September 07 / 15.50 Thirsk

15.50

Good

Rudding Park Handicap

  • Prize money: £10308
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 9 runners
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Rudding Park Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 151312 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Three sprint wins this year and he ran as well as he ever has when second of six, beaten a neck by a course specialist, at Ripon last month (6f, good); another good run on the cards.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(5)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Kings Merchant

9st 12lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Philip Kirby

2-6 over C&D; ended a 17-race losing run at Chester (7f, good) last month and only beaten just over 2l into fourth of eight at Catterick (7f, good to firm) ten days ago; shouldn't have an issue with the return to this trip and shortlisted.

7/2

4th

3

(7)

22nd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

15:10 Catterick

Kings Merchant

9st 13lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Philip Kirby

Won his first race since September 2024 when scoring at Chester last time (7f, good; third run in cheekpieces, runner-up third there the next day); up 3lb; goes well on fast ground; a possible.

11/4

1st

5

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

20:50 Chester

Kings Merchant

9st 9lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Philip Kirby

Gained all four wins over sprint trips, the latest in September 2024; ran quite well over 7f at Catterick (good) in May, though, and nearly exploited this career-low mark at Doncaster (6f, good to firm; second run in cheekpieces) a week ago; due to go back up 3lb; must be considered.

11/4

10/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 501026 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Speedy handicapper; impressed at Southwell in December and he added a 5f handicap at Doncaster to his tally in June; also ran well at Pontefract in July and when unplaced last time he had an excuse (rushed up to lead having bungled the start); placed in both C&D runs but 5f does look his best trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(7)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

14:35 Pontefract

Hiya Maite

9st 10lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Roy Bowring

Absent since running respectably when favourite for AW contest in January; on a two-year losing spell but is attractively treated off his lower mark back on turf; further market support should be noted.

9/1

7

(8)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 3

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Hiya Maite

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Roy Bowring

On a losing run and he has yet to win over this trip; sent off favourite for the corresponding race 12 months ago but faded into tenth; 6lb lower this time around and he has finished second in two of his last four starts; vulnerable to stronger stayers.

10/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 785727

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Came to hand early as 2yo, including a win in the Hilary Needler at Beverley, but the handicapper has been on top this year; penultimate second at Nottingham was more encouraging and she was caught out by the return to 5f in a good race at York last month (first-time visor, retained; only the winner and second ran the final furlong quicker); can go well back up to 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(9)

22nd Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

15:42 Hamilton

Midnight Affair

9st 10lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

ducked left start, took keen hold, prominent

8/1

3rd

9

(10)

7th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Thirsk

Midnight Affair

9st 1lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Richard Fahey

slowly into stride, towards rear

10/1

7th

13

(2)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:45 York

Midnight Affair

8st 7lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Richard Fahey

Suited by good/firmer; 0-7 since winning last year's Hilary Needler at Beverley (5f); however, went close at Nottingham (6f) last week, returning to her best form; possibilities off the same mark provided she takes well to first-time headgear.

14/1

5/1

Form: 901371 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Began the year with two AW wins and he's added 6f handicap wins at Haydock and Ripon this summer; well in command in the Great St Wilfrid consolation event three weeks ago but he hasn't been missed with a 7lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(7)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Grant Wood

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Impressive in this race in 2024 when rated 3lb higher; mixed bag this summer but his two best turf runs have come over C&D and this represents an ease in grade; can't rule out.

7/1

4th

7

(5)

3rd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:54 Ripon

Grant Wood

8st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

C&D winner who won two in a row at Newcastle (AW) at the start of the year and was a close third over C&D (good) in May; he's dropped back down to a handy mark but has finished down the field on his last three outings.

12/1

Form: 222223 BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Five seconds and a third in his six runs for his new stable this year, bumping into some well-treated rivals along the way; edging up the weights as a consequence though and more minor money perhaps his best hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(3)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

14:05 Redcar

Mythical Phoenix

9st 6lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Julie Camacho

Still seeking a first handicap success; huge chance on his 2024 form but he went the wrong way last season and his return to action at Doncaster last month was uninspiring; he has had a wind operation, his second, since but there are risks attached.

10/1

11th

7

(7)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

20:05 Doncaster

Mythical Phoenix

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Julie Camacho

A solid run when fourth in this race (good) last year but he struggled subsequently, with slow starts also becoming a feature; handicapped to be competitive if a 174-day break has freshened him up.

18/1

25

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Mythical Phoenix

9st 8lb

T: Julie Camacho

Form: -40647 D BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won four times for Roger Varian (6f turf and 7f AW); 0-5 for current yard, showing enough to think he retained most of his ability; others appeal more in this field all the same.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

16

(1)

2nd Aug 2026

Yielding To Soft

0m 7f 0y

16:00 Galway

Lir Speciale

8st 13lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Brian Ellison

First reserve; only 7s when beaten 8l behind Orandi over 1m here on Tuesday, weakening up the hill; good record over this trip, though, and ground-versatile, so not one to dismiss.

7th

15

(11)

28th Jul 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 0f 123y

18:45 Galway

Lir Speciale

8st 12lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Brian Ellison

Ended 2025 with a pair of heavy-ground wins at Doncaster (7f); useful form in defeat this year, in the frame in competitive York handicaps (good ground) on consecutive days last month; another good run when fifth of 17 on quick going at the same venue last time; ground-versatile, trip a worry.

14/1

5th

10

(12)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Lir Speciale

9st 1lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Ended 2025 with a pair of heavy-ground wins at Doncaster (7f); better form in defeat this year, placed in good C&D handicaps (good ground) in consecutive days last month; has won on fast ground and his connections took this race in 2024; needs serious consideration.

6/1

14/1

Form: 2-7170 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Won a 6f handicap at Ripon in June (soft; cheekpieces first time); not so good twice since and it won't be easy trying to dominate in this field; blinkers return today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(1)

5th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:40 Chelmsford (AW)

Batal Zabeel

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Tate

midfield

16/1

3rd

3

(1)

5th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:40 Chelmsford (AW)

Batal Zabeel

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Tate

midfield

16/1

7th

8

(9)

18th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Batal Zabeel

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: James Tate

Two turf wins (in blinkers/cheekpieces) for previous yard; ran poorly, minus headgear, on debut for new stable but may rebound with visor now applied; not disgraced in sole AW attempt.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 41-610 D

Last run: 78 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Comfortably made all in first-time hood (retained since) on handicap debut at Doncaster (6f, good to firm) in May; soundly beaten in 5f Royal Ascot handicap subsequently but gelded since and this is less competitive; retains significant potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(12)

5th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 3

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Mukaafah

9st 11lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Looked a smart prospect when running away with a Kempton novice last November (6f) and again when making all at Doncaster on his handicap debut in May (6f, good to firm; hooded first time); low-key runs twice since (Royal Ascot on first occasion) but the potential remains for a bigger effort at some point; stall 12 not ideal though.

14/1

8th

2

(9)

7th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Thirsk

Mukaafah

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

taken down early, started quickly, prominent

7/2

Form: 082127 C

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
High-class sprinter in his pomp; in good order in May, second at the Dante meeting before a small-field 6f Redcar win (Class 4); not at best over 5f at Pontefract seven weeks ago and vulnerable off top weight once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

11

(13)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Ayr

Dakota Gold

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Michael Dods

Smart in his prime and a multiple winner over the years but became disappointing after last season's winning reappearance and was last of 20 when back in action at York in May; needs to turn things around.

33/1

20th

11

(2)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Dakota Gold

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Tremendous stable servant over the years with 17 wins; understandably not the force of old but won on 2025 reappearance (off 6lb higher) and has a strong York record (6-18).

25/1

Non-runners

Tough Enough

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £44.60
Straight Forecast £46.46
Tricast £373.38
Trifecta £359.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Mukaafah

Telegraph:

Dakota Gold

D Express:

Kings Merchant

TOPSPEED:

Batal Zabeel

POSTDATA:

Mythical Phoenix

The Times:

Midnight Affair

The Guardian:

Hiya Maite

RP RATINGS:

Mukaafah

NEWMARKET:

Mukaafah

Daily Mirror:

Mukaafah

The Sun:

Mukaafah

The Star:

Mukaafah

Daily Mail:

Dakota Gold

Daily Record:

Dakota Gold