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

10th

12

(10)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:45 Thirsk

Eternal Sunshine

8st 9lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Completed a hat-trick last August/September and she's capable of going close off her current mark if at her best; she's 3-3 here and perhaps the return to Thirsk will trigger a revival, but it very much needs to as she's not shone on her three outings this season.

20/1

13th

14

(3)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:20 York

Eternal Sunshine

8st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Trainer won this last year with subsequent Group 1 winner American Affair; progressive last season and she's 1lb lower than when a close third of 18 over C&D (good) last October; however, well beaten on both starts this season (irregular heartbeat last time) and a major turnaround is needed.

20/1

13th

12

(2)

15th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Eternal Sunshine

8st 11lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Won last year's Portland during a great spell of form that has come to an end with duck eggs in last two appearances; perhaps best watched until she shows clear signs of a revival.

25/1

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

(6)

2nd Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:48 Thirsk

Calafrio

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Philip Kirby

Won his only race when picking up a classified over C&D (good to firm) last August but he's also been second three times here and got no luck when runner-up in a division of this last year; also hit traffic when beaten just over 1l in Lady Of The Garr's race at Wetherby (5.5f, good to firm) last time; firmly on the shortlist with Oisin Murphy taking over.

4/1

3

(4)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 110y

Class 6

20:20 Wetherby

Calafrio

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Philip Kirby

Hard to win with but she ran well on her first two runs this year and then met some traffic at Doncaster 12 days ago; each-way claims again.

5/1

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

7

(6)

14th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 53y

Class 5

16:14 Leicester

Just Typical

9st 5lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Ian Williams

Five-time AW scorer who opened his turf account in Redcar contest (1m, good) on penultimate start; respectable third, despite not getting the clearest of runs, at Newmarket latest; remains in form.

7/2

3rd

11

(2)

25th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:18 Newmarket

Just Typical

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Four 1m AW wins earlier this year and he's run really well in this headgear combination on turf on his last two starts, coming from the rear to win with authority at Redcar (1m, good) last Tuesday; unexposed on grass and he's ahead of the handicapper under a 5lb penalty; key player.

7/2

9

(12)

16th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 5

16:35 Redcar

Just Typical

9st 7lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Ian Williams

Has done most of his racing on the AW, winning five times at 7f/1m; was having only his third turf run when a good second at Newmarket on latest start last month (1m, good to firm; wore today's combination of headgear for first time), keeping on well after starting slowly when his blindfold came off late; interesting.

13/2

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

1st

1

(7)

11th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Catterick

Irish Dancer

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Four wins last year, starting with this race (good to firm), and he's been running well in the main on Southwell AW this spring; solid claims.

7/4

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