April 09 / 16.15 Thirsk

16.15

Soft

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  • Prize money: £5234
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
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Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.00
  • Place: £3.80

Form: 0-4535 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Only midfield at Doncaster (behind Zargun) 16 days ago and the cheekpieces are left off today; others are stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

17

(6)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:37 Thirsk

Glory Fighter

9st 0lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Admirable veteran who recorded his 11th win when making all at Nottingham (5f, good) last month; not disgraced at Ripon next time; should make another bold bid.

16/1

5th

4

(1)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Ripon

Glory Fighter

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Admirable veteran who recorded his 11th win when making all at Nottingham (5f, good) last month; there wasn't much separating the first five but he's only 2lb higher here and should give it another good shot.

7/2

1st

2

(4)

8th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

14:57 Nottingham

Glory Fighter

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Ten-time turf winner, including C&D; close third at Newcastle when last seen in February; one to consider.

9/2

2nd
8 (13)
Illusionist

10/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 38-365 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Getting on for two years since his last win but he's tumbled down the weights and comes here fit from AW; 5f on soft ground in a well-run race should see him to good effect; will need luck in running from the rail draw but he has too much ability to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(11)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:50 Ripon

Illusionist

9st 6lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Hold-up sprinter; just one win to his name since May 2022; shaped with some promise at Haydock three weeks ago (after a break) and he's on a fair mark; effective at the track.

12/1

78

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Illusionist

8st 13lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

6

(4)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Illusionist

9st 7lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Below par on both runs this term but didn't perform badly at Hamilton in May last time on good going that may not have been ideal; now 2lb lower than when winning at Wetherby (soft) last year and the more rain the better.

16/1

10/1

  • Place: £4.70

Form: 11919- D

Last run: 179 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Had a good summer last year, winning three 5f handicaps (good to firm, good to soft and soft); below her best at York when last seen in October; career best needed on this return to action.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(6)

11th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 42y

Class 4

17:40 Yarmouth

Thunder Star

9st 2lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

She was returning from a five-month break when finishing in midfield at Doncaster 13 days ago (5f, good to soft), a race where she tired in the final furlong but still did best of the far-side group; two wins and two seconds from her six C&D runs and she has solid claims off a fair mark.

7/1

9th

6

(7)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

17:50 Doncaster

Thunder Star

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Fit from the AW when winning this race 12 months ago (good ground) off a 5lb lower mark; mixed bag afterwards and it looks a stronger contest this time around.

10/1

11/2

Form: 5607-6 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Boasts a fine record on his second run of the season and last month's return to action (behind Zargun) offered hope he retained a good chunk of ability; place claims at least.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(7)

11th Jul 2024

Good

0m 5f 143y

Class 5

18:00 Doncaster

Showalong

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Hard to win with these days but rain won't hurt and he was placed three times off this mark in the spring; bare 5f would be preferable.

10/1

7th

6

(1)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 8y

Class 6

15:25 Nottingham

Showalong

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Handicapped to win and he's been threatening this spring, most recently finishing third over C&D last month (good ground; blinkered first time); that is solid form for the grade and he should give it another good go.

11/2

3rd

1

(6)

10th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 8y

Class 6

20:18 Nottingham

Showalong

9st 11lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Tim Easterby

His last win was 12 months ago but that was over C&D and he's finished runner-up at Pontefract and Redcar (both at 5f on soft) in last two starts; on same mark as for both those runs and he's respected with blinkers added.

11/2

Form: 25220- CD

Last run: 157 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Won a C&D maiden on soft ground here on last season's return; runner-up in three handicaps afterwards but ended her campaign with a disappointing run at Newmarket in November (6f, heavy); career best required on her seasonal reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(6)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:57 Thirsk

Gemini Star

9st 6lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Julia & Shelley Birkett

Won just one of her 19 starts for Alice Haynes but it came at this track (5f, soft); her best effort in 2025 came on seasonal return (6f, good to firm) and although she ended the campaign quietly it was over 7f and 1m; sold for 1,200gns in December; intriguing runner on stable debut.

12/1

2

(10)

20th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:00 Bath

Gemini Star

9st 9lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Alice Haynes

Didn't fire over 7f last month and has stamina to prove on this first attempt at 1m but was unlucky not to finish closer than fifth at Haydock (7f, good; denied clear run) two runs ago and has slipped to a dangerous mark.

10/1

8/1

Form: 34515- CD

Last run: 154 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
C&D winner in June 2022; impressed at Leicester in October (5f, good to soft; first run after a wind op; Gemini Star second) but he wasn't in the same form at Newcastle when last seen five months ago; capable but there are risks involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(5)

7th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Rambuso Creek

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: Michael Herrington

Both of his wins from 41 starts have been on turf, the most recent in October 2023, but he was unlucky not to finish closer at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) 31 days ago; each-way claims if things drop right for this hold-up performer.

7/1

5th

6

(9)

6th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

17:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Rambuso Creek

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Always had his quirks and again hung left when a beaten-favourite at Southwell last time; usually dropped in and that will likely be the case again from the outside stall, in which case he'll need things to pan out ideally down from 7f.

8/1

6th

4

(4)

11th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:05 Southwell (AW)

Rambuso Creek

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Michael Herrington

0-13 on AW but he is fully effective on Tapeta; the step up to 7f didn't yield instant dividends at Wolverhampton 16 days ago but he didn't get chance to show his true colours, tight for room inside the final furlong and having to switch right before keeping on steadily; this more spacious track could see him in a better light.

7/1

Form: 4554-4 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
5f on soft ground looks ideal for her and last season's two wins both came off higher marks than today's; last month's return at Southwell (6f) was encouraging and she's more appealing than many.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(1)

14th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Ey Up Its Maggie

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Handles most ground and she's gone close in two of her three C&D starts, but neither of her turf starts (on heavy; has handled the surface) this year have matched up, with and without cheekpieces (back on today); reservations for now.

14/1

10th

2

(1)

14th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Ey Up Its Maggie

9st 9lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Handles most ground and she's gone close in two of her three C&D starts, but neither of her turf starts (on heavy; has handled the surface) this year have matched up, with and without cheekpieces (back on today); reservations for now.

14/1

9th

10

(2)

18th Apr 2024

Heavy

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:17 Ripon

Ey Up Its Maggie

9st 4lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Five-time turf winner, the latest of them over 5f here last summer off 2lb higher; 6f on heavy ground might just stretch her stamina.

14/1

8th
12 (10)
Zargun

11/2

Form: -52691 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Had some smart form on slow ground in his prime and having tumbled down the weights he finally capitalised with an impressive win at Doncaster 16 days ago (5f, soft); up 6lb in a better race but the runner-up at Doncaster has since won well and he has conditions to suit; other pace to deal with but he's more appealing than many.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(6)

14th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

17:05 Bath

Zargun

8st 10lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Scott Dixon

Ended a losing run with a front-running 5f win at Doncaster in March (soft); in and out since and there are other pace influences in this field.

16/1

7th

9

(5)

26th Aug 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

16:30 Southwell (AW)

Zargun

8st 12lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Scott Dixon

Ended a losing run with a front-running 5f win at Doncaster in March (soft); not beaten far at Catterick when last seen in May but others may have his measure today.

20/1

OUR TIP

14/1

Form: 90356-

Last run: 180 days

W: 9st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
3lb lower than when fifth in the Ayr Silver Cup last September; not in the same form on his final run last year and this drop to 5f isn't sure to suit on his reappearance (first 5f run since 2021).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(12)

21st Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

16:50 Wolverhampton (AW)

Snazzy Jazzy

9st 8lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

First run for a while over 7f when winning narrowly at Doncaster but refused to race back there next time (July); a break might have done him good.

50/1

1

(11)

11th Jul 2024

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:55 Doncaster

Snazzy Jazzy

9st 12lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

refused to race

6/1

1st

2

(4)

16th Jun 2024

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

14:40 Doncaster

Snazzy Jazzy

9st 9lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

Not as good as he used to be (formerly smart when trained by Clive Cox); last win came in June 2022 (6f, good) but has rather struggled since; on a good mark but plenty to prove at present.

10/1

16/1

Form: 33424-

Last run: 228 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Failed to win in five runs for William Haggas, recording his peak RPR in a 6f handicap at Chelmsford last July; sold for 25,000gns last September and gelded; untried on slower than good and likely best watched after 228 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(9)

4th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Never This Way

9st 3lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

awkward start, lost many lengths start, in rear

10/1

10th

10

(1)

15th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Never This Way

8st 7lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Yet to win and form this year has been uneven; not beaten far in a first-time hood at Newcastle last time but hardly a solid betting proposition.

16/1

7th

2

(2)

27th Jul 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Never This Way

9st 10lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

mounted in chute and taken down early, raced far side, led

8/1

Form: 1310-0 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Three 5f turf wins last season, the latest off a 4lb lower mark in September; last month's return on the AW should have sharpened him up and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(3)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

17:23 Redcar

Soul Seeker

10st 2lb

J: Mr Daniel Perrin

T: Philip Kirby

Regressive 9yo who hasn't been offering much for a while now.

33/1

7th

9

(9)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

17:35 Musselburgh

Soul Seeker

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Regressive 9yo; beaten around 4l on his last two starts and needs to up his game to trouble the principals.

33/1

7th

8

(9)

11th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Catterick

Soul Seeker

9st 0lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Down to a basement mark and he's one to watch in the betting, but it's been a long time since this regressive 9yo has been competitive.

25/1

25/1

Form: 21100-

Last run: 157 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Hamilton specialist; ended 2023 with two poor runs on heavy ground (handles it); not on a bad mark ahead of her reappearance but this might not be her day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(1)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

15:00 Carlisle

Iris Dancer

8st 10lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Eleven turf wins, mostly at Hamilton but once over C&D, on ground ranging from soft to good to firm; weighted to find another race and will be suited by returning to a track with a stiff finish following her persevering fourth at Ayr 13 days ago; thereabouts.

8/1

4th

1

(7)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Iris Dancer

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Tristan Davidson

Has form at several different venues but is ideally suited by Hamilton, having done nearly all of her winning there; below par last time, failing to back up reappearance effort; 0-9 at Ayr.

10/1

Form: 62166-

Last run: 150 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Two 6f wins last season, making all on heavy ground at Catterick in October off 2lb lower; having his first run at a bare 5f and likely he'll come on for this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(6)

4th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Oso Rapido

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell

in touch with leaders, headway and pressed leader 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

8/1

6th

2

(6)

4th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Oso Rapido

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell

in touch with leaders, headway and pressed leader 2f out, weakened from over 1f out

8/1

7th

1

(2)

28th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:15 Redcar

Oso Rapido

9st 12lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Roger Fell

prominent, outpaced over 1f out, soon weakened

7/2

Non-runners

Majeski Man

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £52.50
Straight Forecast £41.45
Tricast £398.65
Trifecta £580.30

Selections

POSTDATA:

Zargun

RP RATINGS:

Showalong

SPOTLIGHT:

Illusionist

The Guardian:

Gemini Star

Daily Record:

Ey Up It's Maggie

Daily Mail:

Snazzy Jazzy

The Times:

Showalong

The Star:

Showalong

TOPSPEED:

Illusionist

D Express:

Illusionist

Telegraph:

Zargun

Daily Mirror:

Zargun

The Sun:

Zargun