeping on close home (7f, good to soft); his record at York suggests one eye may be on next month's Dante meeting but he's more than capable off this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(11)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:32 York

Quest For Fun

9st 5lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

8yo who has displayed mixed form this season and was below par over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago, but he showed spark when third of 22 over C&D (good) two starts ago and he has an excellent record in this race, having won it in 2023 and dead-heated for first last year; respected.

15/2

12th

19

(15)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Quest For Fun

8st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Two-time C&D winner and has also run with distinction in defeat here on numerous occasions; retains plenty of ability despite his advancing years but he would be better suited by slower conditions.

9/1

6/1

Form: 754-33

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Smart 2yo for Wiliam Haggas; won a Killarney handicap in July 2024 when trained by Willie Mullins; two good runs for new yard this spring, third at Newcastle and Pontefract (both 1m), and likely to be in the shake up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(3)

12th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 75y

Class 4

15:45 Beverley

Alpha Capture

10st 4lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Roger Fell

Has done well for this yard, in handicaps from 6f to 1m; he wasn't beaten far in a big field at York two runs ago after hitting some traffic and the winner (favourite) got first run on him when closing fast in a recent claimer at Chester (front two dominated); good chance off this mark back in a handicap, especially with Conor Whiteley taking off 5lb.

5/2

7th
11 (3)
Woodstock

16/1

Form: 28326- D

Last run: 170 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Failed to win in 2025 but he ran some solid races in defeat and he makes his seasonal return off a dangerous mark; interesting to see how he fares in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

17

(15)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Woodstock

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Ruth Carr

Gained a deserved first success of 2026 in 20-runner handicap at Ripon (6f) 13 days ago; not out of things despite a 5lb weights rise.

10/1

1st

7

(10)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Woodstock

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Ruth Carr

Better known for his exploits over further but he ran well for second in a C&D handicap last August; several good runs in defeat this year but this looks a competitive race in which to end a two-year drought.

10/1

4th

15

(10)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Thirsk

Woodstock

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Ruth Carr

Without a win since August 2024 but he's been in good form since this visor went on, bumping into an unexposed 3yo when second of four at Catterick (7f, good to firm) and again finishing runner-up at Chester (7.5f, good) last time; in each-way calculations once more.

14/1

Form: 078U6- D

Last run: 186 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Regularly flattered to deceive for Andrew Balding; managed to put his head in front in a 7f Newmarket handicap last July (7f, good to firm) and today's 2lb higher mark not beyond him; he is the type that needs everything to fall right though and others appeal more for win purposes, for all this drop into Class 4 company will be of benefit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(1)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:00 Goodwood

Leadman

8st 5lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Michael Appleby

Not disgraced in major 7f handicap at Ascot on penultimate start but is still seeking a first win above Class 3 and his ceiling is well established; moved out of David O'Meara's yard since last run.

33/1

9th

9

(14)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

16:40 Haydock

Leadman

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

All three wins at 7f including at Doncaster (good to firm) in June; has remained in form but he's drawn wide and may not be quite so effective over 1m.

16/1

7th

16

(9)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Ascot

Leadman

8st 8lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: David O’Meara

Denied a clear run when fifth at Newmarket (7f, good to firm) latest and he's a type who needs things to drop right; however, he got up on the line at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) two runs ago and may have an each-way shout.

25/1

4/1

Form: 4214-1 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Lightly-raced 4yo; attracted support and made a perfect start for new connections when seeing off 14 rivals at Doncaster three weeks ago (7f, good to soft); 5lb higher in a better race but there was a lot to like about the way he responded to pressure last time; can do better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(7)

2nd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Newbury

Melvin Udall

10st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Grace Harris

7f novice winner for Ed Walker; made a successful stable debut off 4lb lower in March (7f, good to soft) but hasn't kicked on from there.

16/1

7th

8

(2)

20th May 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Melvin Udall

9st 5lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Grace Harris

Two wins from six starts for three different yards but he was disappointing in a 7f handicap at Thirsk (ninth of 13) last month; has bit to prove again after that and he's untried on AW.

16/1

Form: 31129- D

Last run: 170 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Prominent racer who enjoyed a purple patch last September, winning back-to-back Carlisle handicaps and coming up just shy in his hat-trick bid at Beverley; returns from 170 days off on a tough enough mark and others make more appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(4)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 75y

Class 4

16:10 Beverley

One Night Thunder

9st 7lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Gemma Tutty

Run to form in just one of his five starts this year; fully effective at the track and rain would boost his chance; one to consider with a good claimer booked.

12/1

6th

8

(10)

7th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

15:20 Musselburgh

One Night Thunder

9st 6lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Gemma Tutty

Won twice last season and was seemingly back in good form when third at Haydock (7f, good) in May, his second run this year, but two lesser efforts have followed and he now has a point to prove.

14/1

7th

7

(13)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Newcastle (AW)

One Night Thunder

9st 9lb

J: Sam James

T: Gemma Tutty

A two-time 7f scorer last September; posted a good third at Haydock (7f) in May but beat just one in 1m Nottingham handicap last month; needs to get back on track.

16/1

Form: 25187- D

Last run: 273 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Six wins in the first half of 2025, notably when seeing off 21 rivals at York last May; absent for nine months but Paul Mulrennan has been booked for his return (two wins and two seconds from five rides on him) and this should be run to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(3)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 Thirsk

Frankies Dream

9st 6lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Jennie Candlish

Won six times in the first half of 2025; 0-8 this year but there have been some good runs along the way; last time wasn't one of them though and he is opposable despite a drop in the weights.

8/1

8th

2

(12)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

15:12 Redcar

Frankies Dream

10st 2lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Jennie Candlish

Placed off marks slightly higher than today's four consecutive times in May/June, the last twice at York (1m1f/1m, good); not quite at same level on last two outings but still enters calculations.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 25300-

Last run: 181 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Ran well in the face of a stiff task in a Carlisle Listed event last summer; confirmed she hadn't been flattered there when finishing a fine third over C&D last September; two lesser efforts to round off 2025 but the form of that C&D run, where she travelled so powerfully, offers serious hope this mark is in range; has run well after a break in the past and her trainer is having a fine year; contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(4)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Beverley

Beaujolais Nouveau

8st 13lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

C&D winner; campaigned over 6f+ since her 2yo days; better than ever this year but she looks to face a stiff task in this company; new visor replaces cheekpieces.

40/1

4th

6

(1)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Goodwood

Beaujolais Nouveau

9st 3lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

First-time cheekpieces and a reduced mark when coming good again at Ripon (6f, good) in May and she was close up in Bintaryana's race at York next time; the latter form in particular raises hopes but she was off her game last time at Pontefract.

33/1

Form: 16612- CD

Last run: 186 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
C&D winner; two wins in the second half of 2025 and he ended that campaign with a good second of 15 at Leicester in October; runs off the same mark but he could only manage a midfield finish in this race on his reappearance 12 months ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(10)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 0f 100y

Class 4

15:20 Beverley

Count Palatine

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Versatile ground-wise and comes into this off the back of a narrow success at Carlisle (7f, good to soft) 11 days ago; only 3lb higher but he may be better over a furlong shorter.

6/1

1st

4

(8)

19th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 195y

Class 4

16:20 Carlisle

Count Palatine

9st 7lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Versatile ground-wise and all four wins have been at 7f on turf; his mixed record this season but he wasn't beaten far at Ayr (1m) last time and is now only 1lb higher than for his last success; not ruled out back in trip.

10/1

6th

8

(6)

8th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Ayr

Count Palatine

9st 3lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

All four wins have been at 7f but he hasn't had many chances at this trip, over which he ran third on his penultimate start at Carlisle; had a break since a bad run in June and has possibilities.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £19.80
Straight Forecast £15.46
Tricast £171.99
Trifecta £375.20

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Melvin Udall

POSTDATA:

City Captain

The Times:

Murashah

SPOTLIGHT:

Beaujolais Nouveau

TOPSPEED:

Count Palatine

Daily Mirror:

Leadman

The Sun:

Alpha Capture

D Express:

Quest For Fun

The Star:

Melvin Udall

Daily Record:

Melvin Udall

Telegraph:

City Captain

The Guardian:

City Captain

Daily Mail:

Murashah