July 17 / 16.22 Thirsk

16.22

Good To Soft

Nicky Warren’s 53rd Happy Birthday Handicap

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
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Nicky Warren’s 53rd Happy Birthday Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 4-124

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Won for Ollie Sangster at Kempton (7f, AW) in February on second start then runner-up in Redcar novice (7f, soft) in May on first outing for Seb Spencer; well beaten in Carlisle handicap (1m, good to soft) since and now with another new yard, but the drop back to 6f may suit this headstrong sort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(10)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:00 Beverley

Roberto Caro

9st 5lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Has started 2026 in very good nick, third of six in 6f Southwell handicap last month; not out of things eased 1lb.

6/1

3rd

4

(2)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Roberto Caro

9st 8lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Won a Racing League handicap off this mark last summer; three solid efforts this year, including a third at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) last month and a close fourth in big field at Ripon two weeks ago; remains lightly raced on AW and he's a key player back in this sphere.

11/4

4th

4

(10)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:45 Ripon

Roberto Caro

9st 6lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Won a Racing League handicap off this mark last summer; two solid AW efforts this year, keeping on strongly for third in a well-contested 6f handicap at Newcastle three weeks ago; each-way shout.

9/1

9/1

  • Place: £4.30

Form: 385524 D BF

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Four wins last year (5f/6f, soft/heavy) and he's below his last winning mark; runner-up at Ripon (6f, good to soft) last month and, while he was only fourth at Hamilton (5f, good to soft) last Saturday, he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

13/2

  • Place: £2.60

Form: -65143 D BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Won at Ripon (6f, heavy) in April and has run well in defeat there the next twice (6f, good); he has a particularly good record at that course and he's running at Thirsk for the first time today, but is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(10)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Fortamour

9st 9lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Ben Haslam

Six-time C&D winner; easing mark and back to form, just held by U Sure Do over C&D (good; 25-1) under four weeks ago; is capable of handling easier ground, and well drawn close to the stands' rail in stall 10; stablemate of William Dewhirst.

4/1

2nd

9

(2)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

Fortamour

8st 13lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Ben Haslam

Six-time course winner but well held in his three runs this year and latest was over C&D (good to soft) last month; has form figures of 1242 in this race in the last four years but he needs to turn things around off a sliding mark.

12/1

11/2

Form: -98114 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Suited by these blinkers and prominent rides when winning two in a row over C&D (good to firm), before very close fourth at Ayr (6f, good to firm) latest; has run well on soft ground in the past; can make another bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(2)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

15:40 Redcar

Lord Abama

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Front-runner who made an encouraging seasonal debut in higher-grade contest at Thirsk (6f good; visored) in April; not in same form on either start since (blinkers refitted last time) but has slipped to a tempting mark.

12/1

7th

9

(5)

1st May 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:10 Newcastle (AW)

Lord Abama

9st 3lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Two-time C&D winner; unplaced but ran with credit in two Thirsk handicaps last month; type to pop up soon off a reduced mark.

12/1

9th

10

(9)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:47 Thirsk

Lord Abama

9st 0lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

His three turf wins have come over C&D and he made a pleasing seasonal return when fifth of 15 here (Stirrup Cup second) eight days ago; one for the shortlist.

10/1

Form: 617256 CD

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
His form has been up and down this season and he was below par at Hamilton last Saturday; however, he won over C&D (soft) in April and went very close at Hamilton (6f, soft) in May, and can be bang there if on a going day.
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

Form: 816-95 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Below best on both starts this season but fair fifth at Doncaster (6f, good to firm) last time and his two wins have come on soft/good to soft going, so a bigger run could be forthcoming now back on a slow surface.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(11)

18th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Havana Pursuit

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

On a long losing run and he comes here on the back of a below-par sixth of nine in 7f Redcar handicap 13 days ago; others appeal more.

8/1

6th

1

(11)

18th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Havana Pursuit

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

On a long losing run and he comes here on the back of a below-par sixth of nine in 7f Redcar handicap 13 days ago; others appeal more.

8/1

6th

8

(7)

5th Nov 2024

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

15:09 Redcar

Havana Pursuit

8st 11lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Two wins at up to 6f on slow ground; has a squeak based on his Hamilton second in September but he's been badly out of sorts on his last three starts; steps up in trip but he's half-brother to two winners over it, so he could see it out; one of two in this for his trainer.

16/1

8/1

Form: 1-0870 C

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Won his final two starts last season (7f/6f, soft/heavy; including here) and has dropped back down to his last winning mark; however, he's struggled on his four runs this year and a major turnaround is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(1)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:27 Goodwood

Roach Power

9st 3lb

J: J F Egan

T: Michael Wigham

Very productive in 2025, winning five times; hindered by wide draw at Chester most recently, otherwise has a good record over 5f; just needs to prove he can overcome current mark.

12/1

9th

13

(12)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Roach Power

8st 11lb

J: J F Egan

T: Michael Wigham

Posted duck eggs over 6f in last two appearances, not beaten entirely by the trip; has a very good record at 5f but faces a harder task off current mark at this level, especially from an unfavourable draw.

33/1

10th

9

(10)

17th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:25 Newbury

Roach Power

9st 1lb

J: J F Egan

T: Michael Wigham

Enjoyed a revival in the second half of 2025, winning five 5f handicaps on good ground or slower; no show over 6f when last seen in November and he returns to action off a tough mark.

33/1

Form: 053674 D BF

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
9yo who has been beaten 20 times since his last win in 2022; however, he's run a couple of good races this season, including when a close fourth of six at Carlisle (6f, good to firm) recently, and he may be able to capitalise on his dangerous mark sooner rather than later; versatile ground-wise.
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

OUR TIP

Form: 67-200 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Disappointing the last twice, following promising reappearance second at Doncaster, but he's won here (good/heavy) on his last two visits to Thirsk and perhaps the return to this course will trigger a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(13)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

It Just Takes Time

9st 7lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner in 2022, with no joy from nine subsequent visits but most of those were over shorter, whereas his last four wins (elsewhere) have been at about 7f; he's now 1lb lower than when making all at Beverley last September and a case can be made.

40/1

6th

7

(11)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

It Just Takes Time

9st 5lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner in 2023 but all his subsequent wins have come over 7f+; on dangerous mark but he's faded at big prices in both runs this season and latest was over C&D (eighth of 16) three weeks ago; down the list.

16/1

Form: 316-99 CD

Last run: 79 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Only ninth on both runs this season and something to prove regarding current form, but he's had a break since Ayr in April (7f, good; failed to settle) and the first-time hood and return to slow ground could be positives (wins have come on good to soft/heavy, including here); not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(8)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 195y

Class 5

17:10 Carlisle

William Dewhirst

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ben Haslam

Not seen on turf since 2024 but is well treated on best Newcastle AW form and has won over this C&D; admittedly needs to stage a revival judged on 2026 efforts.

14/1

7th

5

(7)

1st May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:33 Newcastle (AW)

William Dewhirst

9st 5lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Prolific here during the 2024/25 AW season but he's beaten one rival in two starts after an absence; couldn't support with any confidence.

16/1

11th
6 (4)
Bicep

16/1

Form: 0-2007 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Won twice last year and reappeared with good second at Southwell (6f, AW) in March; however, he's failed to shine on his three runs since (albeit with an excuse on the second occasion) and needs to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(1)

17th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Bicep

9st 10lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

prominent

7/1

5th

2

(5)

4th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Bicep

9st 10lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

pressed leader

3/1

10

29th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

13:55 Southwell (AW)

Bicep

9st 10lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

12th
8 (9)
Dazy Mazy

5/1

Form: 475121 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at Doncaster (6f, soft) in April on her eighth start and went close at Catterick (6f, soft) next time; back to winning ways at Doncaster (6f, good) last time and this unexposed filly could continue to improve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(11)

15th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:50 Thirsk

Dazy Mazy

9st 11lb

J: P J McDonald

T: John Mackie

Two 6f wins at Doncaster last summer (soft and good); not found her best in three runs this summer but won't mind rain and she drops in class with cheekpieces given a go; one to take seriously.

20/1

3

(6)

25th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Thirsk

Dazy Mazy

9st 10lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: John Mackie

Dual Doncaster winner last spring, latterly off a 4lb higher mark; not in much form in two runs on turf, following five months off, and needs to bounce back.

10/1

6th

4

(3)

5th Jul 2025

Soft

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

17:00 Carlisle

Dazy Mazy

10st 4lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: John Mackie

Two 6f wins at Doncaster last year, one on soft ground; should be sharper for last month's return to action and she's one for the shortlist.

8/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £74.10
Straight Forecast £74.95
Tricast £568.21
Trifecta £557.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dazy Mazy

TOPSPEED:

Lord Abama

POSTDATA:

Fortamour

The Star:

Roach Power

D Express:

Music Society

RP RATINGS:

Dazy Mazy

The Times:

Dazy Mazy

Telegraph:

Dazy Mazy

The Sun:

Dazy Mazy

Daily Record:

Dazy Mazy

Daily Mail:

Lord Abama

Daily Mirror:

Lord Abama

The Guardian:

Fortamour