April 12 / 17.40 Thirsk

17.40

Good

Keith Till’s 60th Birthday Celebration Handicap

  • Prize money: £7851
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
RTV
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Keith Till’s 60th Birthday Celebration Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 25-051 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Had a wind operation in February and his first run back from it was a ready win at Doncaster 13 days ago (7f, good); didn't do a lot when hitting the front there and he should remain competitive despite a 3lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:38 Beverley

Alzahir

10st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jennie Candlish

Recorded his sixth victory of the year with a career-best effort in 5.4f handicap at York 16 days ago; he's also a winner in the mud so must enter calculations once more.

5/1

1

(7)

7th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 89y

Class 2

15:00 York

Alzahir

9st 12lb

J: George Wood

T: Jennie Candlish

He has enjoyed a fine season, winning five handicaps, and he ran another sound race when fourth in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon three weeks ago; this intermediate trip should suit and he's versatile where the going is concerned; likely to run well but might find a few better treated.

10/1

2

(17)

16th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:20 Ripon

Alzahir

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Jennie Candlish

He's enjoyed a fine year and although he's come unstuck on his last two starts, he did too much early at York and then raced up the middle in the Stewards' Cup; earlier Ascot win off just 2lb lower was a fine effort; first visit to Ripon but he has won on the undulations at Epsom; drawn against the rail and a big run would seem likely.

10/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 506-50 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Dropped in the weights since joining this yard and although his profile is unconvincing, he did run well over C&D last August (off 10lb higher; cheekpieces first time); possible the return of cheekpieces and to this track will spark a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(8)

4th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 2

16:30 Redcar

Rhythm Master

9st 12lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Geoffrey Harker

Mostly creditable efforts in 2025 and he won at Thirsk (7f, good to firm) in August; Chester's extended 1m2f possibly stretched his stamina last time; could bounce back but as a 7yo he's more exposed than some of these.

10/1

7th

3

(2)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Rhythm Master

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Geoffrey Harker

Modest strike-rate of 3-37 but his last win was at Thirsk (7f) last month and he ran another good race when a close third at Newmarket (1m) last time; now goes into unknown territory at this trip but he ran well over 1m1f in July and he's not ruled out; acts on good to firm and good to soft.

9/1

16/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: 367452 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
7f win at Newcastle in November and he has run several good races at that track since, second of nine in a Class 5 there two weeks ago; more needed back up in grade and he's not the most straightforward (can pull hard).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(12)

17th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Ayr

Starliner

9st 4lb

J: William Pyle

T: Linda Perratt

C&D winner in May and also runner-up here in June/July (all good to firm; won on soft in Ireland earlier in career); has ended the summer in equally good form, including getting his head back in front at Newcastle (1m) 12 days ago but he's yet to win back to back in his 54-race career.

11/2

9/1

Form: 45910-

Last run: 203 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Having dropped in the weights he gained his first handicap success at Haydock last September (1m, good); not so good at Ayr a fortnight later; stable have enjoyed a good few months and he's not ruled out on his reappearance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(9)

22nd Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 75y

Class 4

17:00 Beverley

Obelix

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Julie Camacho

Ran into traffic at a crucial stage when fourth to Glenfinnan over C&D (good to firm) last month; similar form when fourth at Thirsk 17 days ago; each-way shout.

100/30

4th

2

(2)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Thirsk

Obelix

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Julie Camacho

Ran into traffic at a crucial stage when fourth at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) 24 days ago; capable of a prominent showing but he is the type that is always reliant on some luck in running.

5/2

Form: 37425- BF

Last run: 161 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Had a busy time of things in 2024 but he held his form, winning at Hamilton last July (8.5f, good) and placed a few times afterwards; absent 161 days; stable may have stronger claims with Quest For Fun.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(10)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:30 Doncaster

Mysteryofthesands

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tim Easterby

Second in a division of this last year (soft) and three wins this term; ran okay when fifth of 13 at Beverley last time and not ruled out.

10/1

8

(12)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:08 Beverley

Mysteryofthesands

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

A dual C&D scorer in the summer; didn't fire in 1m Haydock handicap 17 days ago but no surprise if he bounces back here.

10/1

6

(2)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

16:40 Haydock

Mysteryofthesands

9st 7lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Three wins on turf (good/soft) since May and he may well have had a fourth here last month but for meeting trouble; last week's fourth of 13 in a Racing League event at Southwell (1m) shows he's still in form; considered.

15/2

Form: 13242- D BF

Last run: 169 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Progressive handicapper for Charlie Fellowes last season on AW/good or slower turf; sold for 90,000gns in October; drying ground asks a new question of him but he still has serious potential after just nine starts; betting instructive after an absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(2)

13th Oct 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:47 Leicester

Kodi Lion

9st 13lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Michael Appleby

Comfortably took advantage of a reduced mark at Haydock but went back up 8lb for that win and was unable to follow up at Yarmouth (kept to 6f) later in September; returns to 7f still weighted to the hilt.

12/1

5th

3

(7)

17th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 3

15:45 Yarmouth

Kodi Lion

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Michael Appleby

Showed career-best form when dropped back to 6f at Haydock (heavy) a fortnight ago, winning comfortably by 3l; evidently in rude health but is 8lb higher here and might not be seen to quite the same effect on the forecast less-testing ground.

4/1

1st

4

(14)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Kodi Lion

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Michael Appleby

Goes very well here and scored over C&D last May; off nine months, yet to hit form in a pair of 7f handicaps at Doncaster and Newmarket this summer but no surprise to see him take a sizeable step forward back here off a reduced mark, especially if the market vibes are positive.

13/2

Form: 50110- CD

Last run: 168 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Came from off the pace when winning over C&D last September (good to soft) and he followed up at Redcar nine days later; ran poorly on soft ground at Doncaster in October when bidding for a hat-trick; could resume his progress back on a sounder surface but he has a 168-day absence to overcome.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(3)

29th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

15:38 Ayr

Count Palatine

10st 1lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Not at the top of his game at Beverley on last two starts but hasn't run badly and before those he won at Carlisle (7f, good to soft); has a handy record here, including a C&D win on soft, and he's a possible player.

10/1

7th

2

(3)

22nd Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 75y

Class 4

16:25 Beverley

Count Palatine

10st 1lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Narrow win in a 7f handicap at Carlisle (good to soft) last month; stretched by 8.4f on heavy ground here 23 days ago; shouldn't be too far away back in trip.

8/1

6th

6

(10)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 0f 100y

Class 4

15:20 Beverley

Count Palatine

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Versatile ground-wise and comes into this off the back of a narrow success at Carlisle (7f, good to soft) 11 days ago; only 3lb higher but he may be better over a furlong shorter.

6/1

Form: 3-7059 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Should be well handicapped but he's not found his best form so far this year, including back on turf at Doncaster 13 days ago (behind Alzahir); others bring more persuasive claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(5)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 6

14:13 Thirsk

Tropez Power

11st 0lb

J: Miss Alice Cooke

T: Mark Walford

On a long losing sequence and current mark reflects a general decline in his form; not particularly solid on 2026 efforts and it's still over five years since his only turf win.

16/1

6th

7

(13)

10th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

14:45 Ayr

Tropez Power

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Mark Walford

His last win was at Southwell in April 2024 but he travelled strongly for a long way before weakening there (7f) last month; record of 1-35 on turf but he's on a much lower mark back in this sphere and is well handicapped on his best form last season; one to keep an eye on with visor reapplied.

20/1

9th

7

(11)

27th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Tropez Power

9st 7lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Dry since a C&D win for the Quinn yard more than two years ago; now 10lb lower than when last seen on the AW (3-8 here) but has regressed on turf in the meantime and may just be on the downgrade.

25/1

10/1

Form: 58053- C BF

Last run: 154 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
0-14 in 2024 but he ran several good races off higher marks than this; type to come good again this year but whether it will be after five months off remains to be seen.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(6)

17th Oct 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

15:25 Catterick

Quest For Fun

9st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Just one win since landing this in 2023 but runner-up in a division of this last year and some sterling efforts in defeat this campaign, including at York last week; has won on good but suited by slower; solid.

4/1

2nd

3

(2)

29th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

15:38 Ayr

Quest For Fun

9st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Things didn't work out when fifth over C&D (heavy) last time but he'd twice gone close at York previously (7f, good to firm/good to soft) and he was second in a division of this race last year; on the shortlist.

6/1

5th

3

(10)

19th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

16:50 Ayr

Quest For Fun

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Second in a division of this race 12 months ago off 1lb lower; fine runs at York on his last two starts and another big run is on the cards.

9/2

OUR TIP

Form: 41181- CD

Last run: 154 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Form took off when returned to 7f last autumn and he ended the year with three wins from his last four runs; back up in the weights ahead of his return and could prove vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(1)

17th Oct 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:10 Catterick

It Just Takes Time

9st 13lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Runner-up in the 2022 running in sole C&D start; has dropped back to just below his winning mark at Beverley (about 7f; made all in four-runner race) in July but not in much form since; now goes in a visor (won in cheekpieces much earlier in career); revival needed.

13/2

11

(6)

5th Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Pontefract

It Just Takes Time

9st 3lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Not quite as good as he was and it has been a long time since he won over 6f; others appeal more for the win.

25/1

8th

13

(2)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

It Just Takes Time

8st 2lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Mark Walford

C&D winner; runner-up on this card 12 months ago; having a solid campaign but surprising if he was up to winning.

33/1

11th
14 (11)
Touchwood

16/1

Form: 4607-3 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Sent off an unconsidered 66-1 shot for his seasonal return at Southwell last month but ran well for third behind the reopposing King Of Fury; chance with a repeat but consistency isn't his strongest suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

(8)

13th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:40 Chester

Touchwood

10st 5lb

J: Miss Charli Parker

T: Ruth Carr

Ended a losing run in 7f AW Lingfield handicap eight days ago; had a bit up his sleeve there so is very much one to consider under a 4lb penalty.

8/1

5

(9)

5th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

16:25 Lingfield (AW)

Touchwood

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ruth Carr

Acts well over C&D but hasn't been back here since impressive win in 2023; on a handy mark and of interest after a good Leicester run in May, with Oisin Murphy a rare booking for the yard (0-1 in last five years).

7/2

5

(9)

5th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

16:25 Lingfield (AW)

Touchwood

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ruth Carr

Acts well over C&D but hasn't been back here since impressive win in 2023; on a handy mark and of interest after a good Leicester run in May, with Oisin Murphy a rare booking for the yard (0-1 in last five years).

7/2

Form: 2033-0 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Modest strike-rate and his losing run stands at 19; never in the hunt behind Alzahir at Doncaster 13 days ago; others look stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(9)

17th Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

14:45 Catterick

Another Investment

8st 11lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Involved in two tight finishes over 6f on turf in midsummer but he hasn't been doing as well in the meantime and others look more likely.

20/1

9th

11

(8)

3rd Oct 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Another Investment

9st 5lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Hold-up sprinter who boasts a poor strike-rate; often run well on Tapeta, is back down to a career-low mark and should get this run to suit in a big field, so no surprise were he to pop up switched from turf.

14/1

12th

16

(14)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

17:20 Doncaster

Another Investment

9st 1lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

7yo who has a poor strike-rate and was underwhelming at Carlisle and Ripon on last two outings; a return to form is needed but he was runner-up three times in a row earlier in the summer, with two of those over C&D, and his last win came over C&D; might not be far away back here.

16/1

6/1

Form: 3321-1 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
On the up for Terry Kent last season and he made a winning debut for his new stable at Southwell three weeks ago (7f); up 4lb but he's on an upward path, showed plenty of willing and may prove up to the task.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(11)

22nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

16:55 Southwell (AW)

King Of Fury

9st 7lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Won twice here over 7f in July, the most recent of those coming off a mark 1lb lower than today's, but he's beaten only one rival home in each of his last two starts, including here 26 days ago; has a bit to prove after those efforts.

28/1

10th

8

(9)

27th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

King Of Fury

9st 6lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Dods

Handy sort who won twice here last month, taking his C&D record to 3-3; only beat one home at Carlisle (7f, good to soft) eight days ago, which leaves him with a bit to prove given he handles a soft surface on turf.

14/1

9th

3

(5)

19th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 195y

Class 4

16:20 Carlisle

King Of Fury

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Five-time AW winner who completed a double when battling well at Southwell (7f) last month; record of 0-14 on turf but he has plenty of placed form in this sphere and is only 2lb higher than last time; could be a big factor again and any rain would be a bonus.

11/2

Non-runners

Coppull Hall Lane

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.40
Straight Forecast £23.16
Tricast £329.74
Trifecta £461.50

Selections

POSTDATA:

Alzahir

The Sun:

Kodi Lion

Telegraph:

Coppull Hall Lane

TOPSPEED:

Mysteryofthesands

SPOTLIGHT:

King Of Fury

D Express:

Quest For Fun

Daily Record:

Kodi Lion

The Times:

Alzahir

The Guardian:

Alzahir

Daily Mail:

Alzahir

Daily Mirror:

Alzahir

The Star:

Alzahir