April 20 / 16.55 Thirsk

16.55

Soft

Join The Vickers.Bet Free Bet Club Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4320
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
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Join The Vickers.Bet Free Bet Club Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/6 (Won)

  • Win: £1.73
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 22-

Last run: 274 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Two runs last summer, finishing second in a Newmarket novice (7f, good) and a Nottingham maiden (6f, good to soft); both the horses to beat him went on to win in Group 1 company and he sets a demanding standard for his rivals to aim at; sire has plenty of slow-ground winners and his dam ran well on soft; the one to beat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(4)

24th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Sandown

Never So Brave

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Did very well (3-5) last season for new stable, completing a notable summer hat-trick (7f/1m, good to firm) that culminated in Group 1 success at York; not disgraced from unfavourable draw in the QEII on final outing; may rate higher still and looks likely to go well.

13/2

6

(13)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

Never So Brave

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won 7f handicap (good to firm) at the Royal meeting here and followed up in the Group 2 Summer Mile on the round course here (good to firm), before landing the hat-trick in the Group 1 City Of York Stakes (7f, good to firm); they finished in a heap at York and a bigger performance is needed in this hotter Group 1, but he's highly progressive and warrants respect.

13/2

4

(7)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Never So Brave

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

4yo for whom things have clicked in a big way this season; impressive in the Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) and followed up in Group 2 Summer Mile there last month; did well in the latter to overhaul one who had built a clear lead; respected now in a Group 1.

5/2

9/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 22-3

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Placed in her three starts and 7f on slow ground won't be an issue; looks sure to win races and she should be in the thick of it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(7)

22nd Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Ghaihaban

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

midfield but in touch with leaders

9/1

4th

4

(7)

15th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:40 Southwell (AW)

Ghaihaban

9st 7lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

in touch with leaders, edged left when outpaced over 1f out, rallied and went fourth inside final 110yds

8/1

5th

7

(8)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:00 Newcastle (AW)

Ghaihaban

8st 4lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Andrew Balding

Off the mark in Redcar novice event, taking her form figures over 7f to 2321; the return to 1m backfired at Southwell (belated handicap debut; behind Moonspirit) since; may have more to offer back down in distance and remains of interest.

11/2

4/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 3-

Last run: 173 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Green under pressure when third of 12 in a 7f novice at Newcastle on his sole 2yo start (for Alice Haynes); the pair to beat him are both now BHA-rated in the mid to high 80s and the form has some substance; more to come.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(9)

28th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Swift Storm

9st 5lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Alice Haynes

Has failed to show progress in 7f events (showed promise here on first occasion) but pedigree suggests he may benefit from this drop in distance on handicap debut; not dismissed.

12/1

10th

6

(9)

28th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Swift Storm

9st 5lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Alice Haynes

Has failed to show progress in 7f events (showed promise here on first occasion) but pedigree suggests he may benefit from this drop in distance on handicap debut; not dismissed.

12/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
19,000euros yearling, 52,000gns 2yo; half-brother to winners Mogok Valley (6f, AW; RPR 78) and Star Of Burma (13.7f; 70); dam a 6f AW winner (80); makes some appeal on paper but he'll need to be useful to make a winning start in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(4)

28th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:42 Southwell (AW)

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: John & Sean Quinn

Wins have been over 6f on turf and 7f on the AW (Newcastle); has been running well for a while and latest effort back at Newcastle was better than it looks.

5/1

7th

10

(10)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Record of 2-20 but his last win was over C&D last month and he was only beaten 2l behind Anthropologist here last time; remains feasibly treated on his best form and he has possibilities.

9/1

4th

6

(1)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Promising third when back up to 7f at Southwell last month then won over this C&D, beating Concert Boy (due to run in the 5:00) by a short head; unexposed at the trip and respected up just 2lb.

5/1

Form: 8-3

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in one 2yo run but he offered more when third of 11, beaten just over 7l, in a 7f novice at Catterick 17 days ago; more to come and he looks the pick of his trainer's three runners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(10)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:30 Doncaster

Mysteryofthesands

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tim Easterby

Second in a division of this last year (soft) and three wins this term; ran okay when fifth of 13 at Beverley last time and not ruled out.

10/1

8

(12)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:08 Beverley

Mysteryofthesands

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

A dual C&D scorer in the summer; didn't fire in 1m Haydock handicap 17 days ago but no surprise if he bounces back here.

10/1

6

(2)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

16:40 Haydock

Mysteryofthesands

9st 7lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Three wins on turf (good/soft) since May and he may well have had a fourth here last month but for meeting trouble; last week's fourth of 13 in a Racing League event at Southwell (1m) shows he's still in form; considered.

15/2

6th
10 (11)
Capellina

33/1

Form: 45-

Last run: 212 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed some promise in two Ayr runs over 7f last season but others have achieved much more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

2nd Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

12:25 Down Royal

Capellina

10st 5lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: R K Watson

Starspangledbanner filly showed just fair Flat form in Britain with Michael Dods; hard to see her making an immediate impact hurdling.

66/1

6th

6

2nd Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 190y

12:25 Down Royal

Capellina

10st 5lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: R K Watson

Starspangledbanner filly showed just fair Flat form in Britain with Michael Dods; hard to see her making an immediate impact hurdling.

66/1

6th

6

(4)

19th Jun 2024

Good

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

16:50 Hamilton

Capellina

9st 5lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Starspangledbanner filly who has been brought along steadily, looking in need of the run when sixth in 7f Thirsk maiden in April; she can take a step forward now handicapping with cheekpieces added.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 9

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
80-1 and dropped right away in a 7f novice (heavy) at Catterick on his debut 17 days ago; can't be recommended.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(5)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

17:08 Beverley

Evelyns Phoenix

9st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Resumed winning ways at Nottingham (1m) in April but his form has dipped of late, just sixth in 1m Ayr handicap last time; others appeal more.

12/1

6th

8

(3)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Evelyns Phoenix

9st 4lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Won on his Nottingham reappearance (8.3f, good) last month and was then second at Leicester; possibilities on those two efforts but latest Beverley run was underwhelming.

6/1

9th

4

(13)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

17:56 Beverley

Evelyns Phoenix

9st 4lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Turned things around with a rallying win on his Nottingham reappearance (8.3f, good) last month and he backed that up with a good second from wide draw at Leicester (1m2f, good to firm); remains well handicapped on his best form and he's a key player on this drop back in trip.

11/4

Form: 7

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
66-1 for his Newcastle debut 12 days ago (1m), offering some long-term promise; unlikely to be up to troubling the principals here though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

(9)

18th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:15 Pontefract

Georgie Wooster

9st 3lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tim Easterby

in rear, some headway inside final furlong, never on terms

25/1

7th

8

(9)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 192y

Class 4

16:20 York

Georgie Wooster

8st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

ran without hind shoes, towards rear

14/1

33/1

Form: 96-

Last run: 207 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Down the field in two runs as a 2yo (6f and 7.5f); handicaps more suitable after this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

(10)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Scarfo

9st 0lb

J: Zoe Lewis

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Long time since his sole win and hasn't offered much this year; hard to make a case for.

50/1

7th

11

(8)

4th May 2026

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

13:45 Bath

Scarfo

10st 2lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Beaten 25 times since his 7f AW win in July 2024; well short of his best in three runs this year and he looks vulnerable again.

25/1

13th

15

(10)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

17:15 Doncaster

Scarfo

8st 9lb

J: Zoe Lewis

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Sole win from 28 starts was in July 2024; hasn't shown enough in two AW classified events in recent months to think a second win is imminent, particularly as he's 6lb out of handicap here.

40/1

20/1

Form: 7-

Last run: 326 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Didn't live up to market expectation on her 2yo debut 11 months ago (6f, good to firm); today's conditions should see her in a better light but she'll find easier openings than this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

(12)

21st May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 50y

Class 6

17:45 Nottingham

Moneypiece

9st 1lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Has shown little in her three starts; makes handicap debut up in distance, so could well improve but needs to.

20/1

11th

12

(12)

21st May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 50y

Class 6

17:45 Nottingham

Moneypiece

9st 1lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Has shown little in her three starts; makes handicap debut up in distance, so could well improve but needs to.

20/1

9th

11

(2)

2nd May 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

14:12 Redcar

Moneypiece

8st 13lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

awkward start

50/1

200/1

Form: 77

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
The only horse he's beaten in his two starts is reopposing stablemate Faris Flyer; this trip more suitable than the 5f he's been tackling but still no appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(7)

2nd May 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Damisa

9st 2lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

midfield, weakened over 2f out

33/1

8th

8

(7)

2nd May 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Damisa

9st 2lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Poor form in all three starts last year; can only watch on his reappearance.

33/1

11th

1

(9)

20th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Thirsk

Damisa

9st 3lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Declan Carroll

in rear throughout

200/1

200/1

Form: 88

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Remote last in two 5f runs this spring; can't be recommended.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(5)

20th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Thirsk

Faris Flyer

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: Declan Carroll

midfield

200/1

12th

3

(5)

20th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Thirsk

Faris Flyer

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: Declan Carroll

midfield

200/1

8th

6

(8)

4th Apr 2024

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Faris Flyer

9st 0lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

in rear throughout

66/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £4.40
Straight Forecast £3.78
Trifecta £8.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Never So Brave

LAMBOURN:

Swift Storm

POSTDATA:

Ghaihaban

RP RATINGS:

Never So Brave

TOPSPEED:

Never So Brave

NEWMARKET:

Never So Brave

The Times:

Never So Brave

Telegraph:

Never So Brave

The Guardian:

Never So Brave

Daily Mail:

Never So Brave

D Express:

Never So Brave

Daily Mirror:

Never So Brave

The Sun:

Never So Brave

The Star:

Never So Brave

Daily Record:

Never So Brave