May 04 / 14.40 Thirsk

14.40

Good To Soft

Vickers.Bet Thirsk Hunt Cup Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 7f 218y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
View Course
Vickers.Bet Thirsk Hunt Cup Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.70
  • Place: £3.80

Form: 04-399 D

Last run: 77 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
1lb lower than when winning at Wolverhampton (7f, Tapeta) a year ago; has won over this far on turf, but has not been at his best the last twice; hood now given a go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(10)

20th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ripon

Titan Rock

9st 7lb

J: James Sullivan

T: John & Sean Quinn

held up in rear

14/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 51-194 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Best form on soft/heavy, notably a success in the Spring Mile at Doncaster (Thunder Roar second) on reappearance; only midfield in the Spring Cup at Newbury next time but better when fourth at Leicester (1m, soft) last weekend, with old rival Thunder Roar a place ahead of him on that occasion.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(5)

8th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

20:55 Kempton (AW)

Look Back Smiling

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Neil Mulholland

Not the most reliable and winless since March 2024 for Gemma Tutty; hinted at a revival though on just second run for his new yard with fourth of eight in 1m1f handicap at Goodwood last month; not without interest off a tumbling mark with Oisin Murphy up for the first time.

11/4

4th

6

(6)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 11y

Class 5

17:25 Goodwood

Look Back Smiling

9st 10lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Neil Mulholland

Lost his way last autumn and, after changing hands for 9,000gns, he was out the back on stable debut at Bath (1m, good; fine on soft); potentially well handicapped but has enough to prove.

6/1

20/1

  • Place: £11.30

Form: 12029- D

Last run: 166 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Did well on slow turf for David O'Meara last autumn, winning at Beverley (7.5f) and second at Ayr and Doncaster; creditable fourth to Northern Express in this last year; reappears for a new trainer (same owners).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(8)

30th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

15:55 Bath

Autumn Festival

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Ed de Giles

Multiple winner over 7f-1m, including on soft; made the frame over C&D last month but losing run is mounting up and has performed poorly the last twice.

7/2

7th

6

(8)

30th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

15:55 Bath

Autumn Festival

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Ed de Giles

Multiple winner over 7f-1m, including on soft; made the frame over C&D last month but losing run is mounting up and has performed poorly the last twice.

7/2

16/1

Form: 9160-5 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won this on his 2022 reappearance; this veteran might not be quite the force of old but his mark reflects that and his reappearance fifth of 11 at Musselburgh (7f, good to soft) wasn't without promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(3)

8th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 0y

Class 5

16:53 Carlisle

Redarna

9st 6lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Dianne Sayer

Veteran who has been a prolific winner down the years, including at Carlisle; not solid on 2026 form but this drop back in grade may have positive effect; successful in last Class 5 attempt.

11/1

6th

10

(8)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:42 Ayr

Redarna

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Dianne Sayer

18 visits to Ayr have yielded nine wins, the latest last September; the return to Ayr could be the catalyst for a big run but he's struggled at Musselburgh and Thirsk this year and a major turnaround is needed from this 12yo.

25/1

12th

15

(6)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Redarna

8st 2lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Dianne Sayer

Sprung a 66-1 surprise in this on good to firm in 2022 (also fourth in 2024); added career win number 17, as an 11yo, at Ayr (1m, good to soft) last September but arrives with something to prove after finishing tailed off behind a couple of these on his Musselburgh reappearance.

66/1

20/1

Form: 11797- D

Last run: 181 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Successful over 1m3f in France at the start of his career but his peak form there came when scoring twice over 1m on good to soft last summer; new connections acquired him for 37,000euros last November; needs keeping an eye on in the betting for a yard which has enjoyed plenty of success with recruits from across the Channel.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Mirsky

8st 10lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David O’Meara

Landed the Thirsk Hunt Cup, albeit having enjoyed a smoother trip than unlucky Sea Force; not particularly solid on his form since; ended up two places behind River King at Royal Ascot most recently.

25/1

7th

19

(15)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Mirsky

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David O’Meara

Only midfield off current mark in this race 12 months ago, despite arriving at the top of his game; has been in worse form this time, well below par in both starts since landing the Thirsk Hunt Cup; has done all his winning over further than 7f and can be opposed.

40/1

11th

5

(10)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Mirsky

9st 8lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: David O’Meara

7yo who was 6lb lower when landing this race (good to soft) last season; this year's running is more competitive but his success in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month was close to a career best and he had a possible excuse when failing to back that up at York; can't be ruled out.

12/1

20/1

Form: 0800-9 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Now 1lb lower than when winning at Hamilton (1m, good to soft) last summer but didn't shape with any obvious promise when always towards the rear on his 7f Musselburgh reappearance 13 days ago, albeit this trip is more suitable; sixth to Northern Express in this last year; visored first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

8

(5)

17th May 2024

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:45 York

Eilean Dubh

9st 0lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Now 3lb lower than when winning at Hamilton (1m, good to soft) last summer and took a step back in the right direction at Thirsk 13 days ago when visored first time; unraced over this far and has spent the big majority of his career at about 1m.

12/1

16th

8

(5)

17th May 2024

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:45 York

Eilean Dubh

9st 0lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Now 3lb lower than when winning at Hamilton (1m, good to soft) last summer and took a step back in the right direction at Thirsk 13 days ago when visored first time; unraced over this far and has spent the big majority of his career at about 1m.

12/1

6th

4

(7)

4th May 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Eilean Dubh

9st 2lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: K R Burke

Now 1lb lower than when winning at Hamilton (1m, good to soft) last summer but didn't shape with any obvious promise when always towards the rear on his 7f Musselburgh reappearance 13 days ago, albeit this trip is more suitable; sixth to Northern Express in this last year; visored first time.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4502-5 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Beat Pisanello to win this race on soft ground last year; 9lb higher in his bid for a repeat but that's fully justified as he's advanced his form since and he should be spot on for this after an encouraging reappearance at Newmarket (7f) 16 days ago; bold show likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(13)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Northern Express

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

High-class handicapper at 7f/1m; winless since landing a valuable 7f handicap at Ascot in July 2024 but he is now 7lb lower and he retains plenty of ability; should be sharper with last month's reappearance behind him; bold bid expected as he attempts to win this race for a second time.

10/1

5th

1

(10)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

12:45 Newmarket (July)

Northern Express

9st 10lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

High-class handicapper at 7f/1m; winless since landing a valuable 7f handicap at Ascot in July 2024 but he is now 6lb lower and three runs in Bahrain this winter suggested he retained a chunk of ability; back from four months off and this is perhaps not the day to catch him.

10/1

3rd

5

(11)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Northern Express

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

7yo who hasn't been able to reproduce his very best form this season but he's dropped down the weights accordingly and there have been promising signs on his last few starts, finishing fifth of 17 over C&D (good to firm) in August and fourth of 14 at Ayr (1m, soft) last time; in the mix.

5/1

9/1

Form: 4621-4 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Closed out 2023 with a 5l win on heavy ground at Catterick (7f); on a clear career-high mark as a result but he shaped well when fourth of 11 on 7f Musselburgh reappearance 13 days ago, fading having been disputing the lead 1f out; stamina is the unknown, racing beyond 7f for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

19

(15)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Quest For Fun

8st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Two-time C&D winner and has also run with distinction in defeat here on numerous occasions; retains plenty of ability despite his advancing years but he would be better suited by slower conditions.

9/1

12

(9)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 York

Quest For Fun

9st 6lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Plenty of C&D form in big fields, notably wins on good to soft in July of 2023 and 2025; behind Leadman when fifth at the Dante meeting last month but well in front of David O'Meara's charge and looked a bit unlucky (met trouble) when third of 22 back here three weeks ago; solid.

6/1

3rd

10

(7)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Quest For Fun

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Plenty of C&D form in big fields, notably wins on good to soft in 2023 and July 2025; while not so striking as Leadman, he didn't have the best of runs when fifth of 22 over C&D eight days ago, so might step up a bit today.

10/1

Form: 11-323 BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Has an excellent record on soft/heavy; went down by half a length to Look Back Smiling in the Spring Mile at Doncaster and had that reopposing rival a place behind him when third in another useful handcap at Leicester last weekend; any easing of the ground in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

4

(13)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Thunder Roar

9st 8lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Soft-ground specialist who landed a fifth success when scoring at Ayr (1m) in September; yet to get going in three starts this year but he's edging down the weights and the booking of Colin Keane catches the eye; requires monitoring in the market with every drop of rain in his favour.

25/1

11th

7

(13)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Thunder Roar

9st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

7yo who was better than ever last season, a campaign that concluded with a fine second of 17 over C&D (good); races off the same mark today but he hasn't shone on his two outings this year.

33/1

8/1

Form: 15759- D

Last run: 204 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Went off the boil in the autumn but has dipped back to the mark he defied on soft ground at Hamilton last summer; won first time up in 2022 and went down only to Northern Express in this race on his 2023 reappearance; that good record fresh puts him high on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(3)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 6

17:17 Redcar

Pisanello

9st 6lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

On a long losing sequence and he was tried without usual cheekpieces when beating just two in 1m2f Leicester handicap 24 days ago; visor is tried again now but others still appeal more.

13/2

6th

1

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

19:15 Leicester

Pisanello

9st 9lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

Still capable of winning off 30lb higher exactly two years ago, but basically consistent at a lower level these days, and still well suited by a galloping turf track; this step up to 1m4f looks long overdue.

13/2

5th

1

(8)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

21:00 Beverley

Pisanello

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: David O’Meara

Has gone 0-24 since winning over 1m1f at York (good to soft) two years ago and needs to improve on this season's efforts.

6/1

Form: 59327- D BF

Last run: 204 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Won at Doncaster (1m, good to firm) last June and ran well to be placed in big fields at Doncaster (1m, soft) and Redcar (1m, good) last autumn; on a competitive mark if ready to roll after 204 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

22

(9)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:32 Doncaster

La Trinidad

8st 12lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Roger Fell

9yo who went 0-10 last year but he's well handicapped on the pick of last season's efforts, which came in the spring, and his Doncaster form-figures of 1413 catch the eye on his first visit here since 2023; interesting.

50/1

3rd

1

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:45 Redcar

La Trinidad

10st 0lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell

Won twice last season, the second one over this C&D; sound efforts on first two starts this term but not so good recently; on a good mark (6lb lower than last win).

7/1

3rd

1

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:45 Redcar

La Trinidad

10st 0lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell

Won twice last season, the second one over this C&D; sound efforts on first two starts this term but not so good recently; on a good mark (6lb lower than last win).

7/1

20/1

Form: 19008- D

Last run: 204 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Back on a good mark after losing his form in the autumn but he was only eighth to Northern Express in this on his 2023 reappearance; could be using this as a prep for the York Dante meeting handicap he won in 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(7)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Cruyff Turn

9st 5lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Front-runner who is 2lb lower then when winning at Redcar (7f, good to firm) in April, but his form since then has been patchy; ran with credit in two starts on Tapeta (at Southwell) a year ago, but will need to be at the top of his game and is likely to face competition for the lead.

33/1

9th

3

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:45 Redcar

Cruyff Turn

9st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Two good runs here on fast ground this season, winning over 7f on first occasion; has rather lost his form recently; best form on faster ground.

14/1

9th

3

(5)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:45 Redcar

Cruyff Turn

9st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Two good runs here on fast ground this season, winning over 7f on first occasion; has rather lost his form recently; best form on faster ground.

14/1

Form: 0067-0 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Well treated on his progressive form last spring (won on soft at Ascot off 2lb higher) and he did make some late headway from the rear in the Spring Cup at Newbury on his reappearance a fortnight ago; no shock were he to bounce back to form with a bang.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(11)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:18 Newcastle (AW)

Racingbreaks Ryder

9st 13lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Charles Hills

Drew a blank during regressive 2025 campaign and down the field on reappearance at Chepstow three weeks ago; however, he left last season's comeback run well behind to post 33-1 third on his next start, and he's not discounted off a reduced mark.

12/1

8th

3

(9)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 16y

Class 4

18:53 Chepstow

Racingbreaks Ryder

9st 7lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Charles Hills

Went winless in 2025 but he posted some good placed efforts, signing off with a solid third in 1m Leicester handicap in October; not out of it if fully tuned up for his seasonal return so worth a market check.

7/1

2

(6)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 53y

Class 4

15:50 Leicester

Racingbreaks Ryder

9st 10lb

J: Ben Sanderson

T: Charles Hills

Placed this season despite not winning but last couple of efforts need leaving behind; others preferred.

7/1

25/1

Form: 1342-0

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Prominent-racer who won twice last summer (7f, good to firm/good); proved his stamina for 1m when third at the York Ebor meeting; should be sharper for a reappearance run at Newmarket last month but the forecast rain is a potential issue as he's shown his form on good/good to firm (below par only start on good to soft); also drawn widest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

11

(7)

7th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

18:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bajan Bandit

8st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Patrick Morris

Has won over 1m but better at shorter and this extended trip might prove beyond him; not beaten far over 7.4f on Saturday; Billy Loughnane booked but others appeal more for win purposes.

12/1

5th

8

(2)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:10 Beverley

Bajan Bandit

8st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Patrick Morris

Scored three times at 7f/1m on the AW in 2025 but his more recent form is far less encouraging, last of eight in 1m handicap at Nottingham last month; visor goes on the first time here.

25/1

8th

4

(7)

25th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 6

11:30 Nottingham

Bajan Bandit

9st 10lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Patrick Morris

Last three wins have been on the AW, the most recent off a 6lb higher mark at Newcastle (7f) in December; below his best there over 1m after becoming upset in the stalls 90 days ago and needs to bounce back returned to turf on his first start since.

12/1

Non-runners

Master Richard, Hiromichi

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £79.00
Straight Forecast £93.70
Tricast £2565.06
Trifecta £4487.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Northern Express

POSTDATA:

Hiromichi

The Times:

Eilean Dubh

Daily Mirror:

Thunder Roar

Telegraph:

Quest For Fun

TOPSPEED:

Pisanello

The Star:

Redarna

Daily Record:

Hiromichi

RP RATINGS:

Northern Express

Daily Mail:

Northern Express

D Express:

Northern Express

The Sun:

Northern Express

The Guardian:

Eilean Dubh