April 20 / 18.35 Thirsk

18.35

Soft

Happy 19th Birthday Lily Watkinson Handicap (Div II)

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

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.80

Form: -84043 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Top-class 6f handicapper on turf in his time but losing run on grass goes back to 2020; however, he had a shocking run in a better race than this over C&D in September (sole course start) and makes some appeal off 12lb lower back on turf; strong form on good and soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(2)

25th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:35 York

Gulliver

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Four course wins to his name and he rolled back the years when sweeping through to win a Class 5 handicap at Thirsk five weeks ago (6f, soft); not handicapped out of things up 6lb but this is a deeper race and it might not set up quite so favourably for him.

9/1

14th

9

(2)

25th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:35 York

Gulliver

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Four course wins to his name and he rolled back the years when sweeping through to win a Class 5 handicap at Thirsk five weeks ago (6f, soft); not handicapped out of things up 6lb but this is a deeper race and it might not set up quite so favourably for him.

9/1

1st

8

(9)

20th Apr 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:35 Thirsk

Gulliver

9st 6lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

in rear

4/1

13/2

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 2559-5 D BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Won final two 6f starts as 2yo (good to soft and heavy); quite temptingly treated on best form last summer but he couldn't sustain it and failed to shine for the drop to 5f at Doncaster last month (favourite); first time in this headgear combination, has worn both separately; bit to prove now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(6)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 5

13:50 Epsom

Harrys Halo

9st 4lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Finished third in his two races this year, the latest in June at Carlisle (6f, soft); on a competitive mark and should make another bold bid.

7/2

3rd

2

(8)

8th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

14:15 Carlisle

Harrys Halo

9st 12lb

J: William Pyle

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Has shown most of his form over 6f on ground softer than good; close third in big field over 5f at Doncaster in sole run this term; enters calculations off same mark back up in trip.

9/2

13/2

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 42402-

Last run: 170 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Sole win in 5f maiden as 2yo (good to firm; after a break) but effective under today's conditions, having gone close at Doncaster (6f, soft) in August, and his AW run in November was encouraging; primed for a big run for in-form stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(6)

30th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

14:02 Southwell (AW)

Minnesota Lad

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ivan Furtado

Good second over C&D last month but not quite in the same form back here 17 days ago; likely to run his race and more minor money could be on the cards; cheekpieces now added.

9/1

5

(5)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

18:15 Southwell (AW)

Minnesota Lad

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ivan Furtado

Expensive to follow since joining Ivan Furtado but he usually gives his running; dropping back to 5f isn't sure to be of benefit.

10/1

5

(5)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

18:15 Southwell (AW)

Minnesota Lad

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ivan Furtado

Expensive to follow since joining Ivan Furtado but he usually gives his running; dropping back to 5f isn't sure to be of benefit.

10/1

14/1

Form: -42560 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Has won on good to soft but suited by good ground, as for his latest turf win, over C&D two years ago; well beaten on heavy here 11 days ago and has ground worries again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(3)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:10 Newcastle (AW)

Asadjumeirah

9st 8lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Antony Brittain

Back to winning ways in a C&D classified event in July; similar form back here in handicap company two weeks ago; a good early pace would play to his strengths.

7/2

6th

11

(11)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:54 Newcastle (AW)

Asadjumeirah

9st 1lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Antony Brittain

Hardly prolific but he has six C&D wins on his record, the latest three weeks ago when coming from off the pace to win decisively in 0-50 classified company; this is tougher but we know he's capable when in top form.

7/1

1st

2

(7)

31st Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:40 Newcastle (AW)

Asadjumeirah

9st 9lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Antony Brittain

Three wins on AW last year but now on a losing run of 20; there have been some near misses during that sequence but not of late.

20/1

Form: 018-80 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Multiple 6f winner, the most recent turf successes on soft last spring; now 2lb lower than the latest of them but well held on AW last month and now has headgear fitted for the first time in a long career.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

10th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

16:59 Bath

Miss Bella Brand

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Mrs Ilka Gansera-Leveque

Capable off this sort of mark and although this is a Class 5 in name, it's effectively a Class 6; solid effort in a better race over C&D last week; leading claims with Rossa Ryan booked.

9/4

4th

9

(1)

1st Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

16:25 Bath

Miss Bella Brand

9st 4lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Mrs Ilka Gansera-Leveque

Best effort this year when third at Nottingham (6f) in May; 2-2 under Benoit De La Sayette when the ground is soft, the wins gained off higher marks in spring 2023; interesting on a similar surface.

16/1

7th

3

(6)

18th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 5

14:00 Yarmouth

Miss Bella Brand

9st 13lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Mrs Ilka Gansera-Leveque

The winner of eight of her 48 starts; promising return from 112 days off at Chelmsford 18 days ago; should run her race but perhaps vulnerable to younger rivals.

14/1

Form: 41621- D

Last run: 183 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Has won two of six 6f handicaps, on good to firm and soft; up just 2lb for a Redcar win in October and she went well on her 2023 reappearance so one to be interested in with the chance of doing better as a 4yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

7

(1)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Mereside Diva

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Second when favourite for this race in 2024, with mixed fortunes in her five subsequent C&D appearances but she was a creditable third last June; seen in regular action this year, including when second at Wetherby last month but not so good here eight days ago; her last two wins (2024 and this February) were in small fields, so others make more appeal today.

20/1

8th

13

(2)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Mereside Diva

9st 7lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: David & Nicola Barron

Versatile as regards ground; form this year features an AW success in February and close second at Wetherby (7f) last time; five-time winner on turf and C&D record includes two placed efforts; not ruled out.

12/1

2nd

1

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:05 Wetherby

Mereside Diva

10st 2lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

Two good runs at Southwell preceded her Newcastle success in February (7f; blinkered first time); she hasn't run badly at Lingfield twice since, for all she has finished down the field, and this test may prove more suitable; key player.

6/1

13/2

Form: 565-24 D BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Good AW strike-rate and comes here in good form but just 1-19 on turf and not obviously ahead of his mark now returned to this surface; does have C&D form, though, and he shouldn't be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(6)

23rd Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

16:53 Southwell (AW)

Blazing Son

9st 8lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Bryan Smart

Five AW wins include two on this course (at 6f; has won over 7f) but he's been going through a quieter spell of late; others more likely.

12/1

3rd

4

(9)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:05 Southwell (AW)

Blazing Son

9st 7lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Bryan Smart

He needs to improve upon his last few showings and was held in fifth over C&D most recently; however, this two-time course winner is 6lb lower than when second at Newcastle (7f, Tapeta) in March and is not written off.

10/1

14/1

Form: 8677-9

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Came closest to a first win when a neck runner-up at Carlisle (6f, good to firm) last June, having looked as though this easier test at the trip was too sharp for him in a division of this race (soft) the time before; seems likely others will have the legs of him again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(7)

27th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Lord Abama

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Dods

Dual Newcastle winner (6f, Tapeta) the winter before last and 17lb lower than when successful at Thirsk (6f, good to firm) in June last year; down in grade, but not performing as though ready to exploit his plummeting mark and is still to conclusively prove he wants this far; cheekpieces return.

10/1

9th

6

(1)

10th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:45 Ayr

Lord Abama

9st 7lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

On a long losing sequence and yet to hit top form this season, fourth of nine in 6f Thirsk handicap nine days ago; more is required despite a falling mark.

14/1

4th

9

(4)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Lord Abama

9st 4lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael Dods

Handy sort whose three turf wins have all come over C&D; not firing of late, but has become dangerously well handicapped having dropped 14lb below his last winning mark.

8/1

25/1

Form: 83502- D

Last run: 158 days

W: 8st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Not weighted out of it but soundly beaten in all three C&D runs and has yet to shine on his reappearance so easy enough to pass over.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

16

(20)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

20:00 Redcar

Hurstwood

9st 0lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Peter Niven

Won divisions of this in 2022 and 2024 but he's looking regressive; only seventh in a classified race at Thirsk last time which was won by Drish Samphire; 1lb out of the weights.

20/1

7th

3

(6)

7th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:10 Thirsk

Hurstwood

9st 9lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Peter Niven

11-time winner who scored twice last year but he's been generally disappointing in six runs this season; handles most ground but he needs to raise his game to make a serious impact.

15/2

4th

8

(1)

18th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:35 Ripon

Hurstwood

9st 2lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Peter Niven

Four-time course winner whose mark continues to fall and he hasn't been devoid of spark this season; however, this 9yo needs to better what he's shown on his last three starts (the first of them over C&D).

14/1

12/1

Form: 2300-7 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Three AW wins at 6f and 7f but yet to win in 14 attempts on turf; has form over 6f on grass but this easy test looked inadequate over C&D last June and others look more likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(8)

22nd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

15:10 Catterick

Patontheback

9st 4lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Gemma Tutty

C&D winner in June 2024 (good to firm) and 7f Musselburgh winner last August; has not been in the best of form this season, but 4lb lower than last winning mark.

16/1

6th

7

(9)

22nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

15:15 Musselburgh

Patontheback

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Gemma Tutty

Dual C&D scorer; made an encouraging return with sixth at Catterick (7f) in May but beat one in 7f Redcar handicap since; needs to bounce back.

12/1

10th

4

(4)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

14:57 Redcar

Patontheback

9st 8lb

J: Sam James

T: Gemma Tutty

Has won three of his 34 races on turf, the latest off this mark at Musselburgh last August (7f, good); should come on for his reappearance run and a possible.

9/1

OUR TIP

Form: 71-906 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Not in great form on the AW of late but he was suited by his first attempt over 6f on soft when a clear winner at Ayr in July and he's now back on the same mark; may well revive under suitable conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(9)

31st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:10 Ripon

Our Absent Friends

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tristan Davidson

Acts on good to firm and soft; nine-time winner who scored by 4l at Catterick two weeks ago but was disappointing under a penalty there last Wednesday; up another 4lb, but he was as good as ever on his penultimate run and is a player if he can recapture that form.

5/1

5th

9

(9)

26th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Catterick

Our Absent Friends

9st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tristan Davidson

Failed to beat a rival home at Thirsk (5f, good) but he's won over this C&D either side of that, including when coming 4l clear nine days ago; looks well treated under a 4lb penalty but this is a step up in class.

4/1

1st

3

(4)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:15 Catterick

Our Absent Friends

9st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tristan Davidson

Wins his share and he got off the mark for the year over C&D last month; well held at Thirsk three days ago but in a Class 4; this should be more suitable.

6/1

Form: 7420-6 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Three 6f wins as 2yo, on good and good to soft ground, but her 3yo season was hard work; down a long way in the weights, though, and heavy-ground reappearance defeat can be excused; not entirely ruled out back at 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(4)

31st May 2024

Soft

0m 6f 195y

Class 6

16:40 Carlisle

Shandy Star

9st 11lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Has dropped a long way in the weights and is 5lb lower than when runner-up in a big-field handicap at Newmarket (7f, heavy) last November; needs to better her three efforts since returning in March, though.

16/1

6th

3

(11)

6th May 2024

Soft

0m 7f 96y

Class 5

15:40 Beverley

Shandy Star

9st 9lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Three wins, the latest over 6f at Pontefract in October 2022 (good to soft); good run when second over 7f at Newmarket in November (7f, heavy) but disappointing since.

25/1

6th

3

(11)

6th May 2024

Soft

0m 7f 96y

Class 5

15:40 Beverley

Shandy Star

9st 9lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Three wins, the latest over 6f at Pontefract in October 2022 (good to soft); good run when second over 7f at Newmarket in November (7f, heavy) but disappointing since.

25/1

Non-runners

William Dewhirst

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £39.10
Straight Forecast £31.43
Tricast £192.87
Trifecta £264.10

Selections

POSTDATA:

Gulliver

RP RATINGS:

Harry's Halo

Telegraph:

Minnesota Lad

The Times:

Shandy Star

Daily Record:

Mereside Diva

NEWMARKET:

Miss Bella Brand

TOPSPEED:

Asadjumeirah

SPOTLIGHT:

Our Absent Friends

The Guardian:

Hurstwood

D Express:

Harry's Halo

The Star:

Minnesota Lad

Daily Mail:

Gulliver

Daily Mirror:

Gulliver

The Sun:

Gulliver