Today / 15.30 Thirsk

15.30

Good To Firm

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  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 0m 7f 218y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
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Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

11/4 (Won)

  • Win: £3.00
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 076-82 BF

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Nine-race maiden; back in much better form with close second over C&D (good) last month, proving suited by the return to a sound surface; respected off just 2lb higher in this similar event.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(5)

23rd Jun 2023

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 5

18:40 Musselburgh

Menelaus

9st 11lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Michael & David Easterby

sweating, slowly into stride, in touch with leaders, prominent in chasing group after 2f

13/8

1st

7

(9)

16th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

13:50 York

Menelaus

9st 7lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael & David Easterby

took keen hold, midfield, pushed along over 2f out, soon ridden and headway, went second 1f out, kept on well to lead inside final furlong, won going away

5/1

1st

4

(9)

5th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

15:30 Thirsk

Menelaus

9st 7lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Nine-race maiden; back in much better form with close second over C&D (good) last month, proving suited by the return to a sound surface; respected off just 2lb higher in this similar event.

11/4

13/2

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 0-9440

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Usually races handily but got behind and never travelled at York (7f) nine days ago; ran respectably over C&D two starts back (sole 1m attempt); likely player if back on song.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

(12)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Ey Up Its The Boss

8st 4lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Two 1m2f wins at Ripon (good to soft/soft) this season and he's also effective here and on good ground; however, he's been below par on his last two outings and needs a much bigger performance today.

25/1

7

(10)

13th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:50 Doncaster

Ey Up Its The Boss

8st 9lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Gained fourth Ripon success when making all over 1m2f (soft) in July; 4l second at Chester (1m2f, good) next time and perhaps a drop back to 1m didn't suit when only sixth of seven back at Ripon 19 days ago.

14/1

6th

3

(6)

25th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:50 Ripon

Ey Up Its The Boss

9st 12lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Comes into this as good as ever, gaining his fourth course success here (1m2f, soft) last month and finishing second of nine off this mark at Chester (1m2f, good) a week later; he is another for whom dropping in trip poses a question, though.

9/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 600-97 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Last success came in the 2022 Leger Legends race at Doncaster; below form in a couple of Wetherby handicaps this term; has slipped to a workable mark and could bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(1)

12th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:52 Newcastle (AW)

Absolute Dream

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

in touch with leaders, bit short of room over 1f out, kept on

10/1

5th

3

(1)

12th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:52 Newcastle (AW)

Absolute Dream

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

in touch with leaders, bit short of room over 1f out, kept on

10/1

8th

5

(8)

18th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:15 Southwell (AW)

Absolute Dream

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Richard Fahey

C&D scorer didn't enjoy the best of runs when a solid fifth of ten in 6f Newcastle handicap 13 days ago; he merits serious consideration off a 1lb lower mark.

13/2

Form: 30-629 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Has gained both wins at this venue, including in this contest (off 1lb higher) last year; disappointing here on latest start but holds leading claims if running to best form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(2)

27th Sep 2023

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 4

16:25 Redcar

Diamond Haze

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

dwelt start, pulled hard, towards rear of midfield

20/1

9th

11

(12)

18th Aug 2023

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:20 Thirsk

Diamond Haze

9st 1lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Wins here if anywhere, and his most recent success of May 2022 was gained in a C&D 0-75 off 3lb higher (good); needs to put a below-par effort at Ripon last month behind him, but that's not impossible.

20/1

9th

5

(4)

10th Jul 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:20 Ripon

Diamond Haze

10st 0lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Michael Dods

Has gained both wins at Thirsk; made the frame there (soft/good to firm) in two of last three outings; placed off 3lb higher on sole attempt here, so looks difficult to dismiss.

6/1

5th
12 (7)
Obee Jo

10/1

Form: 97-913 C

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Has done his winning at 6f/7f; in good form (won then third) over the latter trip at Catterick last month; goes into unknown territory now tackling 1m but could pick up prize-money if he stays.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(4)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

14:40 Catterick

Obee Jo

8st 9lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time winner here (6f/7f); looked to be on the way back when just edged out at Hamilton (1m, soft) last month and the winner has gone in again four times since, but he needs to put a poor effort at Ayr (1m, soft) this month behind him.

25/1

10

(4)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

14:40 Catterick

Obee Jo

8st 9lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Tim Easterby

Four-time winner here (6f/7f); looked to be on the way back when just edged out at Hamilton (1m, soft) last month and the winner has gone in again four times since, but he needs to put a poor effort at Ayr (1m, soft) this month behind him.

25/1

10

(3)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Obee Jo

9st 0lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

9yo who is on a 15-race losing sequence going back to May 2024 but that last win came on heavy ground and he was short-headed at Hamilton (1m, soft) last month; in the shake-up if backing up that latest form.

13/2

Form: 4/159-

Last run: 306 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Absent since a below-par effort on AW ten months ago; perhaps one to catch fresh, having made a winning reappearance (7f) last term, and looks interesting on return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

16/1

Form: 075-48 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
All wins on Tapeta at Newcastle; below par at Wetherby last month, taking turf record to 0-8; percentage call is to oppose him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(8)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

Rocket Rod

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Geoffrey Harker

4-39, three of those wins here (7f-1m) in 2022; soundly beaten both starts since returning from a near two-year absence; makes no appeal despite this easing mark.

25/1

10th

3

(2)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Rocket Rod

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Geoffrey Harker

Well suited by Newcastle but absent for almost two years before his last of ten here (50-1) in February; probably best watched again.

40/1

OUR TIP

20/1

Form: 7870-0

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Dual AW winner for previous yard; down the field in C&D event on seasonal debut and still has something to prove on turf; visor applied.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(10)

29th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:40 Dundalk (AW)

El Bello

9st 11lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Raymond Hurley

Had the well-fancied Glady Eagle (making Irish debut then) back in third when winning at Tipperaryt in August; unplaced twice since then, including at this venue, behind a few of these rivals.

10/1

6

(10)

29th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

17:40 Dundalk (AW)

El Bello

9st 11lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Raymond Hurley

Had the well-fancied Glady Eagle (making Irish debut then) back in third when winning at Tipperaryt in August; unplaced twice since then, including at this venue, behind a few of these rivals.

10/1

12

(3)

4th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 0y

16:02 Curragh

El Bello

10st 12lb

J: Miss Georgie Benson

T: Raymond Hurley

Never competitive on the AW last time and runs Dundalk well, but won over Tipperary's 1m4f the run before; can cope with this 5lb higher mark, won't mind rain and his jockey has won the last two renewals of this.

12/1

14/1

Form: 47207- CD

Last run: 165 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Absent since December but has a fighting chance if she returns to action in top form; made all in C&D contest (off this mark) last August.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(7)

17th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Bungley

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Has struggled this year, coming 13lb down the weights, including back on to Tapeta latest; three turf wins came from the front (all in late summer) and there's other pace in here, leaving her hard to recommend.

20/1

8th

11

(10)

28th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Bungley

9st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

All three wins when making the running at about 1m on turf, most recently 13 months ago; has dropped a fair way in the weights since low-key course runs at the end of 2022 but just muddling through back on turf since.

20/1

6th

11

(2)

29th Aug 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Ripon

Bungley

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Currently 3-6 in August, 0-21 otherwise, but she turned in another ordinary effort last time behind Touchwood; well treated now but hard to recommend and Motarajel looks her trainer's best shot.

25/1

Form: 6144-6 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Can't be totally dismissed as he ran respectably (not far behind Menelaus) here on seasonal debut; however, still has a better strike-rate on AW than on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(8)

27th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 53y

Class 6

18:30 Leicester

Sparkle In His Eye

9st 3lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Out of form on AW in early part of this year and his two recent turf runs were no better than respectable; continues to slide down the weights but needs to up his game.

12/1

5th

5

(3)

13th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

20:15 Musselburgh

Sparkle In His Eye

8st 13lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Below his best this year but he's dropped down the weights and Nottingham last week was a step back in the right direction; he's saved his peak efforts over the last two years for this C&D and is a very interesting contender back here; cheekpieces return (worn once in 2019, unplaced).

11/2

5th

3

(9)

5th Jun 2024

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 6

14:27 Nottingham

Sparkle In His Eye

9st 9lb

J: Alex Fielding

T: Micky Hammond

raced wide, in touch with leaders, no impression from 2f out, weakened inside final furlong

20/1

20/1

Form: 53-080 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
One of his wins for previous stable came over C&D off 6lb higher; yet to hit top form for new yard and failed to beat a rival back here last time; hard to support on the back of that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(2)

10th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Frog And Toad

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: Mark Walford

Dual turf winner for David O'Meara and twice ran with credit at Newcastle (1m, Tapeta) a year ago, but five efforts on turf for this yard since April leave plenty to be desired; best watched for now.

33/1

11th

6

(10)

12th Sep 2023

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

14:05 Catterick

Frog And Toad

9st 3lb

J: Sam James

T: Mark Walford

Well handicapped on last year's form but has struggled to get competitive on his four runs this season.

33/1

Form: 430-76

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Bit disappointing at Wetherby three weeks ago as he looked set for a bigger effort; however, finished a close third (off 4lb higher) in this race last year and enters calculations on that basis.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(10)

17th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

16:30 Beverley

Zumurud

9st 9lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Mark Walford

Yet to kickstart this campaign and, although he has run well here in the past, others come here with more pressing claims.

16/1

8th

8

(2)

10th Jul 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:20 Ripon

Zumurud

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Mark Walford

Bit disappointing at Wetherby on last appearance; last success came off this mark at Nottingham (1m, good to firm) 12 months ago; major player if back to that level of form.

9/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £22.20
Straight Forecast £18.49
Tricast £87.71
Trifecta £88.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Menelaus

The Guardian:

Sparkle In His Eye

RP RATINGS:

Frog And Toad

POSTDATA:

Diamond Haze

The Times:

Menelaus

Telegraph:

Menelaus

Daily Mail:

Menelaus

Daily Mirror:

Menelaus

The Sun:

Menelaus

The Star:

Menelaus

Daily Record:

Menelaus

D Express:

Sparkle In His Eye