April 20 / 18.05 Thirsk

18.05

Soft

Happy 19th Birthday Lily Watkinson Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
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Happy 19th Birthday Lily Watkinson Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.50
  • Place: £3.10

Form: 40-776 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
This year's form-figures don't look especially enticing but he's much better on turf than AW; goes well at Thirsk and was runner-up to Society Lion in a division of this race 12 months ago (soft ground; off 6lb higher); one to take seriously with the cheekpieces (left off last time) returning.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(10)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:00 Doncaster

Cold Stare

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

9yo who needs to produce more than he's managed the last twice but before those he was a creditable fifth in the Ayr Bronze Cup and he's dropped to a dangerous mark; not written off.

14/1

5th

1

(8)

18th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

13:52 Redcar

Cold Stare

10st 0lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Most of his nine wins on soft or heavy; finished close up in the Ayr Bronze Cup last month and ran well enough to think he's still in reasonable form when fifth in a higher grade than this at Haydock last time; in the mix.

15/2

6th

10

(2)

28th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Haydock

Cold Stare

8st 13lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Most of his nine wins on soft or heavy; finished close up in the Ayr Bronze Cup last weekend which gives him a fighting chance here but he has a better overall record on that track than this one and remains on much the same mark as when well adrift of Trilby here in April.

8/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 4256-3 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Ideally suited by 6f on ground softer than good; solid reappearance when a close third of ten at Catterick (Mersea second, Impressor fifth) 17 days ago and again unlikely to be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

68

20th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:15 Ayr

Slainte Mhath

8st 13lb

T: Katie Scott

9th

2

(6)

4th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 5

18:15 Hamilton

Slainte Mhath

9st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Katie Scott

Gives her all and wasn't beaten far when fourth to Rock Melody over C&D (soft) in August; should be thereabouts again, although she holds no secrets from the handicapper and others appeal more for win purposes.

6/1

4th

4

(10)

13th Aug 2024

Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:30 Hamilton

Slainte Mhath

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: Katie Scott

Very consistent in defeat earlier in the season (on ground ranging from good through to heavy) and she was beaten just over 1l when fourth of six over C&D (good to soft) last time; has won three times over C&D and every chance she'll be in the mix; the blinkers adopted last time are left off.

10/1

10/1

  • Place: £5.20

Form: 3123-5 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Had a fine 2023, winning four times (5f/6f, soft/heavy); possibly needed the run when fifth at Catterick 17 days ago, and the usual cheekpieces return today; no surprise if he bounces back to form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(6)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 5

14:51 Hamilton

Impressor

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

Underwhelming on his three starts since promising reappearance run at Doncaster in March; however, he has a strong record at Hamilton and is running here for the first time this season; slow ground would be a positive.

13/2

6th

9

(9)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

15:00 Carlisle

Impressor

9st 4lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Phillip Makin

Multiple sprint handicap wins since 2022, all on soft or slower; back in action with a good fourth of 17 at Doncaster in March and, although he hasn't done as well since, he'd come into it if there's significant rain.

16/1

Form: 34503- D

Last run: 203 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Just one win from 15 attempts; begins the season off his lowest mark and handles the mud, but he often blows the start and his stable has yet to strike this year; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(9)

11th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Stable yet to get rolling for the year but he was a bright spot when springing a surprise over C&D off 3lb lower in February; not entirely convinced over 7f a couple of times since and holds each-way claims.

10/1

4th

7

(6)

11th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:15 Southwell (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

6f winner here on his penultimate start and he didn't fail through a lack of stamina when third at Chelmsford 13 days ago; he was well positioned in a race where nothing challenged from the rear there though and others appeal more for win purposes.

8/1

3rd

6

(3)

26th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Thankuappreciate

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Strong at the finish when winning a 6f handicap at Southwell two weeks ago; the subsequent 4lb rise looks less of a concern than the additional furlong.

8/1

9/1

Form: -33741 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Gained reward for his consistency over the winter when winning at Southwell (6f, AW) last month, and he's just as effective on turf; does not look overburdened by a 3lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(12)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

14:07 Lingfield (AW)

Secret Road

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Laura Mongan

Enjoyed a revival for James Owen and this yard earlier in the year, with three wins, including two round here; up in the weights now, though, and finished well behind a couple of these over C&D a month ago; needs more from somewhere.

20/1

12th

5

(12)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

17:07 Lingfield (AW)

Secret Road

9st 6lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Laura Mongan

Looked in excellent nick on last month's stable debut, gaining clearcut C&D win in first-time cheekpieces; not quite in same form when fourth off new mark here three weeks later but still considered.

7/1

16/1

Form: 1534-6 CD BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Had productive 4yo campaign, winning three times including over C&D; might have needed most recent run after four months off but the pick of his turf form is on good to firm ground and soft conditions would be a worry.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(12)

9th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Newcastle (AW)

Rainbow Rain

9st 3lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Tracy Waggott

prominent towards near side

8/1

10th

12

(12)

9th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Newcastle (AW)

Rainbow Rain

9st 3lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Tracy Waggott

prominent towards near side

8/1

3rd

11

(2)

25th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Redcar

Rainbow Rain

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tracy Waggott

started quickly, led at fast pace against far rail

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 3074-0 CD

Last run: 104 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Won a division of this race in 2023 (soft ground) off today's mark; in and out since, but 7f probably stretched his stamina on his latest outing at Wolverhampton early in January; has to be respected if ready to roll after 104 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22th

18

(13)

25th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Society Lion

9st 3lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Ed Dunlop

Completed a double off 4lb higher at Doncaster (1m, good to soft) last June but he's been well held in three runs this season; seems versatile regarding ground and tactics but he needs to rediscover his spark.

16/1

3rd

3

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 16y

Class 4

19:00 Chepstow

Society Lion

9st 7lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Ed Dunlop

At his best this time last year and is now 2lb lower than when last successful; well held in two runs back this spring, however, and didn't shine in two previous starts here, so has a bit to prove back from six weeks off.

12/1

Form: 8089-9 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Most recent win, last spring, came off 7lb higher, and he probably needed the outing when ninth of 13 over C&D 11 days ago; handles the mud and may well be at concert pitch now; could be interesting at a price.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(1)

2nd Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

16:55 Southwell (AW)

Dandy Spirit

8st 7lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Capable of running well but he's not as good as he was and is becoming hard to predict.

25/1

14th

12

(15)

21st Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:27 Redcar

Dandy Spirit

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Not as good now but is straightforward and arrives in form, having made a lot of the running off this mark at Newcastle last time; holds claims on that.

8/1

3rd

5

(8)

28th Jun 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:20 Newcastle (AW)

Dandy Spirit

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Dual AW winner who went back-to-back on turf last spring and wasn't far away in two sprints before a lesser show at Thirsk last time; has a big run in him.

10/1

Form: 09734- CD

Last run: 194 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Sole win for Adrian Nicholls came over C&D in May 2022; ended last season with two respectable efforts on ground softer than good; has joined a stable that excels with sprinters; very dangerous if returning to his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(6)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

19:22 Pontefract

Kings Crown

9st 7lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Two AW wins this winter; never in the hunt at Wetherby last month on his return to turf but he is effective over C&D and seems to handle any ground; not ruled out.

8/1

5th

1

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 110y

Class 5

17:05 Wetherby

Kings Crown

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Two AW wins at Newcastle over the winter; his form has cooled more recently but today's return to Class 5 company will help and the cheekpieces return after being discarded last time.

6/1

6th

6

(7)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

17:48 Southwell (AW)

Kings Crown

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Just 1lb higher than for his 5f win at Newcastle on New Year's Day; three runs since have not been quite so encouraging though and he may prove vulnerable back up at 6f.

14/1

14/1

Form: 50063- D

Last run: 182 days

W: 9st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Runner-up four times here and he begins the season on an attractive mark, but that's because he was 0-14 in 2023; no great record after an absence and others make more obvious appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(7)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:18 Newcastle (AW)

Music Society

9st 2lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Ran on well to win a 6f handicap at Newmarket two weeks ago (6f, soft); that race had rather an end-of-season feel to it but the Topspeed figure was good and a 3lb rise looks fair; interesting on first AW start since October 2018.

7/2

9th

10

(7)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:18 Newcastle (AW)

Music Society

9st 2lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Ran on well to win a 6f handicap at Newmarket two weeks ago (6f, soft); that race had rather an end-of-season feel to it but the Topspeed figure was good and a 3lb rise looks fair; interesting on first AW start since October 2018.

7/2

1st

12

(3)

2nd Nov 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:07 Newmarket

Music Society

8st 5lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

took keen hold early, towards rear, switched left when smooth headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on well

9/1

14/1

Form: 07-320 D

Last run: 76 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Often misses the break, but that didn't stop him going close twice at Newcastle (5f, AW) in January; has had wind surgery (for the second time) since his latest poor run; relatively lightly raced but has enough to prove, including his ability to handle ground softer than good.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

29th May 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

20:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Dark Kestrel

9st 6lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Antony Brittain

C&D winner whose five AW wins include two this year; often slowly away; has been running respectably off his lower turf mark of late but probably needs a bit more for the adding of a visor.

16/1

6th

11

(9)

12th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Beverley

Dark Kestrel

8st 11lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Five-time AW winner who was unable to take advantage of his lower turf mark last time and it remains three years since his only success in this sphere; others preferred.

16/1

4th

10

(2)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

17:05 Pontefract

Dark Kestrel

8st 13lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Kept busy on the AW this winter and already a dual 5f winner at Newcastle; not out of things if translating that form but he's yet to show his best form on turf.

8/1

12th
7 (13)
Mersea

9/2

Form: 86-621 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Followed a fine second at Catterick (6f, heavy) by winning in a small field at Southwell (5f, AW; rallied gamely to lead again final strides) nine days ago; clearly in top form and should be in the thick of things again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(7)

14th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

Mersea

9st 3lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

50-1 winner over C&D off 11lb higher in February last year; back on a good mark but hasn't been in top form recently.

25/1

7th

3

(2)

4th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Mersea

9st 8lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Well short of her best this winter but that is reflected in her mark and she has too much ability to discount now dropping into a 0-60; betting should be revealing.

12/1

11th

8

(10)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:13 Newcastle (AW)

Mersea

9st 0lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Grant Tuer

Backwards since winning at Musselburgh (5f, Class 6, good) in August; kept on from behind to finish fifth of ten at Southwell (5f; 33-1) a fortnight ago; the handicapper continues to give her assistance from a career-low mark.

20/1

Form: 3337-3 D BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
0-11 for current yard but has been placed several times, including when favourite at Doncaster (5f, soft) in March; second in a division of this race last year; leading contender.
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

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £102.90
Straight Forecast £79.84
Tricast £1616.41
Trifecta £1623.20

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Slainte Mhath

POSTDATA:

Mersea

SPOTLIGHT:

King's Crown

NEWMARKET:

Society Lion

The Times:

Thankuappreciate

TOPSPEED:

Dandy Spirit

Telegraph:

Impressor

D Express:

Mersea

Daily Mirror:

Mersea

The Guardian:

King's Crown

The Sun:

Slainte Mhath

The Star:

Slainte Mhath

Daily Record:

Slainte Mhath

Daily Mail:

Society Lion