June 24 / 15.00 Thirsk

15.00

Good

Theakston Simply The Best Classified Stakes

  • Prize money: £3140.4
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 6
  • 18 runners
RTV
View Course
Theakston Simply The Best Classified Stakes

Runners: 18 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.80

Form: 466-04

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who's from a family that's done very well for this yard; turned in her best effort yet in a 5f handicap last time and holds leading claims back up a furlong.
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

14/1

  • Place: £6.70

Form: 579-45

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Didn't see out a stiff 6.9f on soft ground last time and would have claims here on her comeback Ripon effort if that's ignored; is one of the likelier candidates drawn low.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:05 Salisbury

Calafrio

9st 7lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: George Baker

Polytrack winner in a first-time tongue-tie last backend when returning from wind surgery and four months off; that was not the first time she'd gone well fresh and this six-month layoff is not offputting, but she was held at short prices in two runs off her revised mark.

6/1

OUR TIP

5/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 774821 CD

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
6f stamina carried the day when he got back up late in a weak 5f handicap at Wolverhampton last Thursday; rarely runs on turf now but he's a previous C&D winner and has a fair chance of following up under a 4lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(2)

21st Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

13:55 Redcar

Ustath

9st 0lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Roger Fell

The bulk of his winning has been on AW but he is effective on turf and ran okay over 5f at Catterick 12 days ago; this isn't a strong race and he's not ruled out with Tom Marquand booked.

8/1

5th

8

(2)

21st Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

13:55 Redcar

Ustath

9st 0lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Roger Fell

The bulk of his winning has been on AW but he is effective on turf and ran okay over 5f at Catterick 12 days ago; this isn't a strong race and he's not ruled out with Tom Marquand booked.

8/1

8

(8)

9th Apr 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:13 Catterick

Ustath

9st 0lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Roger Fell

9yo who is just 1-24 on turf as opposed to 10-67 on AW; however, he's been in fair form on AW of late and ran some good races in defeat on turf last summer; could be thereabouts.

15/2

Form: 991665 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 48

Form & Verdict
Has done most recent racing over 7f and not been as good since a win in April; boasts a poor strike-rate and it's hard to know where stall 2 leaves him but this is a touch easier.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(7)

29th May 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:20 Ripon

Variety Island

9st 4lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Simon Whitaker

Not at his best in two visits to Ripon, including when sixth in the corresponding race 12 months ago; comes here on the back of two good fast-ground runs this year and rain won't faze him.

5/1

9

(7)

29th May 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:20 Ripon

Variety Island

9st 4lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Simon Whitaker

Not at his best in two visits to Ripon, including when sixth in the corresponding race 12 months ago; comes here on the back of two good fast-ground runs this year and rain won't faze him.

5/1

2nd

13

(1)

12th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

13:47 Catterick

Variety Island

8st 11lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Simon Whitaker

led early, soon prominent

9/1

Form: 02780-

Last run: 191 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Rarely goes beyond 5f these days, is entitled to need this after six months off and would have been better off with most were this a handicap; has a bit to overcome then.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(1)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:22 Redcar

Birdie Bowers

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: David Thompson

1-25 on turf and he looks up against it on the ratings here.

20/1

4th

9

(2)

1st May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Redcar

Birdie Bowers

8st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: David Thompson

started quickly, led, headed 2f out, soon lost second, weakened gradually inside final furlong

40/1

Form: -60001 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Popped up from nowhere when finally off the mark at Hamilton 12 days ago (2lb rise sees him on the ceiling mark for this race); strung together three decent efforts on the AW last autumn, so it wouldn't be a shock were he to go in again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(3)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:06 Newcastle (AW)

Ben Dikduk

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

in touch with leaders

20/1

9th

2

(3)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:06 Newcastle (AW)

Ben Dikduk

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

in touch with leaders

20/1

6th

7

(6)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Ben Dikduk

10st 0lb

J: Miss Alice Cooke

T: Mark Walford

Downhill since winning over 6f on turf last summer and was behind two of these last weekend at Southwell.

12/1

Form: 93857- D

Last run: 232 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Has often gone well fresh in the past and her yard, who also saddle Ustath, has been among the winners; is one of the likelier sorts drawn low despite being rated 45.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(6)

10th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

18:05 Catterick

Delagate The Lady

8st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Struggled in three classified races before running poorly in a handicap at Redcar; all those runs were over 6f, the trip for all her wins.

14/1

10th

10

(11)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

19:30 Redcar

Delagate The Lady

9st 0lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Four-time winner but she's struggled to threaten in classified races on her three starts this year; probably best to look elsewhere.

20/1

4th

3

(3)

9th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Thirsk

Delagate The Lady

9st 9lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Finished a long way behind Flavius Titus and Arlington at Newcastle last week; plenty to prove.

33/1

10/1

Form: 2575-3 CD

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Habitual slow starter who won a similar race over C&D last August; has gone well fresh before, so the break since his AW comeback is no concern, and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(8)

1st Aug 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:53 Newcastle (AW)

Flavius Titus

9st 9lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: Danny Brooke

Dead-heated for first in this race 12 months ago; he's one to keep an eye on in the betting and his chance is not dismissed, but this 10yo has struggled in the main this season.

12/1

9th

9

(11)

27th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Pontefract

Flavius Titus

9st 3lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Danny Brooke

Needs to improve on his 2025 efforts; however, won this race (off 4lb higher) last year and has a good chance if back to that form.

20/1

4th

11

(2)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:38 Ripon

Flavius Titus

8st 12lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Danny Brooke

Chased home Gis A Sub in the corresponding race 12 months ago; not really got going in 2025 and others appeal more for win purposes.

25/1

9th
9 (10)
Gidwa

7/1

Form: 215023 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Four wins came on the AW and he boasts a very patchy profile on turf; has turned in two decent efforts since the tongue-tie went on, though, and won't mind the return to sprinting for a yard among the winners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(8)

11th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:35 Newcastle (AW)

Gidwa

9st 9lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

prominent

20/1

11th

7

(8)

11th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:35 Newcastle (AW)

Gidwa

9st 9lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

prominent

20/1

7th

7

(6)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Gidwa

9st 0lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Has won on both AW surfaces (0-1 here) but has been off his game in three runs since returning from a break, latterly in this new headgear combination; opposable.

10/1

10th
12 (16)
Kitbag

12/1

Form: 065765 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Rather struggled since joining from Jack Channon (trainer also runs Bernie The Bear) and is switched from a visor to first-time blinkers today; wins both came on the AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(16)

24th Jun 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:00 Thirsk

Kitbag

9st 9lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Linda Perratt

in touch with leaders

12/1

5th

11

(3)

28th May 2024

Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

17:10 Redcar

Kitbag

10st 5lb

J: Miss Megan Davies

T: Linda Perratt

in touch with leaders, weakened inside final furlong

14/1

5th

11

(3)

28th May 2024

Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

17:10 Redcar

Kitbag

10st 5lb

J: Miss Megan Davies

T: Linda Perratt

Yet to hit top form in five runs for his current handler, sixth of ten in 6f Ayr handicap six days ago; slipping in the weights but more is still required.

14/1

Form: 242430 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
String of defeats at short prices on the AW this year, often fluffing the start, and was below-par when making it 0-11 on turf behind Ben Dikduk last time; stable (also run Kitbag) form could be better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(4)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:12 Ayr

Bernie The Bear

8st 9lb

J: Jamie Gormley

T: Linda Perratt

Yet to win on turf (0-17) and his 'most recent' AW win was at Wolverhampton (6f) in December 2023; nothing positive to take from his last four starts, including when weakening quickly at Musselburgh (7f; 40-1) three weeks ago.

50/1

9th

10

(3)

29th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

17:00 Musselburgh

Bernie The Bear

9st 0lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Linda Perratt

All three wins came on AW in 2023 when trained by Richard Fahey; only narrowly denied by The Gay Blade over 6f at Newcastle in February but hasn't been in same form since, including behind that reopposing rival there last week.

14/1

6th

8

(2)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Bernie The Bear

9st 0lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Linda Perratt

All three wins came on AW in 2023 when trained by Richard Fahey; has run poorly on last two starts; best watched for now.

25/1

50/1

Form: 090

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 46

Form & Verdict
Slowly away and/or inclined to pull hard in three runs to date, all at huge prices; hails from a family his trainer knows well and this is more realistic but would want to see some support before considering him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(1)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 16y

Class 6

20:11 Chepstow

Just Typical

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Five of his six wins have come on AW; didn't look straightforward without usual hood or tongue-tie (back on here) when fourth of seven at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) 12 days ago; two things in his favour here are that he is the only distance winner in the field and this represents a drop in grade, so he needs to be considered seriously.

11/8

4th

3

(9)

26th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:25 Newmarket (July)

Just Typical

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Rarely seen on turf and below best since a close call on AW before Christmas but he had swamped his rivals at Redcar (1m, good) last September and was seriously hampered on the Rowley course after; weighted to go well and respected; usual aids missing but two wins minus headgear in 2025.

8/1

8th

13

(2)

10th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Just Typical

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

1m turf win last September off 4lb lower; in and out since, often conceding ground at the start, but Ryan Kavanagh takes off a valuable 5lb; below his best in one Kempton appearance.

20/1

20/1

Form: 328384

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 46

Form & Verdict
Longstanding maiden whose yard also saddle Birdie Bowers; has been running over 7f of late and most of his best efforts have come on the Tapeta at Newcastle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(10)

22nd Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Secret Daay

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: David Thompson

Took his record to 0-33 when well beaten here on Thursday (6f); hard to fancy.

33/1

5th

7

(3)

20th Mar 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Secret Daay

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: David Thompson

in touch with leaders

33/1

6th

5

(7)

7th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

Secret Daay

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: David Thompson

Longstanding maiden; didn't get a clear run at things here last week (6f) but it wasn't the difference between victory and defeat; others look safer.

20/1

25/1

Form: -77699 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won in almost two years and has suffered plenty of costly defeats in the interim; came in for support last time, when inclined to pull hard from a wide stall, and is now given another try in cheekpieces instead of the usual blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

10

(13)

24th Jun 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:00 Thirsk

Glorious Rio

9st 9lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Stella Barclay

held up in rear

25/1

9th

7

(1)

17th May 2024

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

21:00 Hamilton

Glorious Rio

9st 5lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Stella Barclay

Course winner (5f; August 2021); now rated 21lb lower than when last successful at Carlisle the following summer; it is difficult to be enthused though by his latest effort at Nottingham (5f, soft; ninth of 11, beaten 8l); others preferred.

14/1

50/1

Form: 7680

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 37

Form & Verdict
Had issues at the start and looked very limited thus far; headgear goes on and Gidwa looks her trainer's best shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

(4)

24th Sep 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Thea Bell

9st 0lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Only effort of note came at Southwell last month (6f); tailed off on turf last week (first run after wind op); return to AW not enough to tempt.

20/1

7th

7

(1)

15th Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 6

14:10 Musselburgh

Thea Bell

9st 0lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Brian Ellison

Well down the field in all her races; did finish a bit closer at Southwell but that was over 6f.

16/1

11

(2)

18th Aug 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

16:55 Southwell (AW)

Thea Bell

8st 11lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

Well down the field in all her races, including a handicap and classified contest; now has tongue tied.

66/1

Form: 27-869 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 48

Form & Verdict
Three-time Ayr winner last summer who's well suited by soft ground; hasn't been in any form this season, including back in the blinkers latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(5)

14th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

See My Baby Jive

8st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Donald Whillans

On a long losing run and she failed to beat a rival in 7f classified event here four days ago; blinkers go back on now with work to do.

25/1

4th

7

(5)

14th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

See My Baby Jive

8st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Donald Whillans

On a long losing run and she failed to beat a rival in 7f classified event here four days ago; blinkers go back on now with work to do.

25/1

11th

10

(6)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

See My Baby Jive

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Donald Whillans

Won three times over 6f on turf in summer 2023 but has very mixed record since and was safely held in two C&D handicaps last month.

50/1

16/1

Form: 9-0727 BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Almost popped up at a big price at Catterick in the spring and was said to have been unsuited by soft ground when well beaten at a short price next time; the return to 6f won't hurt in first-time headgear and he's considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(8)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Catterick

Irish Dancer

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Gained his fifth success when seeing off ten rivals over C&D (good) in May; only narrowly denied another at Thirsk (5f, good) last month but below par when 3l third of five at Nottingham latest.

10/1

3rd

4

(2)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 6

13:00 Nottingham

Irish Dancer

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Gained his fifth success when winning at Catterick (5f, good) last month off a 2lb lower mark than today's and he was narrowly denied at Thirsk (5f, good) nine days ago, bouncing back from a lesser effort; contender.

15/8

2nd

10

(2)

16th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

17:20 Thirsk

Irish Dancer

9st 2lb

J: Harry Smith

T: Declan Carroll

Resumed winning ways at Catterick (5f) in May but he was well below par when eighth of 12 over C&D 11 days ago; this C&D scorer is the sort to bounce back though; blinkers refitted.

16/1

Form: 86-450

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 44

Form & Verdict
Yet to go close to finishing placed, including on his sprint debut back from wind surgery a few weeks ago; is among the lowest rated and doesn't make much appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

24

27th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Metal Beau

8st 13lb

T: Sarah Hollinshead

24

27th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Metal Beau

8st 13lb

T: Sarah Hollinshead

12th

11

(12)

14th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Metal Beau

9st 3lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Sarah Hollinshead

Has not had many chances but little of note as yet in handicaps and a classified at 6f to 1m2f.

100/1

Non-runners

Blue Jay Way, War Zone

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £149.20
Straight Forecast £97.73
Trifecta £995.50

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Ben Dikduk

POSTDATA:

Gidwa

SPOTLIGHT:

Eternal Sunshine

Telegraph:

Ustath

D Express:

Flavius Titus

The Sun:

Eternal Sunshine

The Times:

Ben Dikduk

The Guardian:

Ben Dikduk

Daily Record:

Ben Dikduk

Daily Mirror:

Gidwa

The Star:

Gidwa

Daily Mail:

Ustath