April 20 / 19.05 Thirsk

19.05

Soft

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  • Prize money: £9720
  • 1m 4f 8y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
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Follow @vickersracing On X Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £21.00
  • Place: £3.30

Form: 4551-4 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Successful three times last term, including at York (1m4f, good to soft) on final outing; weakened as if probably needing the run when fourth on his 1m4f Doncaster reappearance four weeks ago; won second time up last season; ground conditions fine; should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

16:05 Carlisle

Two Brothers

12st 5lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Michael & David Easterby

Finished strongly to force a dead heat with Ryebridge over C&D (good to soft) on his handicap hurdle debut 13 days ago; wore cheekpieces on that occasion but they are now replaced by the visor he wore regularly during his Flat career; retains handicapping scope on his useful form in that sphere.

4/1

1st

1

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

14:15 Carlisle

Two Brothers

12st 0lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Michael & David Easterby

Has made the frame in two races at Wetherby (2m) since switched to this code; opening hurdles mark is very attractive judged on best Flat form; possibilities.

100/30

5th

1

(2)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 13y

Class 4

14:10 Catterick

Two Brothers

10st 2lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

3lb lower than when winning at York (1m2f, soft) a year ago and very likely to have his optimum conditions, but a leap of faith is required following two poor efforts since returning from 308 days off last month.

6/1

10/1

  • Place: £4.80

Form: 213-32 BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Has added to her solid AW record when placed at Kempton (1m3f) and Newcastle (1m4f) this year; hard to know whether she'll be as effective back on turf (three previous attempts were over much shorter trips at start of her career) but her stable's recent form is a definite plus.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(1)

30th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:35 Catterick

Fleur De Mer

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

Not the best of win records (1-26 but 0-10 on turf); only win was over 1m2f on AW back in 2023; sound third at Pontefract with first-time cheekpieces (retained) on reappearance last month (1m4f, good to soft); stays 1m6f but below her best three previous tries at 2m.

11/4

3rd

11

(8)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

16:27 Pontefract

Fleur De Mer

8st 13lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

Placed over 1m6f on last three AW starts; returns to turf on a workable mark and should be fine back at 1m4f; big player if first-time cheekpieces have any positive effect.

5/1

2nd

3

(6)

11th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

14:14 Southwell (AW)

Fleur De Mer

9st 10lb

J: David Nolan

T: Martin Todhunter

Both wins were in 2023 but she had some close calls in the autumn and ran another good race when third over C&D three weeks ago; 1lb lower here and she should be in the mix again.

6/1

OUR TIP

12/1

  • Place: £5.90

Form: 2645-1 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 8lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; 11 wins, the latest in a three-runner contest at Pontefract (1m4f, heavy) 18 days ago; conditions to suit but he's in a much more competitive race this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(4)

21st May 2026

Soft

2m 0f 45y

Class 5

14:00 Haydock

Torcello

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Shaun Lycett

His mark continues to tumble and he's one to watch in the betting in reapplied cheekpieces with the slow ground in his favour; however, this 12yo has very much struggled on his four starts since last June.

9/1

8th

9

(8)

18th Feb 2026

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Torcello

9st 1lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Shaun Lycett

Veteran who struggled in two runs last year and fared no better when last of six over 2m here six weeks ago; down in the weights but has too much to prove for now.

50/1

10

(1)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 7f 196y

Class 2

14:40 Chester

Torcello

8st 5lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Shaun Lycett

Sixth in 2022 Chester Cup (sole visit); well handicapped on best 2024 form; now an 11yo, well beaten on final outing last season and his only start this term (June); the latter was on good ground, whereas it's softer (preferably soft or heavy) which has suited him best for a long time now.

50/1

4th
10 (5)
Faylaq

14/1

Form: 3306-4 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Creditable fourth on 1m2f Newcastle reappearance five weeks ago; that was a promising run but it's hard to escape the fact that he hasn't won since September 2019.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(8)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

Faylaq

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

9yo who was well beaten in the John Smith's Cup at York last month but won two in a row here (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and continued in good form until his blip last time; not ruled out now back here.

12/1

9

(12)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:10 York

Faylaq

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Two wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f, good to firm) in May and creditable fifth in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago (2m, AW); he's a 9yo who has never won off a mark this high but is versatile in terms of trip and ran well over C&D last month; not ruled out each-way.

22/1

5th

7

(2)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Faylaq

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Third and sixth in last two runnings of the C&D Vase on this card; in the groove with successive wins at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f) this May; however, he's been held off this mark when back up to Class 2 in his three starts since, still in form but suggesting that others will have the edge today.

18/1

14/1

Form: 73261- D

Last run: 173 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Had a near miss over C&D last September and ended 2023 with an AW win at Newcastle (1m4f); placed off 2lb higher on soft on his 2023 reappearance; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(4)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 4

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Strawman

9st 9lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: Gemma Tutty

Was having only his second AW start when successful at Newcastle (1m4f, Tapeta) last October and was back off the same mark when third of nine in first-time cheekpieces at Beverley (1m2f, good) last month; still unexposed in this sphere and one to consider back from a short break.

20/1

3rd

1

(9)

6th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

16:00 Beverley

Strawman

9st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Gemma Tutty

prominent

16/1

4th

2

(4)

19th Jun 2024

Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 4

19:05 Ripon

Strawman

9st 7lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Gemma Tutty

in touch with leaders

7/1

11/2

Form: /5111- D

Last run: 309 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Big improver switched to handicaps and fitted with a visor early last summer, completing a hat-trick around 1m4f in small field at Goodwood (good to firm) in June; not seen since (gelded) and his wide draw could make it tricky to get a good position but there could easily be more to come this year; it'll be interesting to see how much strength there is behind him in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(2)

28th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 179y

18:40 Galway

Fairbanks

12st 2lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: William Durkan

Off the mark over hurdles at Ballinrobe in May on second start for this yard at Ballinrobe; useful five-time Flat winner for Andrew Balding; could make no impression when returning to Britain for the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot; no match for a Willie Mullins-trained favourite in a novice hurdle at Roscommon three weeks ago.

25/1

2nd

1

7th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 204y

18:43 Roscommon

Fairbanks

11st 8lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: William Durkan

Off the mark over hurdles on second start for this yard at Ballinrobe (16.5f, good) in May; smart form on the Flat for Andrew Balding but came up short back on the level in a hot Royal Ascot handicap three weeks ago; top-rated here at 128; obvious chance on ground that will suit.

15/8

4

(19)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Fairbanks

9st 9lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: William Durkan

Progressive for Andrew Balding last year, winning two handicaps (1m4f/1m6f, AW/good); went over hurdles last month for his new yard and won a maiden at Ballinrobe three weeks ago; could go well now back on the Flat.

16/1

16/1

Form: 77218- D

Last run: 224 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Suited by the step up to 2m when winning a competitive handicap at last year's York Ebor meeting; might have found the run coming too soon when well held in Old Borough Cup at Haydock (1m6f) 17 days later; makes his reappearance in this race for the third year running (creditable third in 2022 but below-form fifth last year).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(3)

15th Jun 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Forza Orta

8st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

Disappointing sort who ended up 12l behind King's Scholar here last time, following wind surgery; now has a tongue-tie (tried on final start last term) and first-time blinkers.

25/1

2

(14)

28th May 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Hamilton

Forza Orta

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

0-7 last year and has weakened quickly on both runs this term; however, a wind operation may have done the trick and his good course form and a dangerous mark suggest he's worth a second look.

12/1

2

(14)

28th May 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Hamilton

Forza Orta

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

0-7 last year and has weakened quickly on both runs this term; however, a wind operation may have done the trick and his good course form and a dangerous mark suggest he's worth a second look.

12/1

12/1

Form: 24510- D

Last run: 207 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Came home well to collect over 1m4f at Ffos Las (good to soft; handles softer) last August; not so good at Nottingham final start but it's of some interest that a leading stable has persevered with him as a 4yo; has had wind surgery; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(7)

5th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Roost

9st 10lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Ralph Beckett

Habitual slow-starter who again got going too late to land a blow when seventh of 13 at Kempton (1m3f) ten days ago; the visor he wore that day is retained; has just one win from 15 goes and needs something extra.

8/1

7th

12

(10)

25th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Roost

9st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

slowly into stride

11/2

3rd

4

(7)

6th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Roost

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Has had just two AW races, including when second as 2yo; sole win (13 races) came over 1m4f at Ffos Las last August off 2lb higher, on the first of two starts with a tongue-tie which returns today; not so good since, with blinkers on last two outings, but the tongue-tie might help.

11/2

8/1

Form: 2R112- D

Last run: 189 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Refused to race when cheekpieces went on at Ripon last summer but firmly back on the up without headgear in the autumn, winning over 1m3f at Carlisle (good to firm) and 1m6f at Catterick (soft) in September; good second at York (2m) final start; this versatile mare still looks feasibly handicapped if fully primed after six months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

13

(6)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Arrange

8st 8lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

Last won in August 2024; placed in three of eight starts last term and it was a hot race in which she was well beaten at York (40-1) on 2026 return; 15lb below peak mark but others seem to be banging on the door more loudly.

40/1

11th

14

(13)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Arrange

8st 13lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

Twice runner-up over 2m from five visits here, plus fourth of 20 in this race in 2024; ran creditably over 1m4f on 2025 return and is 11lb lower for this reappearance, but others seem to be banging on the door more loudly.

20/1

3rd

3

(5)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 13y

Class 4

14:10 Catterick

Arrange

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

First and second in two visits here (1m6f, soft/good to soft); patchy form so far this year and ideally would prefer further, but she has dropped 5lb lower than when last successful; respected.

5/1

Form: 5311-8 BF

Last run: 110 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Promise on turf in the first half of 2023 and he returned from five months off to comfortably win a novice at Wolverhampton (9.5f) and handicap at Newcastle (1m2f) at the end of last year; disappointed on his hat-trick bid at Newcastle on New Year's Day but this low-mileage 4yo retains potential now stepping up to 1m4f for the first time on his return to turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(4)

29th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 2

15:52 Windsor

To Catch A Thief

8st 10lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

Back-to-back AW wins at the end of 2023; tongue tied, respectable third in 1m2f handicaps at Redcar (soft; Zetland Gold Cup) and Haydock (good to firm; six ran) on last two starts and had similar form three starts back on his second crack at about 1m4f, but he needs a bit extra.

7/2

3rd

1

(7)

22nd Jun 2024

Good

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

19:45 Haydock

To Catch A Thief

9st 11lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

Hasn't progressed in quite the manner that looked likely after back-to-back AW wins at the end of 2023 but his latest third of ten in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar (1m2f, soft) was a creditable effort; likely to be competitive if in similar form.

7/2

3rd

6

(2)

27th May 2024

Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 2

16:35 Redcar

To Catch A Thief

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Returned from break with novice and handicap AW wins at about 1m2f in late 2023, but he hasn't put it together at this trip and 1m4f in three starts since (cheekpieces latest; now tongue tied); the return to 1m2f can suit but soft ground is not sure to improve matters.

8/1

14/1

Form: 71720- D

Last run: 189 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Best known for front-running exploits at Chester; well beaten in this race last year and got to be a chance he's using this as a prep for Chester next month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

15:12 Cartmel

Emiyn

11st 4lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Useful Flat stayer who has made the frame on all three hurdling starts; left behind by wide-margin winner when second here (2m6f, soft) last month but that was still a good effort and he's a contender over this shorter trip.

5/1

5

27th Jun 2025

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 4

14:38 Cartmel

Emiyn

11st 4lb

J: Conor Orr

T: Declan Carroll

Useful Flat performer and was running okay (beaten 5l in the Chester Cup) until below par last time with a visor back on (now discarded); two respectable efforts over hurdles last year, notably when second in an Aintree maiden; every chance; has no clear ground preferences.

7/4

4

(7)

24th May 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 46y

Class 2

16:40 Haydock

Emiyn

8st 13lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Often ridden by Zak Wheatley; slow starts have been interfering with what used to be a front-running role; best known for exploits at Chester, admittedly last winning any race in July 2023; ran creditably off this mark in good handicaps both starts this term, sixth in the Chester Cup last time, but he was third in this race last year and may come up a bit short once again.

4/1

Form: 03445- D

Last run: 241 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Effective at 1m4f-1m6f with varied tactics; got near his best form only once from five starts last year but as a result has dipped to his lowest mark since the middle of 2022; has gone well fresh before.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Worcester

Charging Thunder

11st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

Dual hurdle winner who is 0-4 in handicaps; however, he should be on a fair mark given the level of his Flat ability and he ran quite well in a valuable Newmarket handicap at the Guineas meeting; player.

9/4

7th

9

(8)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Charging Thunder

8st 10lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

Had underwhelming hurdle and AW campaigns before his second of five when returned to Flat turf at Beverley (2m) 18 days ago; this demands markedly better and his 2024 and 2025 turf records aren't that persuasive.

25/1

2nd

1

(3)

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 32y

Class 3

16:00 Beverley

Charging Thunder

10st 0lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

Second to Sax Appeal over C&D and successful over 1m6f at Wolverhampton (both off 2lb higher than today) last July; it's hard to be enthused by his more recent efforts, including well held at Newcastle on Good Friday, but this is a much less competitive scenario.

4/1

16/1

Form: 31886- D

Last run: 157 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won at York (1m4f, good) last July but ran a bit below that level in three subsequent outings last year; successful on 2022 reappearance but below par on previous attempt on soft; others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner in 2023; no joy anywhere last season (mostly at this track) but the closest he came was a neck defeat here (1m2f; 4lb higher today) on final start; not far away on AW last three starts this year and the same may be possible on today's return to turf.

16/1

4th

6

(7)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Losing run now up to 14, but his last couple of efforts have been encouraging as when second of six in a slightly stronger contest at Chelmsford (1m2f, Polytrack) last month; still on his last winning mark and holds each-way claims.

10/1

2nd

4

(5)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Drew a blank in 2025 but he ended that campaign with a good second in a big-field 10.2f handicap at York; two respectable AW runs this year but he will need to raise his game to take this.

5/1

7/1

Form: 5/123- D

Last run: 169 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage sort who won a 1m4f maiden in the mud last spring and showed her opening handicap mark to be workable when third of 11 over 1m4f at Newmarket (heavy) in November; hood worn previously left off; the stable won this with a lightly raced improver last year and a repeat would come as no surprise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

19th Jun 2024

Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 4

19:05 Ripon

Kardia

9st 9lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

took keen hold, made virtually all

Evs

2nd

7

(8)

31st May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 4

20:50 Doncaster

Kardia

9st 3lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

in touch with leaders, led after 2f

7/1

14th

14

(7)

20th Apr 2024

Soft

1m 4f 8y

Class 3

19:05 Thirsk

Kardia

8st 12lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

led, headed and prominent after 3f

7/1

Non-runners

Mr Le Philosophe, Tessy Lad

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £256.20
Straight Forecast £281.69
Tricast £4562.08
Trifecta £3103.50

Selections

NEWMARKET:

To Catch A Thief

TOPSPEED:

Fairbanks

SPOTLIGHT:

Kardia

Daily Mirror:

Charging Thunder

RP RATINGS:

Faylaq

POSTDATA:

Torcello

The Times:

To Catch A Thief

Telegraph:

To Catch A Thief

Daily Mail:

To Catch A Thief

D Express:

To Catch A Thief

Daily Record:

Kardia

The Guardian:

Fairbanks

The Sun:

Fairbanks

The Star:

Fairbanks