May 18 / 17.30 Thirsk

17.30

Good To Firm

Sky Bet Club Handicap

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 0m 7f 218y
  • Class 5
  • 16 runners
RTV
View Course
Sky Bet Club Handicap

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.30
  • Place: £2.00

Form: -18546 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Added to last summer's Hamilton win (8.3f, good) when scoring off 2lb lower at Newcastle (1m, AW) in January but he's not matched that form since; now drops back in trip after a respectable effort at Ayr last time but he needs to find more to make a big impact.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(1)

4th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Hale End

9st 6lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

midfield

15/2

8th

5

(4)

19th Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

17:15 Pontefract

Hale End

10st 0lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Career best in winning at Ayr (1m, good) in July and bang there in his two subsequent runs; mark hasn't budged for those last two efforts and this hold-up performer should get a good pace to chase; respected.

5/1

2nd

2

(13)

29th Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Newbury

Hale End

10st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

towards rear

12/1

33/1

  • Place: £5.70

Form: 41/47- D

Last run: 380 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Signed off for 2022 with novice success at Ayr (1m, heavy) but he had only two runs last season and was well held in both of those handicaps (1m/1m2f); still unexposed after only five start but he has something to prove after a year off; stablemate of Hale End.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(11)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:30 Doncaster

Boy Douglas

10st 0lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Can lead; heavy-ground novice winner as 2yo but his 1m win at Ayr in June came on good going and he hasn't shone back on slow surfaces the last twice; hard to call on first attempt over a bare 7f.

14/1

3rd

1

(1)

9th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 4

16:17 Nottingham

Boy Douglas

9st 13lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Acts on any going; brings mixed messages, having performed poorly in two of last three starts but been consistent otherwise this season; not fully certain what to expect from him.

14/1

8th

10

(8)

14th Sep 2024

Heavy

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

16:40 Chester

Boy Douglas

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Michael Dods

took keen hold, prominent, in touch with leaders halfway

12/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.60

Form: 147-57 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Won at Brighton (7f, good to firm) and Ripon (1m, good) last summer but he's not really fired in his two runs this season; now back on last winning mark but he needs to rediscover his spark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(11)

14th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:15 Chester

Tobetso

10st 8lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Declan Carroll

Respectable fourth over C&D (good) last month but followed that with a poor run at Doncaster and he effectively refused to race in blinkers (which are quickly discarded) at Beverley a fortnight ago; hard to know what to expect.

28/1

11th

12

(3)

31st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 4

16:55 Beverley

Tobetso

8st 8lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Consistency is an issue but he's on a good mark on this year's best, notably a close third at Thirsk in May; blinkers tried for the first time, which could be significant as the only other occasion he's worn headgear resulted in a Brighton win last summer (cheekpieces when trained by W Haggas).

16/1

8th

9

(1)

17th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 4

14:32 Doncaster

Tobetso

8st 10lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Hasn't added to last season's two wins (7f/1m, good/good to firm) but ran well when close fourth at Chester (good) last time on first go at this trip, beaten a length despite stumbling early on; interesting.

5/1

20/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 1515-8 CD

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Two wins off lower marks in the autumn, including over C&D, but he was tailed off on his return at Pontefract last month; has something to prove after that major blip and he's ideally suited by good or slower ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found
OUR TIP

Form: 15-483 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Triple AW winner (7f-8.6f) who rallied well when a creditable third in Class 4 event at Chelmsford (7f, Polytrack) last month; now returns to turf for the first time since last summer but he's still unexposed in this sphere and is not ruled out back up in trip; another change of headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(3)

12th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 3

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Dutch Kingdom

9st 9lb

J: Liam Wright

T: Darryll Holland

in touch with leaders, headway and led over 1f out, kept on well but headed towards finish

7/1

2nd

1

(3)

12th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 3

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Dutch Kingdom

9st 9lb

J: Liam Wright

T: Darryll Holland

in touch with leaders, headway and led over 1f out, kept on well but headed towards finish

7/1

1st

8

(4)

17th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Chelmsford (AW)

Dutch Kingdom

9st 9lb

J: Liam Wright

T: Darryll Holland

Five AW wins at 7f-8.5f, the most recent here last month; disappointing favourite at Wolverhampton since and has something to prove off career-high mark now dropped to sprinting.

16/1

Form: 184-

Last run: 310 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
360,000gns yearling; finished well to force a dead-heat on his Wolverhampton debut (8.6f) last April; flopped at Newcastle next time but but he ran well for a long way when fourth of 12 on handicap debut at Newbury (1m2f, good) last July; returns after a lengthy absence but he still has plenty of potential and needs a close look on this drop back in trip; hood worn last time is removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(2)

3rd Oct 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:40 Newcastle (AW)

Rayat

9st 11lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Impressed on his first attempt at 6f, making all to beat 12 rivals at Nottingham in July; not ideally drawn in either run since and he isn't fully exposed as a sprinter just yet; cheekpieces are now added.

5/1

6th

2

(6)

27th Aug 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:00 Ripon

Rayat

9st 12lb

J: Charlie Bennett

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Won in good style at Nottingham (6f, good) last month on second start back from an absence and first crack at sprinting; failed to back that up at York but didn't run badly and this very lightly raced 5yo retains potential for his powerful connections; no surprise to see a bold show.

9/2

8th

3

(11)

26th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Rayat

9st 8lb

J: Charlie Bennett

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Low-mileage 5yo who delivered a career-best when dropped to 6f (good ground) at Nottingham three weeks ago, always prominent and strong at the finish; a 7lb rise for that win doesn't look generous but he still has potential at this trip.

4/1

20/1

Form: 56820-

Last run: 214 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Well treated on his old form but he's still a maiden after 12 starts and finished down the field in five of his six runs last season; opposable back from 214 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

(8)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

17:15 Haydock

Utilis

9st 2lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Brian Ellison

Inconsistent and winless across his first 17 starts before scoring in first-time tongue-tie/blinkers at Thirsk (1m, good) three weeks ago; needs to back up that latest performance but he won with something to spare and a 5lb rise may not stop him if the headgear maintains its positive effect.

7/1

1st

3

(9)

16th Aug 2024

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:15 Thirsk

Utilis

9st 9lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Brian Ellison

17-race maiden; best run this term when second at Doncaster in June (1m, good to soft); beaten just 5.5l when tenth of 17 in refitted cheekpieces at York last time (7f, good to firm; met trouble); blinkers now tried; chance

9/1

10th

16

(10)

26th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Utilis

8st 13lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Runner-up at Doncaster (1m, good to soft; also effective on fast ground) last month and he's of interest on that form; however, well beaten the next twice and now 0-16; cheekpieces return (has run okay in them previously).

25/1

Form: 31058- D

Last run: 248 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Won a conditions event (1m, good) in France last May but he struggled in two of his three runs in Britain after that; has had wind surgery but his record is patchy and he comes with risks attached after 248 days off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(5)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:05 Catterick

Naval Academy

8st 13lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Mark Walford

Scored at Haydock (7f, good) in May but that was in a small-field event and he's been disappointing in his four runs since; now 3lb lower than for that last win but he was beaten 15l at Pontefract last time and needs a major turnaround; equipment removed.

33/1

9th

7

(4)

7th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:12 Pontefract

Naval Academy

9st 2lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Mark Walford

Won off this mark at Haydock (7f, good) in July but not in anything like the same form since; chance partly depends on how well he responds to added cheekpieces.

16/1

7th

1

(1)

16th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:20 Thirsk

Naval Academy

9st 11lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Mark Walford

In good form earlier this season, winning five-runner Haydock handicap in July (7f, good); two rather disappointing runs since (reportedly unsuited by fast ground last time); others are in better form.

14/1

Form: 434-59 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
All of his turf runs have been on good or slower; won Southwell maiden (1m, AW) for previous yard last March but he's not gone on from that and had a major blip when tailed off at Pontefract (pulled hard) last month; record now stands at 1-9 and others are more convincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(3)

24th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Dumfries

9st 4lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Ruth Carr

took keen hold, in touch with leaders

11/2

3rd

8

(7)

12th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

16:45 Chelmsford (AW)

Dumfries

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

towards rear

13/2

6

(4)

30th Sep 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Dumfries

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Ruth Carr

Won 1m Southwell maiden for Marcus Tregoning last term; mainly disappointing for this yard this season; needs first-time blinkers to have a positive effect.

16/1

Form: 0-5488

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Just one win from 16 starts and he's finished a remote eighth at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) and Pontefract (1m, soft) in last two runs; passed over.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(3)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:40 Newcastle (AW)

Paris Lights

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Potentially dangerous off this mark but he's only 1-20 and slow starts are holding him back.

20/1

3rd

6

(3)

23rd Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:40 Newcastle (AW)

Paris Lights

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

held up in rear, headway over 1f out, went third final strides

20/1

5th

4

(3)

29th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

21:00 Doncaster

Paris Lights

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Paul Midgley

slowly into stride, in rear

14/1

Form: 1777-7 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Defied this mark at Haydock (1m, good to firm) last June but he's finished seventh in all four subsequent runs and was beaten 10l over C&D (good to soft) on his recent reappearance; now returns to quicker ground but he needs to get back near best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(11)

24th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Finbars Lad

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Yet to win in 2024 but he's run some fine races, notably a close second in a 17-runner handicap at York in July; another runner-up finish at Beverley last month; appears to handle Tapeta; each-way shout.

8/1

2nd

4

(4)

24th Sep 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:30 Beverley

Finbars Lad

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

took keen hold, raced in third, not clear run against rail over 1f out, went second post

11/2

8th

7

(9)

7th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Thirsk

Finbars Lad

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

slowly into stride, in rear

5/1

Form: 2113-2 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row on Polytrack (1m) in the autumn and he returned from a break with a close call at Chelmsford two weeks ago; up 2lb on this return to turf but he's unexposed in this sphere and has claims if he can continue the good work.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(5)

12th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Chelmsford (AW)

Red Hat Eagle

9st 12lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

towards rear

7/1

5th

11

(14)

21st Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Red Hat Eagle

9st 2lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: William Knight

Two wins in midsummer but his last two runs suggest the handicapper is winning the argument for now; drawn widest.

18/1

4th

2

(9)

7th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

16:40 Haydock

Red Hat Eagle

10st 0lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Had been running well on turf and the AW until offering little at Wolverhampton a month ago; capable of going well if back in good order, with Brandon Wilkie's claim taking something off a tough mark.

12/1

Form: 333543 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Veteran with ten wins on his CV and latest was off 2lb higher at Newcastle (1m, AW) in December; has reached the frame in five of his six runs since then including when third behind an improver at Wetherby (1m, soft) last time; handles most ground and he should be in the mix again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(6)

26th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

16:05 Carlisle

Star Shield

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

in rear

8/1

4

(2)

14th Jun 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 5

16:35 Chester

Star Shield

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Scored three times at 1m in 2023 and he arrives in very good nick, runner-up in 1m Redcar handicap nine days ago; he must enter calculations off the same mark from his inside berth.

7/2

2nd

2

(10)

5th Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:25 Ripon

Star Shield

9st 8lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

9yo who is 0-7 this year; however, he's run some good races and won three times in 2023; each-way contender off a reduced mark.

7/1

Form: 797-79

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Sole win was in a Chester novice (7.5f, good) last July and she's been out of sorts in her two runs this season; mark continues to fall but she's now 0-7 in handicaps and is untried on ground with firm in the description; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(1)

28th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Princess Niyla

9st 5lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Alan Brown

Dual winner over shorter trips on turf; posted a solid effort over C&D (first attempt beyond 1m2f) ten days ago, beating all bar the short-priced favourite who was completing a quickfire Newcastle double; possibilities off same mark.

5/1

5th

3

(1)

28th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Princess Niyla

9st 5lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Alan Brown

Dual winner over shorter trips on turf; posted a solid effort over C&D (first attempt beyond 1m2f) ten days ago, beating all bar the short-priced favourite who was completing a quickfire Newcastle double; possibilities off same mark.

5/1

2nd

2

(3)

18th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Princess Niyla

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Alan Brown

took keen hold, in touch with leaders early, soon dropped to rear, headway over 3f out, hung left when disputing second inside final furlong, went second towards finish

10/1

Form: 867-05

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Five wins over 6f/7f on good/good to firm for Jim Goldie last season; now returns to fast ground off 2lb lower than for last success but he's been well held at 1m in last two runs and still has something to prove at this trip; risks attached.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(2)

12th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

B Associates

9st 6lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

towards rear

50/1

8th

5

(2)

12th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

B Associates

9st 6lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

towards rear

50/1

12th

12

(5)

24th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

B Associates

9st 3lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Micky Hammond

Won two of his four starts for James Owen in August/September; huge prices and well beaten in two runs for new yard this month; opposable.

50/1

Form: -87661

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
First run after wind surgery when recording his breakthrough win (12th attempt) off reduced mark at Wolverhampton (8.6f, AW) last month; 4lb higher back on turf but he's unexposed in this sphere and has claims if he can back up that last run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(3)

26th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Covert Legend

10st 0lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: Tjade Collier

Best form this season at Wolverhampton, namely success in April and close second this month, both over 8.5f; may remain competitive provided he takes to new headgear and new track (first run here).

7/1

2nd

6

(1)

7th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

16:50 Wolverhampton (AW)

Covert Legend

9st 5lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Tjade Collier

slowly away, in rear, smooth headway over 1f out, switched left when raced in third inside final furlong, went second towards finish

6/1

9th

5

(8)

27th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 75y

Class 6

15:45 Nottingham

Covert Legend

9st 8lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Tjade Collier

Has mostly struggled on Tapeta over the winter but all the better for wind surgery when winning quite cosily at Wolverhampton (extended 1m) in April and he had a shocking run on turf at Thirsk (1m, good to firm) since; well handicapped and respected; tongue-tie returns.

3/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £190.40
Straight Forecast £166.52
Tricast £2729.60
Trifecta £2403.10

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Rayat

SPOTLIGHT:

Star Shield

RP RATINGS:

Finbar's Lad

The Times:

Covert Legend

The Guardian:

Hale End

Telegraph:

Rayat

Daily Mail:

Rayat

Daily Mirror:

Rayat

The Sun:

Rayat

The Star:

Rayat

Daily Record:

Rayat

TOPSPEED:

Finbar's Lad

POSTDATA:

Star Shield

D Express:

Star Shield