July 30 / 16.55 Thirsk

16.55

Good To Soft

William Hill Pick Your Places Handicap

  • Prize money: £10800
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
RTV
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William Hill Pick Your Places Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

1st
10 (2)
Danzan

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 044532

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Doesn't find winning easy but he's consistent and has finished bang there on his last three starts, latterly on the return to 7f at York; perhaps better in blinkers than the reapplied cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(7)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

12:50 Catterick

Danzan

9st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran who retains some gusto and won from the front at Ayr (6f, good to soft) in July; however, his last two efforts have been well below par and he could be vulnerable to younger legs.

16/1

6th

5

(2)

21st Sep 2025

Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 5

16:43 Hamilton

Danzan

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Veteran who retains some gusto but registered his sole win this term in Class 6; it's over two years since last success above that level.

12/1

125

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Danzan

8st 7lb

T: Tim Easterby

25/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 136/50

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
2020 form reads well but he missed all of last year and has been below par since returning.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(1)

3rd Oct 2022

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Pontefract

Gumdrop

9st 11lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

midfield, pushed along and lost position when bit short of room under 2f out, rallied towards far side inside final furlong, made no impression

7/1

12th

10

(9)

25th Aug 2022

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

Gumdrop

8st 12lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Richard Fahey

led, pushed along from 2f out, headed and weakened over 1f out

8/1

2nd

11

(4)

30th Jul 2022

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:55 Thirsk

Gumdrop

9st 2lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

held up in midfield, raced far side home straight, headway over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 3 in group

25/1

8/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 6-4843 C

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
High in the weights but can be competitive off this mark and his latest third on return to soft ground was perfectly encouraging; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(1)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Wobwobwob

9st 5lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Six-time winner, notably the 2023 Ayr Silver Cup, but two years have passed since the last victory; retained ability in a mixed 2025 campaign and he should be sharper with a run under his belt; drying ground won't be in his favour here though.

12/1

12th

10

(2)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

15:57 Pontefract

Wobwobwob

8st 5lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

One of the oldest contenders in this field and has done his winning over 6f/7f, mostly on ground softer than good; could well be tapped for toe in this belated first attempt at the minimum trip.

20/1

1

(9)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:30 Doncaster

Wobwobwob

10st 2lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Without a win since May 2024 but runner-up on three of his last four starts (6f/7f, good to soft/heavy) and his turn may well be near.

13/2

OUR TIP

4/1

Form: 5-1223

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Good third in a first-time visor last time but the return of cheekpieces is no negative and this lightly-raced 3yo should go well if handling the conditions (ran moderately on soft-ground debut).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: -65794 C

Last run: 87 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Finished fifth in this year's Lincoln at Doncaster when the ground was good to soft and latest Chester run wasn't too bad, though that was in early May; not certain to be at his best after three months away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(1)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Broken Spear

10st 0lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

His mark continues to fall and he has lots of good form on soft and heavy ground; won at Newcastle (7f, AW) in March but this 9yo has struggled more recently and he needs to turn things around.

25/1

5

(9)

15th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:20 Thirsk

Broken Spear

9st 5lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Won narrowly off his lower AW mark in March; returned from layoff with down-the-field AW run this month but combination of refitted cheekpieces and heavy rain could prompt a more dynanic performance.

14/1

13

(2)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

16:25 Southwell (AW)

Broken Spear

9st 2lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Won by a head at Newcastle (7f, AW) in March but he's been off since finishing down the field over C&D behind Saisons d'Or in May; best watched.

25/1

5/1

Form: -31130 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Came up short in the Bunbury Cup but that was excusable and he went there on the top of his game; can deal with this mark and conditions are fine.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(10)

17th Sep 2022

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:20 Ayr

Il Bandito

9st 6lb

J: P J McDonald

T: James Horton

mounted in chute, taken down early, took keen hold, went second over 6f out, joined leader over 2f out, going easily over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, lost position inside final furlong, no extra inside final 110yds

16/1

5th

5

(1)

26th Aug 2022

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:30 Thirsk

Il Bandito

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: James Horton

prominent, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra final 110yds

14/1

6th

2

(6)

30th Jul 2022

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:55 Thirsk

Il Bandito

10st 1lb

J: P J McDonald

T: James Horton

took keen hold, prominent, switched right and raced near side home straight, went second over 3f out, ridden and lost second over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 7 in group

5/1

7th
4 (10)
Woven

12/1

Form: -22049 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won since early 2020 but often in contention and it was a good run at York two starts back; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

22

(18)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Woven

8st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

10yo who may prefer slow ground but the going was good when he was fourth of 21 in this in 2024; often runs well here and he reappeared with a creditable fourth of 19 at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) in March; each-way possible.

33/1

4th

10

(11)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

17:15 Doncaster

Woven

9st 0lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Running in this race for the fourth time, having finished second in 2022 and 2024 and ninth last year; can go well fresh and he retained a good chunk of ability last year; should be arriving on the scene late.

14/1

5

(8)

24th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:10 Newbury

Woven

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Michael Dods

Not prolific for one of his ability but 6f on slow ground suits him well and he confirmed the promise of his fine run in the Ayr Bronze Cup when winning back at Ayr two weeks ago (6f, heavy); 3lb rise not excessive and he should make another bold bid.

13/2

Form: 645103 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Not as good as he was but he won at Haydock recently (7f, good to soft) and Ayr last time was a fine effort given the race didn't go to plan; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

81

22nd Sep 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ayr

Golden Apollo

8st 7lb

T: Tim Easterby

5th

1

(2)

21st Sep 2023

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

16:45 Ayr

Golden Apollo

10st 2lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Mark continues to fall and he displayed spark as recently as June, but this 9yo has been well beaten on last four starts.

12/1

Form: 71-538 D

Last run: 174 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Wins have come in a fast-ground novice and AW handicap, both over 7f; not on a bad mark but has something to prove under these conditions and has been off since February.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(3)

10th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 13lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Revived by the drop to 0-50 classified events, runner-up over 7f at Wolverhampton and then C&D before seeing off six rivals in a 1m event here last week; that was a notably weak race, even for the grade, and he has a bit more on his plate as he bids to defy a penalty.

5/2

1st

3

(7)

4th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

15:02 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: David & Nicola Barron

No win since 2024 and all his succes has come over 7f; that said, he is effective at this trip and arrives on the back of a pair of runner-up finishes at this level; unlikely to be found a better opportunity to register a first 1m success.

5/4

2nd

3

(2)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: David & Nicola Barron

Has won three times over C&D; clear of the remainder when runner-up in a Wolverhampton handicap last time; sound chance down in grade.

11/4

10th
12 (11)
Corvair

25/1

Form: 688754 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Winless since his 3yo days and recently sold for 13,000gns after some uninspiring efforts; best watched on stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(7)

5th Jan 2023

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

14:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Corvair

9st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

C&D winner for Simon Crisford in 2020, but badly out of form for this yard (refused to race on one occasion) and would be a surprise winner.

50/1

13th

11

(13)

15th Nov 2022

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Corvair

9st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Completed a hat-trick earlier in his career, but has gone 24 starts without a win since and has developed a serious problem with his starts, refusing to race here in August and virtually doing the same last time; too risky at present.

25/1

13th

1

(10)

21st Oct 2022

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Corvair

10st 0lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Antony Brittain

virtually refused to race and lost many lengths start, tailed off

33/1

Form: -06338 CD

Last run: 70 days

W: 10st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
2lb beneath the mark he defied on soft ground at Doncaster last October and he ran well here on his penultimate run; York was a bit disappointing but could bounce back after a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(8)

28th Aug 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Ripon

Another Batt

9st 12lb

J: Sam James

T: David & Nicola Barron

Back to winning ways over C&D (soft) last month and followed up at Thirsk (1m, soft); his last four wins have come on soft ground but he showed solid form on good going last year and this 8yo could go well once more.

5/1

1st

7

(6)

5th Aug 2023

Soft

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Another Batt

9st 6lb

J: Sam James

T: David & Nicola Barron

slightly awkward start, in rear

13/2

Form: 331111 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Brought up the four-time when defying a 12lb penalty under Connor Planas at Yarmouth (6f, good to firm; handles softer); 6lb higher this time in a stronger race but needs considering.
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

14/1

Form: -65056 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Hasn't really fired this season but he's a well-handicapped 7f specialist who likes give underfoot and is dangerous to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

12

(8)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Zip

8st 11lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

The oldest contender and a familiar face, having taken part in this race for the last four years (form figures read 6529); beat all bar Eldrickjones over C&D last month but the return to this better grade presents a tougher task.

16/1

2nd

10

(5)

11th May 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Zip

8st 11lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Four-time C&D winner, including this race in 2021; second in it last year; has continued in good form in the main since winning over C&D last November (didn't run badly at Doncaster latest) and is on the shortlist now back here.

10/1

2nd

10

(5)

11th May 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Zip

8st 11lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Four-time C&D winner, including this race in 2021; second in it last year; has continued in good form in the main since winning over C&D last November (didn't run badly at Doncaster latest) and is on the shortlist now back here.

10/1

Non-runners

Another Batt, Spangled Mac, Zip

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £55.60
Straight Forecast £62.20
Tricast £270.99
Trifecta £243.70

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Open Mind

The Times:

Spangled Mac

POSTDATA:

Golden Apollo

SPOTLIGHT:

Wobwobwob

RP Ratings:

Il Bandito

Daily Mirror:

Danzan

Telegraph:

Spangled Mac

The Star:

Spangled Mac

The Guardian:

Open Mind

Daily Express:

Open Mind

Daily Record:

Open Mind

Daily Mail:

Golden Apollo

The Sun:

Golden Apollo