April 22 / 15.45 Thirsk

15.45

Good To Soft

Stephanie Pennington Birthday Celebration Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
RTV
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Stephanie Pennington Birthday Celebration Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 84515- D BF

Last run: 198 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Didn't pick up the way he can on heavy ground at Ayr in October (under a penalty) but was soon away and gone on his previous start there (6f, good to soft) and looks far from exposed off 6lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(11)

6th May 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Thirsk

Maple Jack

9st 4lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Julie Camacho

dwelt start, in touch with leaders, pushed along 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong

4/1

1st

7

(4)

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Thirsk

Maple Jack

9st 5lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Julie Camacho

taken down early, switched right soon after start, raced near side

5/1

5th

9

(9)

6th Oct 2022

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:00 Ayr

Maple Jack

8st 11lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Julie Camacho

taken down early, dwelt start, midfield but in touch with leaders, going okay 3f out, pushed along 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, not pace to challenge

3/1

OUR TIP

20/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 1/750- D

Last run: 312 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Ended time in Ireland with a 5f win in late 2021; never got going for new connections last year and off since finishing way back over C&D last June; one to keep an eye on as he slides down the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(3)

6th Nov 2024

Soft

0m 5f 8y

Class 4

13:43 Nottingham

Huddle Up

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Jack Jones

towards rear

7/1

6th

7

(3)

6th Nov 2024

Soft

0m 5f 8y

Class 4

13:43 Nottingham

Huddle Up

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Jack Jones

towards rear, outpaced 2f out, kept on final 110yds, never on terms

7/1

5

(5)

24th Oct 2024

Heavy

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

14:38 Nottingham

Huddle Up

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Jack Jones

5f-6f winner when trained in Ireland, including on heavy; placed in all four starts for this trainer but needs to pull out a bit more for a first British success.

4/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 1312-5 BF

Last run: 88 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Had limitations in turf sprint handicaps in 2022; has done better back on the AW over the winter, winning twice at 5f, but a leap of faith is needed back at 6f on turf off a 7lb higher mark than his latest defeat on grass.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(8)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 3

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Hiya Maite

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Roy Bowring

On a losing run and he has yet to win over this trip; sent off favourite for the corresponding race 12 months ago but faded into tenth; 6lb lower this time around and he has finished second in two of his last four starts; vulnerable to stronger stayers.

10/1

6th

7

(8)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 3

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Hiya Maite

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Roy Bowring

On a losing run and he has yet to win over this trip; sent off favourite for the corresponding race 12 months ago but faded into tenth; 6lb lower this time around and he has finished second in two of his last four starts; vulnerable to stronger stayers.

10/1

6/1

Form: 333-28 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Fair form in 6f-7f maidens in Ireland; lost out only narrowly in 6f Newcastle novice on debut for new yard in March but he didn't see out 7f on handicap debut there (favourite) and makes more appeal back at 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(2)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

15:40 Redcar

Lord Abama

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Front-runner who made an encouraging seasonal debut in higher-grade contest at Thirsk (6f good; visored) in April; not in same form on either start since (blinkers refitted last time) but has slipped to a tempting mark.

12/1

7th

9

(5)

1st May 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:10 Newcastle (AW)

Lord Abama

9st 3lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Two-time C&D winner; unplaced but ran with credit in two Thirsk handicaps last month; type to pop up soon off a reduced mark.

12/1

9th

10

(9)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:47 Thirsk

Lord Abama

9st 0lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

His three turf wins have come over C&D and he made a pleasing seasonal return when fifth of 15 here (Stirrup Cup second) eight days ago; one for the shortlist.

10/1

10/1

Form: 73500- C

Last run: 192 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Multiple winner at sprint trips, including over 5f on this course; cooled off towards the end of 2022 but is quite well treated now and has won and gone well fresh in the past (though not last year); might well have a say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(4)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Abate

9st 8lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: George Baker

11-time turf winner who won by 4l at Lingfied in July but he's been a long way below that form in three subsequent runs; this return to 6f is no problem but he needs a major revival on belated Tapeta debut; blinkers reapplied.

14/1

6th

4

(4)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Abate

9st 8lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: George Baker

11-time turf winner who won by 4l at Lingfied in July but he's been a long way below that form in three subsequent runs; this return to 6f is no problem but he needs a major revival on belated Tapeta debut; blinkers reapplied.

14/1

8th

10

(1)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 4

17:40 Lingfield (AW)

Abate

9st 4lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

Ran away with a turf handicap here (5f, good to soft; blinkered first time) in July; two heavy defeats have followed and this looks a warm race in which to try and bounce back; no accessories this time.

25/1

11/2

Form: 4217-6 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Improved form to win 6f novice on Southwell AW in August but finished lame on handicap debut in October; didn't give up the chase when sixth over 5f at Doncaster 20 days ago and may well see the benefit of that sharpener now back at 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(5)

22nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

17:40 Bath

Phoenix Beach

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Tapeta specialist but he's hung right before finishing a well-held fifth at Wolverhampton (5f) in his last two starts; continues to edge down the weights but he's 0-13 on turf and has not run in this sphere since last May; others preferred.

11/2

5th

7

(7)

21st Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Phoenix Beach

8st 6lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Four C&D wins (from marks in the 60s); excuses when a closing third over C&D on penultimate start; hung right when three places (over 4l) behind Shalaa Asker subsequently; has won for Kieran O'Neill but needs everything to drop his way.

12/1

5th

7

(4)

4th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Phoenix Beach

9st 0lb

J: Tyler Heard

T: Scott Dixon

Not straightforward (hangs right) but these conditions suit him well and he wasn't beaten far into third here two weeks ago; one of two contenders for Scott Dixon.

9/2

Form: 3538-3

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Has yet to win but should have a race in him on the AW and possibly turf now he's dropped some pounds in the weights; creditable effort against an unexposed one on Southwell AW 13 days ago so not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(9)

6th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:02 Newcastle (AW)

Claim The Stars

9st 6lb

J: Alex Fielding

T: Tim Easterby

midfield

16/1

19th

86

22nd Sep 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ayr

Claim The Stars

8st 4lb

T: Tim Easterby

Off the mark at the 20th attempt at Thirsk (6f, good to firm) in June; however, he's failed to kick on from that; unproven on slow ground.

66/1

13th

14

(5)

19th Sep 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:10 Redcar

Claim The Stars

8st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Off the mark at the 20th attempt when sweeping through from the back at Thirsk in June (6f, good to firm); beaten off this mark twice since and even his best form this year might not be enough here.

33/1

16/1

Form: 43485- D

Last run: 194 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Added two more turf wins in 2022, over 6f at Hamilton; has gone well after a break but seasonal return is not usually the time to catch him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

7

(8)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Kats Bob

9st 8lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Enthusiastic front-runner who shone for Ruth Carr in 2025, winning five 6f handicaps (including a defeat of Jonny Concrete here on good to firm); creditable in-frame efforts on two of three starts this year without necessarily suggesting he's ready to strike again.

14/1

4th

3

(7)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Kats Bob

9st 8lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Enthusiastic front-runner who shone for Ruth Carr in 2025, winning five 6f handicaps (including here on good to firm); encouraging seasonal return at Catterick (6f, good) last month and likely remains in better form than his subsequent Ripon ninth might suggest as he was second home on his side.

11/2

9th

10

(4)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:45 Ripon

Kats Bob

9st 3lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Enthusiastic front-runner who shone for Ruth Carr in 2025, winning five 6f handicaps; fully effective over C&D and he made an encouraging seasonal return at Catterick last week, second of nine having been headed inside the final furlong (6f, good); looks the likeliest leader up the far side if the field split.

7/1

Form: 4247-7 D BF

Last run: 95 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
All three wins on Tapeta last summer and is 0-14 on turf; not in peak form when last seen in midwinter and his lower grass mark is still higher than his most recent defeats on this surface.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(6)

27th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

17:20 Beverley

So Grateful

9st 2lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Usually leads or races prominently; two sprint wins in 2025, the latest over 6f at Thirsk (good to firm; when 3lb higher) last May, but he was quiet towards the end of the campaign and has been off since August; perhaps other days.

14/1

1

(5)

17th Aug 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

13:22 Southwell (AW)

So Grateful

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Two wins this year, the latest when making all over 6f at Thirsk in May; there have been some excuses since then and his record at this track means he can't be ignored.

7/1

9th

2

(5)

23rd Jul 2025

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

17:00 Catterick

So Grateful

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: Michael & David Easterby

Still below a winning mark despite two successes since March (5f on Tapeta and 6f on fast turf), but yet to oblige on genuinely slow turf and a record of 85577 around here doesn't set the pulse racing.

10/1

14/1

Form: 36090-

Last run: 184 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Placed in the Windsor Castle and an AW Group 3 in Ireland as 2yo; uphill struggle in 2021 and he never found a way in handicaps last year; down weights and interesting to see if another new trainer can find the answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

14

(12)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Muker

9st 3lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Multiple winner, including here; quiet this season but it was the same last campaign before he won on his third outing; handy mark.

20/1

17th

1

(13)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:37 Thirsk

Muker

9st 11lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Eight-time winner, including twice over C&D; shaped as if retaining ability when eighth of ten at Nottingham (40-1) on return but may need another run to put him spot-on.

20/1

8th

7

(10)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 3

16:25 Nottingham

Muker

9st 3lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Eight-time winner but reappearance record suggests he's probably best watched on this seasonal debut, unless the market speaks positively.

20/1

12/1

Form: 5373-8

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced; finished a close third at Southwell in November (6f) in just his second handicap; was entitled to need the run on recent reappearance over 5f at Doncaster but didn't show much, even so.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(7)

12th May 2023

Soft

0m 6f 18y

Class 6

20:40 Nottingham

Star Of Aria

9st 7lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

2nd

2

(6)

30th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

0m 5f 110y

Class 6

16:35 Wetherby

Star Of Aria

9st 8lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Close third at Southwell in November (6f, AW) in just his second handicap; however, did not show much on soft ground on either start this term.

20/1

11th

13

(7)

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Thirsk

Star Of Aria

8st 13lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Declan Carroll

switched right soon after start, raced near side

12/1

Form: 7-8457 D

Last run: 66 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Creditable runner-up in a division of this in 2022 (soft; also has form on good) but he's had a mixed winter on the AW and isn't obviously ahead of his lower turf mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

77

22nd Sep 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ayr

Shallow Hal

8st 8lb

T: K R Burke

Just 1lb higher than when winning at Carlisle (6f, good to firm) in July and runner-up on soft ground last season; however, he's been well beaten on his last four starts, the latest here yesterday.

50/1

11th

1

(9)

21st Sep 2023

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

17:17 Ayr

Shallow Hal

10st 2lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: K R Burke

Popped up off his lower turf mark in July but this inconsistent sort hasn't repeated that effort in three outings since.

10/1

9th

10

(5)

29th Aug 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:00 Ripon

Shallow Hal

8st 11lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

held up in rear, no impression from over 2f out

12/1

12/1

Form: 32747- D

Last run: 193 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Won 6f Leicester novice (soft) for Charlie Fellowes as 2yo; had a tough season in 2022 and sold for 14,000gns in the autumn; more favourably treated than on reappearance last year and is one to watch out for.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(11)

11th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

15:25 Carlisle

Atomise

9st 10lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Infrequent winner; good second over C&D in June (soft) and fair runs since, latest with a visor (on again); well drawn; each-way chance.

8/1

4th

1

(2)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

19:30 Redcar

Atomise

10st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

0-21 since winning in 2021 on third start but she's been running really well this season and was beaten just a neck at Ayr (6f, good) last time in first-time blinkers; switches to a visor today and can be bang there.

5/1

2nd

2

(2)

12th Aug 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Atomise

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Beaten 20 times since winning a Leicester novice as a 2yo; series of good runs in defeat this year, including C&D, and she won't mind what the weather does; solid form claims with blinkers now added.

100/30

Non-runners

Shallow Hal, Prospect

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £39.80
Straight Forecast £42.01
Tricast £368.30
Trifecta £374.80

Selections

POSTDATA:

Claim The Stars

RP Ratings:

Abate

D Express:

Hiya Maite

SPOTLIGHT:

Maple Jack

The Times:

Shallow Hal

Daily Mirror:

Kats Bob

Daily Record:

Hiya Maite

Telegraph:

Maple Jack

The Sun:

Claim The Stars

The Star:

Claim The Stars

The Guardian:

Shallow Hal

TOPSPEED:

Abate

Daily Mail:

Abate