August 03 / 15.20 Thirsk

15.20

Good

Rudding Park Handicap

  • Prize money: £7851
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
RTV
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Rudding Park Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 699386 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Just one success from his last 23 outings but he has fallen to well below his last winning mark and wasn't beaten far when third at Ayr (5f, good to firm) in June; slowly away and met trouble at Sandown last time; 1-1 at Thirsk and he's too well handicapped to ignore.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(9)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Has only managed to win two of his last 31 starts, though he got it right when recording his second C&D success last month (four of these behind); had excuses back here last time (blindfold removed late) and he's a big player if things pan out right this time.

4/1

7

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Has eight wins but has become hard to win with for current yard this year, making the frame seven times without success; well-handicapped if he can just turn the corner.

10/1

7

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alligator Alley

9st 5lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

Has eight wins but has become hard to win with for current yard this year, making the frame seven times without success; well-handicapped if he can just turn the corner.

10/1

11/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 412506 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Behind Le Beau Garcon and Khabib when only sixth at Musselburgh 11 days ago, and that followed below-par runs over this C&D and at Ripon; back to his last winning mark but needs a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(7)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

15:10 Carlisle

Albegone

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Close second at Newcastle (5f, AW) in February and likewise at Nottingham (5f, good) last month; however, soundly beaten on his three starts since and he needs to raise his game.

12/1

13th

18

(7)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:37 Thirsk

Albegone

8st 7lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Close fourth in a division of this contest last year but up and down since and his last two runs have been poor; dangerously well handicapped but opposable on balance.

33/1

OUR TIP

4/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: -00083 C

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Dual 6f winner for Ed Bethell last season, including off a mark 4lb higher than today's; clear signs of a resurgence for this yard when a very close third of 13 at Ripon (5f, good; 18-1) last month, finishing fast; strong claims if building on that last run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(8)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:12 Ripon

Rock Of England

9st 5lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Resumed winning ways on AW at Newcastle (5f; beating stablemate Herakles) in April; ran well from this revised mark at Pontefract (5f; third, reportedly bled from the nose) subsequently; trainer won this in 2021, 2022, and 2024, so he's one to have on the shortlist.

4/1

3rd

7

(4)

29th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

14:48 Pontefract

Rock Of England

9st 1lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Paul Midgley

Stepped up on his low-key reappearance when winning a 5f handicap at Newcastle 16 days ago; this demands more up 4lb and he wasn't at his best in one C&D run last summer.

11/4

1st

6

(10)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Rock Of England

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Should come on for last month's Southwell reappearance; returning to a stiff 5f no bad thing either and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the betting with Paul Midgley running three here.

10/1

4th
4 (8)
Khabib

5/1

Form: 525253 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Has a modest strike-rate on turf; running creditably at present, finishing only a head behind Le Beau Garcon at Musselburgh 11 days ago, but others appeal as likelier winners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Khabib

8st 11lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: David Thompson

All six wins over 5f; also second over 5f here (good) in August of 2024 but hasn't been seen since a poor run at Beverley later that month; previously trained by his owner; can only really watch after such a long time off.

25/1

5

(10)

25th Aug 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:05 Beverley

Khabib

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ray Craggs

It's now 12 starts since his last victory but he comes here on the back of a good second of nine in 5f Thirsk handicap nine days ago; this reliable C&D winner ought to be in the shake-up.

7/1

2nd

6

(3)

16th Aug 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:05 Thirsk

Khabib

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ray Craggs

Yet to win this year but retains plenty of ability; second at Thirsk on three occasions, two this year; more minor money perhaps his best hope.

7/1

Form: 477305 D

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Now 5lb lower than for last September's 5f Wolverhampton win but rather in and out since; raced wide from a high draw on the same course on Monday; needs to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

23rd Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

16:27 Southwell (AW)

Nelson Gay

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Multiple winner on the AW and consistent in the main; in front 2f out but didn't quite get home when third here last month; respected off same mark.

7/1

3rd

5

(7)

27th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Nelson Gay

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Dods

Won twice over C&D early this year and he's now 2lb lower than for the second of them; showed signs of a return to form when fourth of nine at Lingfield three weeks ago; solid candidate.

9/2

1

(3)

8th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 6

14:52 Lingfield (AW)

Nelson Gay

9st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Michael Dods

Three wins this year include two on the Southwell AW; hasn't been flying of late but he's the type to bounce back and this mark is fine.

11/2

Form: 26-312 CD BF

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Consistent type who has performed creditably on all three outings this year, winning over this C&D (good to firm) and running just as well when second of ten at Musselburgh (5f, good) 11 days ago; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(9)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Ripon

Le Beau Garcon

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Handles most ground but all of his four wins have been on good to firm; last success was at Ayr (5f) 12 months ago but that was on his reappearance and he's only 1lb higher for today's return; needs a close look after 221 days off.

6/1

11th

1

(12)

29th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Le Beau Garcon

9st 12lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Winning reappearance at Ayr (5f) in May and returned to form with a close call at Catterick 20 days ago; however, inconclusive AW form from just two attempts and offputting that he hasn't run on sand since late 2023.

6/1

3

(4)

9th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:40 Catterick

Le Beau Garcon

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Made a winning return to action at Ayr in May but two runs since have been disappointing, even allowing for the higher grade; needs a full revival but he has run well here in the past.

10/1

Form: -84493

Last run: 75 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Reliable in turf handicaps and stayed on for third of eight at Carlisle when last seen in May, but that was over 6f and today's shorter trip is not sure to be in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(17)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Northern Spirit

9st 8lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Effective on AW and turf; respectable third in big field at Doncaster (6f) returned to this sphere last time; remains on a workable mark and gained last two wins over 5f.

11/1

3rd

18

(3)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

17:15 Doncaster

Northern Spirit

8st 6lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Brian Ellison

Usually slowly away but his refusal to race at Newcastle in January was a first; won't mind getting back on the grass and he is proven in big-field handicaps; could go well at a price.

33/1

7th

2

(1)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Northern Spirit

9st 7lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Usually slowly away but his refusal to race here last month was a first; ran okay over 7f here last week and capable of a big run but he is a risky proposition.

14/1

8th
9 (1)
Drafted

33/1

Form: /34-60

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Hasn't been with this stable long and shaped quite well when sixth of ten at Carlisle (7f) on reappearance; however, he was always in rear when dropped to 5f at Ripon next time and the trip is again a concern today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(1)

19th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 135y

Class 6

15:40 Lingfield

Drafted

9st 6lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Charlie Pike

Three-time AW winner, most recently at Dundalk (7f, AW) in October when trained by Charles Byrnes; third on his stable debut at Chelmsford (7f, AW) in February but he's not built on that in three starts since; unraced on ground slower than good to soft.

12/1

10th

3

(2)

11th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Drafted

9st 9lb

J: Lillie Dingle

T: Charlie Pike

A fair 7f winner in Ireland for Charles Byrnes in 2025 but yet to hit top form for his current yard, only eighth in 6f Wolverhampton handicap 29 days ago; needs to take a step forward.

12/1

20/1

Form: 111157 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Won four in a row on AW (5f/6f) for Peter Niven at start of this year, but shot up the weights and was well held on his stable debut at Haydock two weeks ago; probably best watched until showing more encouraging signs.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(3)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 110y

Class 6

17:15 Wetherby

Hes An Angel

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Often blows the start and/or races too freely but is a six-time AW winner, most recently in 5f Wolverhampton classified on Monday; faces tougher task under 5lb penalty in this handicap and his turf strike-rate is 0-13.

10/1

1st

5

(2)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Hes An Angel

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Not as good since missing more than a year, does most racing over 6f and will always come with risks, given a propensity to blow the start and/or pull hard; this is easier down to 0-50 company for the first time, though, and he's capable if it falls right.

8/1

8th

5

(8)

22nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

17:40 Bath

Hes An Angel

9st 6lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Kevin Frost

Hold-up performer who scored at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) in January but he's not hit the same level since and has finished eighth in his three runs (Tapeta/turf); on dangerous mark but he has something to prove and slow starts can be an issue.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £29.00
Straight Forecast £29.90
Tricast £178.76
Trifecta £185.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Rock Of England

Daily Mail:

Le Beau Garcon

TOPSPEED:

Albegone

RP RATINGS:

Alligator Alley

D Express:

Khabib

The Times:

Rock Of England

Telegraph:

Rock Of England

The Guardian:

Rock Of England

Daily Mirror:

Le Beau Garcon

The Sun:

Le Beau Garcon

Daily Record:

Le Beau Garcon

POSTDATA:

Albegone

The Star:

Alligator Alley