August 01 / 16.55 Thirsk

16.55

Good

John Joseph Robson Memorial Handicap

  • Prize money: £3140.4
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 6
  • 9 runners
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John Joseph Robson Memorial Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

15/2 (Won)

  • Win: £8.70
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 494439

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far on a few occasions in the spring, but now 0-12 and cheekpieces made no difference last time; needs the addition of a tongue-tie to make a difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(1)

5th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Maldevious

9st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Brian Ellison

Finally off the mark in a first-time tongue-tie at Thirsk (6f) last month; said to have never travelled off her revised 7lb higher mark since and it's hard to know what to expect back on the AW.

8/1

5th

5

(6)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

16:15 Carlisle

Maldevious

9st 11lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Opened account at 13th attempt, with pushed-out success in first-time tongue-tie at Thirsk (6f, good) ten days ago; went up 7lb for that but the form was boosted when the reopposing third Great won on Wednesday.

6/1

1st

4

(9)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Maldevious

9st 11lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Not beaten far on a few occasions in the spring, but now 0-12 and cheekpieces made no difference last time; needs the addition of a tongue-tie to make a difference.

15/2

9/2

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 081460 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Very disappointing at Ascot (7f, good to firm) three weeks ago which needs forgiving, but his Chepstow success (7f, good to firm) in May was the only occasion he has dropped into Class 6 company in more than two years; worth a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

15

(7)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Northcliff

8st 9lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: Ross Burdon

Two C&D wins to his name; back to form for Ross Burdon, runner-up in his last three starts, but he's upped in class today and has it to do from 9lb out of the weights.

33/1

2nd

5

(2)

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:55 Goodwood

Northcliff

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ross Burdon

Runner-up in 6f handicaps at Thirsk and Newmarket this month; should run his race but a 3lb rise for the latest defeat does ask a stiffer question of him.

6/1

2nd

5

(4)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:02 Newmarket (July)

Northcliff

9st 11lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ross Burdon

Has a patchy profile but he won at Chepstow (7f, good to firm) in May and was runner-up over this trip at Thirsk (good) 13 days ago; back up 2lb in the weights but he was clear of the third last time and has claims if he can back that up.

13/2

OUR TIP

3/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 378715 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Narrowly bounced back to winning form under Jonathan England at Carlisle (6f, good to firm) last month, but met traffic when fifth of ten at Beverley (5f, good to firm) 11 days later; a player granted better luck.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(13)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Beverley

Great

9st 7lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Sam England

Two wins on fast ground this summer (5f-6f; handles heavy); disappointed as favourite at Carlisle 19 days ago; drawn wide and others have stronger claims.

10/1

7th

6

(9)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

16:15 Carlisle

Great

9st 11lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Got up late for a C&D win last month and added to his tally at Pontefract (5f, also good to firm) on Wednesday; 5lb penalty demands a bit more from him but he's evidently in good nick.

11/4

1st

5

(8)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

16:15 Pontefract

Great

9st 9lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Sam England

Got up late to win at Carlisle (6f, good to firm) last month; denied clear run when close fifth at Beverley (5f, good to firm) next time and kept on for third at Thirsk (6f, good) last Saturday; it's possible he'll get going too late back down to 5f but the stiff track and strong pace will help; chance.

4/1

Form: -59778 CD

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Handy sort whose three turf wins have all come over C&D; not firing of late, but has become dangerously well handicapped having dropped 14lb below his last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(7)

27th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Lord Abama

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Dods

Dual Newcastle winner (6f, Tapeta) the winter before last and 17lb lower than when successful at Thirsk (6f, good to firm) in June last year; down in grade, but not performing as though ready to exploit his plummeting mark and is still to conclusively prove he wants this far; cheekpieces return.

10/1

9th

6

(1)

10th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:45 Ayr

Lord Abama

9st 7lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

On a long losing sequence and yet to hit top form this season, fourth of nine in 6f Thirsk handicap nine days ago; more is required despite a falling mark.

14/1

4th

9

(4)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Lord Abama

9st 4lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael Dods

Handy sort whose three turf wins have all come over C&D; not firing of late, but has become dangerously well handicapped having dropped 14lb below his last winning mark.

8/1

Form: 478214 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
2-6 over C&D; ended a 17-race losing run at Chester (7f, good) last month and only beaten just over 2l into fourth of eight at Catterick (7f, good to firm) ten days ago; shouldn't have an issue with the return to this trip and shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(2)

8th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

15:36 Catterick

Kings Merchant

9st 13lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Philip Kirby

Cheekpieces have helped this summer and he ended a losing run off 2lb lower at Chester in July; yard going well but maybe another furlong is optimal these days, especially round an easy, turning course.

5/1

5th

3

(5)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Kings Merchant

9st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Philip Kirby

2-6 over C&D; ended a 17-race losing run at Chester (7f, good) last month and only beaten just over 2l into fourth of eight at Catterick (7f, good to firm) ten days ago; shouldn't have an issue with the return to this trip and shortlisted.

7/2

4th

3

(7)

22nd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

15:10 Catterick

Kings Merchant

9st 13lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Philip Kirby

Won his first race since September 2024 when scoring at Chester last time (7f, good; third run in cheekpieces, runner-up third there the next day); up 3lb; goes well on fast ground; a possible.

11/4

Form: -67344 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Winner of eight races including one over C&D, but losing run up to 12 despite a slipping mark; not disgraced when fourth of 11 behind Great at Carlisle (6f, good to firm) last month, but he could really do with the ground easing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(5)

9th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

16:17 Carlisle

Bay Breeze

9st 7lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

His last win came over C&D last May and off a 9lb higher mark; not fired on all cylinders in 2026 but he'll be suited by the recent rain and he is one of two solid contenders for his trainer.

6/1

6th

7

(8)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Bay Breeze

9st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Winner of eight races including one over C&D, but losing run up to 12 despite a slipping mark; not disgraced when fourth of 11 behind Great at Carlisle (6f, good to firm) last month, but he could really do with the ground easing.

8/1

7th
8 (1)
Fanjove

10/1

Form: 2-4696

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Both wins came on the AW last autumn; 1lb lower than for the latest, but he has beaten just one rival in four starts on turf; blinkers removed after one use and are replaced by cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(1)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Fanjove

9st 8lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

Both wins came on the AW last autumn; 1lb lower than for the latest, but he has beaten just one rival in four starts on turf; blinkers removed after one use and are replaced by cheekpieces.

10/1

6th

2

(12)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

14:02 Newcastle (AW)

Fanjove

9st 9lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Ed Dunlop

C&D winner, who was beaten by a short-head on only other visit (6f) to Newcastle; won off this mark at Wolverhampton (7f) last October, but his last two efforts were low key - last of nine at Goodwood latest; first-time headgear needs to have a reviving effect.

10/1

9th

5

(7)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:02 Goodwood

Fanjove

9st 5lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Ed Dunlop

The winner of two 7f handicaps on the AW and has shown he can threaten off this mark; last run was disappointing but could bounce back, and no doubt a better horse now than when last seen on turf.

7/1

Form: 37-020

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
0-9; 33-1 when second of 11 at Redcar (7f, good to firm; first-time tongue-tie) in May, but ran poorly over the same C&D the following month; has questions to answer back in trip; stable also runs Lord Abama.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(6)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Meccas Symphony

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

0-9; 33-1 when second of 11 at Redcar (7f, good to firm; first-time tongue-tie) in May, but ran poorly over the same C&D the following month; has questions to answer back in trip; stable also runs Lord Abama.

12/1

14th

8

(13)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

14:15 Redcar

Meccas Symphony

9st 4lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

0-8 but she responded well to the tongue-tie when beaten 2l into second of 11 behind Mayo County over C&D (good to firm) last month; 5lb better off with the winner and a player.

6/1

2nd

1

(2)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

14:57 Redcar

Meccas Symphony

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Showed signs of promise in 2024 and fair third at Doncaster on first run last year (7f, good to firm) but was tailed off in that race on return to action last month following wind surgery (7f, good to firm); tongue-tie now tried; others preferred.

25/1

9th
5 (7)
Khabib

20/1

Form: 420/98

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped on old form, but has shown little in two starts since returning from a long absence in May; just 1-36 on turf and hard to fancy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(8)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Khabib

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Ray Craggs

Operated at a much higher grade in his prime; absent 615 days prior to returning to action in May and he has finished well beaten in three runs in 2026; tumbling down the weights but need to see more before getting involved.

33/1

9th

5

(7)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Khabib

9st 10lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Ray Craggs

Well handicapped on old form, but has shown little in two starts since returning from a long absence in May; just 1-36 on turf and hard to fancy.

20/1

8th

10

(3)

16th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:42 Thirsk

Khabib

9st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Ray Craggs

Fair and consistent for Ray Craggs in 2024; off 20 months before coming in last of nine, on sole outing for David Thompson, over 6f here last month; has rejoined his former yard with lots to find.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.40
Straight Forecast £19.54
Tricast £48.03
Trifecta £114.00

Selections

The Times:

Kings Merchant

RP RATINGS:

Great

Daily Mirror:

Maldevious

Telegraph:

Mecca's Symphony

SPOTLIGHT:

Northcliff

Daily Mail:

Bay Breeze

The Star:

Maldevious

POSTDATA:

Great

The Sun:

Great

The Guardian:

Kings Merchant

D Express:

Kings Merchant

Daily Record:

Kings Merchant