May 20 / 14.32 Thirsk

14.32

Good

Betting Better With Sky Bet Handicap

  • Prize money: £7851
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
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Betting Better With Sky Bet Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.10
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 758-57 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Not at his best in two runs on AW this year; down in the weights and has a tongue-tie added on this drop in class; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(12)

2nd Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 3

18:50 Southwell (AW)

Navello

9st 3lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: George Boughey

Latest run at Nottingham is easy to forgive (unsuitable ground) and he had recorded a career-best RPR when winning at Wolverhampton (5f) on his penultimate start; no issue with 6f but 5f is possibly his optimum.

20/1

7

(12)

2nd Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 3

18:50 Southwell (AW)

Navello

9st 3lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: George Boughey

in rear, eased and pulled up over 4f out

20/1

7th

2

(3)

16th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 8y

Class 3

16:50 Nottingham

Navello

9st 9lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: George Boughey

prominent

11/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 525-57 C BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
6f winner here last spring; handy mark on his autumn form over this trip and he ran well on his return to action in March; less good at Doncaster last time but not out of this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(2)

7th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:38 Thirsk

Prospect

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Hasn't run badly the last twice (weakened over 6f here last time) and returning to 5f looks in his favour; handicapped to go well.

6/1

6th

7

(7)

18th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:02 Thirsk

Prospect

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Back to form when third at Redcar 16 days ago (5f, soft; second run in blinkers); neither the longer trip or faster ground will be a problem and the new visor could give him a lift.

6/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 5332-7 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Has speed to burn and she made an encouraging seasonal return when seventh of 16, beaten 4l, in a Listed race at Bath four weeks ago (5f, good to soft); bold bid can be expected back in a Class 4 handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

1

(6)

29th Jul 2023

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:05 York

Sampers Seven

11st 12lb

J: Charlie Hammond

T: Michael Appleby

Has been making things hard for herself leaving the stalls and her losing run goes back to July 2020 (won over C&D); however, she's been running pretty well this year and has edged down the weights; has new headgear combination; effective on good to soft, unproven on soft; not ruled out.

13/2

6

(13)

14th Jul 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:55 York

Sampers Seven

9st 10lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

Three years since her last success but that came over C&D on good ground; series of good runs this year and she continues to drop in the weights; aids added (ran well in a hood back in 2020) but has been getting it wrong at the stalls and doubt she can get away with it in this field.

9/1

3rd

1

(2)

28th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:40 Salisbury

Sampers Seven

9st 11lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Michael Appleby

Her last win was almost two years ago but she's well treated on her best form last season and was a good front-running third at Thirsk (5f, good) last month; didn't match that at Epsom last time but that was in a Class 2 event and this is a big drop back in grade; dangerous.

3/1

Form: 87-757 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
22lb lower than he was this time last year but he ended 2022 quietly and hasn't clicked in three runs this spring; cheekpieces given a go but he would be of more interest on softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:20 Redcar

Count Dorsay

9st 11lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Tim Easterby

Record of 0-12 this term but has frame possibilities on recent form and win possibilities provided his game is raised a touch; still 13lb below last winning mark.

11/2

2

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:20 Redcar

Count Dorsay

9st 11lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Tim Easterby

Record of 0-12 this term but has frame possibilities on recent form and win possibilities provided his game is raised a touch; still 13lb below last winning mark.

11/2

16

(11)

23rd Oct 2025

Soft

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

14:30 Nottingham

Count Dorsay

9st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Ended 2024 with a pair of soft-ground 6f wins at Catterick, the second of them off 13lb higher; handicapper has held the upper hand this year but conditions will suit and he helps form a strong hand for Tim Easterby.

12/1

Form: -31062 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Off the mark for this yard at Newcastle in January (5f); not so good on his next two starts but he returned to form when second at Wetherby three weeks ago; a bit more needed to come out on top in this field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(1)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

16:00 Nottingham

Papa Dont Preach

8st 10lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Kevin Frost

Four-time AW winner who is 0-29 on turf but he ran well to finish third over C&D (good; 100-30 favourite) three weeks ago; rallied well in that race and he should be in the thick of things again off only 1lb higher.

3/1

3rd

6

(7)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 6

17:45 Nottingham

Papa Dont Preach

9st 4lb

J: William Pyle

T: Kevin Frost

Led close home to score at Wolverhampton just before Christmas but the handicapper has been winning the argument since; a 0-28 turf record is enough reason to look elsewhere.

10/1

5th

9

(11)

28th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Papa Dont Preach

9st 2lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Kevin Frost

Led close home to score at Wolverhampton just before Christmas and ran creditably over C&D in February; raced wide from an outside draw back at Wolverhampton last time; that run is best ignored and he can bounce back.

10/1

10/1

Form: 2561-0 CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Ended a long losing run with a front-running success at Ripon last September; low-key return at Musselburgh six weeks ago but he had a rotten draw and could prove a different proposition today; one of four runners for the yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(7)

27th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Leodis Dream

9st 8lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Paul Midgley

raced wide, prominent

10/1

6th

2

(6)

11th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

17:40 Southwell (AW)

Leodis Dream

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Into the veteran stage but he retains enthusiasm and ran well when a close third at Newcastle on last month's return to action (5f); stopped quickly back there 12 days ago and today's trip is a major query.

20/1

10th

5

(4)

27th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Newcastle (AW)

Leodis Dream

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

in touch with leaders

10/1

16/1

Form: /5338-

Last run: 294 days

W: 8st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Has hinted at ability in his light career but he returns from ten months off over a new trip and after wind surgery; not easily recommended.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(8)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

20:45 Doncaster

Kitaab

9st 9lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Philip Kirby

Dual AW winner but he's generally struggled this year and was beaten 10l at Newcastle (7f, Tapeta) last month; continues to drop down the weights but he has plenty to prove and is 0-11 on turf.

14/1

11th

14

(12)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Kitaab

8st 5lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Philip Kirby

His last win was in October 2024 and he's been well held in most of his runs this year; on reduced mark but this looks tough back up in grade and others are preferred.

20/1

7th

12

(2)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 6

17:35 Pontefract

Kitaab

9st 3lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Well handicapped on 2024 form; taken a while to find his feet this year after a spell on the sidelines but he retains sufficient ability to play a leading role; will need luck in running back at 5f but suspicion he's ready to run a big race.

8/1

12/1

Form: 6451-8 D

Last run: 47 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Ended 2022 with a narrow win at Doncaster in September (5.5f, good to soft) off just 1lb lower; looked in need of the run at Newcastle on last month's return to action; one of four runners for Paul Midgley.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(3)

17th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

J R Cavagin

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Tailed off at Doncaster last time but he reared at the start so has an excuse; prior to that he was a good third at Nottingham (5f, good) and can be in the mix if reproducing that form; ran well on soft last year.

13/2

9th

11

(7)

28th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 5

13:35 Doncaster

J R Cavagin

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

5.6f course winner; returned to form when third at Nottingham (5f) last time; however, he could be vulnerable to stronger stayers back up to 6f.

6/1

3rd

2

(8)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 8y

Class 6

15:25 Nottingham

J R Cavagin

9st 10lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Paul Midgley

Usually takes a while to come to hand and two runs in Class 5 handicaps this year have seen him finish a modest seventh; conditions won't faze him and he's one to consider for a yard in form.

7/1

12/1

Form: 524-00 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Reeled off a hat-trick last spring, including a C&D win, and she ended her 2022 campaign with two good runs in defeat at Musselburgh and Doncaster; struggled in two runs for new yard this year but becoming well handicapped as a result.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

18

(14)

14th Jul 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:55 York

Lullaby Bay

9st 6lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Made good progress last year for Karl Burke; low-key start for this yard but she was beaten under 4l at Thirsk when last seen eight weeks ago; type to exploit her reduced mark sooner rather than later and she won't mind if the rain arrives.

16/1

9th

6

(9)

20th May 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:32 Thirsk

Lullaby Bay

9st 3lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

in rear

12/1

11th

8

(11)

30th Apr 2023

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 3

18:45 Musselburgh

Lullaby Bay

9st 6lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Won over 5f last May in her first three handicaps and was still running well in the autumn, including when beaten a nose in a classified over C&D; left Karl Burke and soundly beaten in a French Listed race on reappearance, which sees cheekpieces (tried twice, not at her best) return today.

10/1

9/2

Form: 197-44 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Useful mare on her day and she's only 1lb higher than for her Catterick win last summer; got tired over C&D two weeks ago but the ground was soft and the way she travelled through the race offers hope she retains all her ability; can lead but doesn't have to and she could find herself in a good spot with Sampers Seven drawn nearby.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(3)

10th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Catterick

Mid Winster

9st 6lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Paul Midgley

taken down early, towards rear

4/1

10th

1

(1)

20th May 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:32 Thirsk

Mid Winster

9st 9lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Paul Midgley

taken down early, in touch with leaders on far side of group

9/2

4th

2

(1)

6th May 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:10 Thirsk

Mid Winster

9st 13lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Paul Midgley

Was returning from 281 days off when fourth of 13 from 1lb higher in a warm handicap at Musselburgh (5f, good to soft; 50-1) four weeks ago; has won on good to soft, but best on faster ground so if the rain stays away she would enter serious consideration.

11/1

14/1

Form: 71220/ D BF

Last run: 637 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Progressive sprinter at three, running well in good handicaps at York and Goodwood in July 2021; absent since a disappointing run when favourite at that season's Ebor meeting; dropped 4lb during his 637-day absence but it's obviously a major concern.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(4)

16th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 210y

Class 6

16:40 Brighton

A Pint Of Bear

8st 13lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Scott Dixon

Couple of 6f wins at Brighton last term; proved resurgent over C&D (good to soft) last week, going down by only a whisker; now 2lb lower and due to go back up 6lb in future; leading player.

7/2

2nd

9

(1)

7th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 210y

Class 6

17:15 Brighton

A Pint Of Bear

9st 2lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Scott Dixon

Won twice here (6f) last year but on a downward trajectory since then; shaped okay here (fifth) on return from a 266-day absence in early September but his more recent AW efforts (6f-7f) have failed to offer further encouragement.

20/1

11th

12

(1)

29th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

A Pint Of Bear

8st 13lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: Scott Dixon

Scored three times off higher marks last year but has a doubt over current form, having posted two substandard efforts since belatedly returning to action.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £73.20
Straight Forecast £56.62
Tricast £170.15
Trifecta £250.60

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Lullaby Bay

POSTDATA:

Papa Don't Preach

NEWMARKET:

Navello

TOPSPEED:

Prospect

D Express:

Sampers Seven

SPOTLIGHT:

Mid Winster

The Star:

J R Cavagin

Daily Mirror:

Leodis Dream

The Times:

Lullaby Bay

Daily Record:

Papa Don't Preach

Telegraph:

Navello

Daily Mail:

Prospect

The Sun:

Sampers Seven

The Guardian:

Mid Winster