August 16 / 20.15 Thirsk

20.15

Good

Join Vickets.Bet Free Bet Club Handicap

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 0m 7f 218y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
RTV
View Course
Join Vickets.Bet Free Bet Club Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.30

Form: -02000

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
17-race maiden; best run this term when second at Doncaster in June (1m, good to soft); beaten just 5.5l when tenth of 17 in refitted cheekpieces at York last time (7f, good to firm; met trouble); blinkers now tried; chance
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

(8)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

17:15 Haydock

Utilis

9st 2lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Brian Ellison

Inconsistent and winless across his first 17 starts before scoring in first-time tongue-tie/blinkers at Thirsk (1m, good) three weeks ago; needs to back up that latest performance but he won with something to spare and a 5lb rise may not stop him if the headgear maintains its positive effect.

7/1

1st

3

(9)

16th Aug 2024

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:15 Thirsk

Utilis

9st 9lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Brian Ellison

17-race maiden; best run this term when second at Doncaster in June (1m, good to soft); beaten just 5.5l when tenth of 17 in refitted cheekpieces at York last time (7f, good to firm; met trouble); blinkers now tried; chance

9/1

10th

16

(10)

26th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Utilis

8st 13lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Runner-up at Doncaster (1m, good to soft; also effective on fast ground) last month and he's of interest on that form; however, well beaten the next twice and now 0-16; cheekpieces return (has run okay in them previously).

25/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.90

Form: 0-9600 C

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Won over 6f here in 2021; has been badly out of form this season but well treated as a result (6lb lower than latest win); could go well back from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(9)

10th Oct 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:33 Ayr

Strongbowe

10st 0lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Tim Easterby

Dual 1m winner; acts on a sound surface and good to soft; has slid gradually in the handicap and looks well treated on 2023 form; tongue-tie now accompanies cheekpieces; support for him would pique interest.

16/1

12th

8

(2)

15th Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Doncaster

Strongbowe

11st 7lb

J: Brian Harding

T: Tim Easterby

Below par more often than not this year but soft ground may not have suited the last twice (most recently at Carlisle on Wednesday) and before those he was a good second at Thirsk (1m, good); capable of a bold show.

20/1

9th

2

(7)

11th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 173y

Class 5

17:03 Carlisle

Strongbowe

10st 0lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Won a five-runner race off 7lb higher over C&D in July last season (good to soft); one of his best runs since when second over 1m at Thirsk last month (good) but a lesser effort last time; a possible.

12/1

6/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 520985

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Ex-French; 12-race maiden; best AW run was off 8lb higher when second in a Newcastle handicap in February; hasn't run as well since, but fair 3.5l fifth of eight at Nottingham last time (8.5f, good to firm; hood on for first time); headgear retained; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(5)

12th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

LArgent

9st 9lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

14-race maiden; best British effort came here in February, when 2l second over C&D; that form would probably be good enough to win this but he's not been as good since on either turf or AW; still entitled to each-way claims after another 2lb drop.

4/1

4th

10

(8)

30th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

17:58 Southwell (AW)

LArgent

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Appleby

13-race maiden; well treated on this winter's AW best and there have been more promising signs on turf the last twice; not discounted.

13/2

3rd

9

(1)

16th Aug 2024

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:15 Thirsk

LArgent

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Michael Appleby

Ex-French; 12-race maiden; best AW run was off 8lb higher when second in a Newcastle handicap in February; hasn't run as well since, but fair 3.5l fifth of eight at Nottingham last time (8.5f, good to firm; hood on for first time); headgear retained; a possible.

6/1

Form: 023454 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Most of his recent form, including last two wins, has been on the AW, mainly at Newcastle; not disgraced after a break on his return to the turf when fourth of eight at Beverley last time (7.5f, good to firm); should improve on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(3)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Mercurius Power

9st 8lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jessica Macey

Winless since August 2024 but he comes here on the back of a good second of 12 over C&D in July; this C&D scorer must enter calculations nudged up 1lb.

4/1

2nd

6

(12)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

16:35 Newcastle (AW)

Mercurius Power

9st 6lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jessica Macey

Getting on for two years since his last win but this C&D winner has dropped to a tempting mark and he didn't run badly in a stronger race at Doncaster (1m, good to soft) six weeks ago; apprentice takes off a handy 5lb too; high on the list.

6/1

Form: 494408

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Ex-Jim Goldie; hasn't won since landing a 7.5f Chester handicap off 29lb higher in July 2022; not been in much form this season (tried over 1m2f on last two starts); quite interesting off his current mark but revival needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(1)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Fools Rush In

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Gained his second C&D success when winning off a 2lb higher mark in February but he's been down the field in four starts since, including when missing the break at Lingfield 27 days ago; return to form is needed.

8/1

10th

4

(7)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

16:42 Lingfield (AW)

Fools Rush In

9st 7lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Ruth Carr

Well short of his best on his last three starts but he won off this mark at Southwell in early February (7f); capable on a good day but this isn't sure to be run to suit.

14/1

10/1

Form: 001667 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Won off 1lb lower at Redcar in May (1m, soft) but hasn't been at his best since then and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(10)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 6

16:45 Ripon

Copper And Five

9st 9lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Veteran who has a good chance on some of his 2026 handicap form over 8.5f at Beverley, including latest start, and gives the impression this return to 1m2f is worth exploring.

4/1

2nd

5

(4)

13th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

16:45 Beverley

Copper And Five

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

C&D record read 14224 before June's below-par run, and a foray into classified company since bore no fruit either; wouldn't dismiss outright from this lowest mark he's ever raced off in a handicap, however.

7/1

Form: 901668 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
On same mark as when gaining first win on turf at Nottingham in June (8.5f, good); hasn't run as well since; blinkers now tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(2)

31st Aug 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

15:17 Southwell (AW)

Soames Forsyte

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

Four-time course winner who'll be happier back on Tapeta; now 6lb lower than when going in over C&D early in the year but needs a revival.

20/1

5th

6

(6)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

15:45 Pontefract

Soames Forsyte

8st 11lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Has had more AW than turf success; has gained both wins in this sphere at Nottingham (8.5f on good/good to soft); only midfield when returned to grass last time; others have stronger claims.

7/1

6th

2

(2)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 173y

Class 6

15:50 Carlisle

Soames Forsyte

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Michael Herrington

Popped up at Southwell (1m) off a 2lb higher mark in January; the odd good run since but he needs to bounce back from a lacklustre AW run last month.

14/1

Form: 585752 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
7f Wolverhampton winner off a pound lower in January; fair run back from a break when runner-up at Beverley last time (7.5f, good to firm); effective at 1m; each-way contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(6)

13th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Surprise Picture

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Grant Tuer

Four wins at Wolverhampton include this race (off 1lb higher) last year; not solid on recent form but is interesting returned to this venue and back down in grade (3-5 in Class 6).

7/1

4th

1

(6)

13th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Surprise Picture

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Grant Tuer

Four wins at Wolverhampton include this race (off 1lb higher) last year; not solid on recent form but is interesting returned to this venue and back down in grade (3-5 in Class 6).

7/1

9th

6

(10)

28th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:45 Southwell (AW)

Surprise Picture

9st 6lb

J: Sam James

T: Grant Tuer

midfield

33/1

Form: 737471 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Took advantage of his tumbling mark and the step back up in trip to win at Ayr last time (1m, good); unexposed over 1m, so could go well again despite 5lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(6)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

19:10 Southwell (AW)

Roaring Ralph

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael Dods

Four of his five AW wins have been at this track and the other at Wolverhampton; only 1lb higher than for June's Wetherby win but hasn't been at best on his last two starts; better is needed back on the AW but he's capable.

11/1

7th

1

(3)

14th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

19:50 Thirsk

Roaring Ralph

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Five wins this year (7f-1m) have come at a cost mark-wise and has to bounce back from below-par run at York three weeks ago (jockey said he ran flat).

12/1

Form: 832733 D BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Has been placed in three of his last four races, on latest outing (July) finishing 3.5l third at Doncaster (1m, good); may not want the ground too firm, but again has an each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(8)

4th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Dougies Dream

9st 0lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

slowly away, in rear, ran in snatches

16/1

7th

2

(11)

3rd Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Dougies Dream

9st 11lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Two of his four wins have come over C&D and although his losing run is up to 12, he is 7lb lower than when last successful; one for the shortlist returned here.

15/2

Form: 137755 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Best form has been on the AW, his sole win coming off this mark over 1m at Newcastle in January; not beaten far in last two races, the first on turf; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(8)

12th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Armoured

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

C&D winner in January, when 3lb higher; handicapper has had his measure since then; handy mark now but hasn't recently looked like taking his opportunities.

12/1

9th

11

(5)

30th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

17:23 Southwell (AW)

Armoured

9st 3lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Had few chances in 1m handicaps and best form on Newcastle Tapeta, winning there in January; down the field at Thirsk recently but weighted to go well if handling the transition to Southwell at the first attempt.

16/1

11th

10

(11)

16th Aug 2024

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:15 Thirsk

Armoured

9st 1lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Best form has been on the AW, his sole win coming off this mark over 1m at Newcastle in January; not beaten far in last two races, the first on turf; each-way chance.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £67.00
Straight Forecast £75.28
Tricast £625.51
Trifecta £590.90

Selections

Telegraph:

Roaring Ralph

SPOTLIGHT:

Utilis

The Times:

Armoured

POSTDATA:

Dougies Dream

Daily Record:

Surprise Picture

D Express:

Fools Rush In

RP RATINGS:

Utilis

Daily Mail:

Utilis

The Guardian:

Roaring Ralph

Daily Mirror:

Roaring Ralph

The Sun:

Roaring Ralph

The Star:

Roaring Ralph