May 03 / 14.35 Thirsk

14.35

Good

Ladbrokes Thirsk Hunt Cup Handicap

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 0m 7f 218y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
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Ladbrokes Thirsk Hunt Cup Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.50
  • Place: £3.30

Form: 4795-4 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Front-runner; no win since a Leopardstown Group 2 in September 2023 but he ran some fair races in defeat last year and should strip fitter for his reappearance fourth (Northern Express fifth) in a 7f course conditions race three weeks ago; could be well treated for this rather belated handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Flight Plan

9st 3lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Failed to build on a decent fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) in February when behind Blue Rc at Newcastle (1m) on Good Friday but the fact he made all in this race off 8lb lower last year means a revival can't be discounted, particularly as he's well drawn to attack again; tongue-tied first time.

13/2

8th

9

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Flight Plan

8st 13lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Quiet in Dubai in January but he returned to Britain with a good fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) five weeks ago; now 6lb lower than when winning the Thirsk Hunt Cup last May and he has the ability to feature.

25/1

4th

4

(5)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Lingfield (AW)

Flight Plan

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Often front runs; below par in three outings at Meydan last month (including dirt) but well treated if a return to Britain sparks a revival having landed last year's Thirsk Hunt Cup off 6lb higher; Tapeta winner at the start of his career.

16/1

6/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 35077- D

Last run: 224 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Placed in the 2,000 Guineas and Irish equivalent in 2023; another smart effort when third in Group 3 Earl of Sefton at Newmarket (1m1f, good) on last year's reappearance; his form dipped badly later in 2024 but that has resulted in him dropping to a dangerous handicap mark if a reviving after a 224-day break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(13)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Hi Royal

9st 13lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Soft-ground second in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023; smart handicapper nowadays but his only success remains a C&D novice win at the 2022 Western meeting; two good placed efforts over 1m at Thirsk this year but well held at Ascot latest and others are preferred for the win again.

16/1

3

(13)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Hi Royal

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

Soft-ground second in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023; smart handicapper nowadays who still has just one novice success to his name; went close in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (good) on reappearance and it was a step back in the right direction when close third of five at that track (also 1m, good to firm) last month; hasn't shone in three starts here (admittedly twice in Group 1s) but handicapper is gradually relenting.

20/1

2

(4)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

16:40 Thirsk

Hi Royal

9st 12lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Kevin Ryan

Runner-up in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023 but just a useful handicapper nowadays; comes into the reckoning on his second in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (good ground) on reappearance but hasn't repeated the form and carries risks.

6/1

20/1

  • Place: £10.80

Form: 71000- CD

Last run: 204 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Returns off the same mark as when landing a nice price over C&D (good) last August but no great record fresh (including well held in this last year).
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

17/2

Form: 955-41 C

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Showed he's still capable of useful form as an 8yo with a 7f Redcar win 12 days ago but that was a Class 4 and seventh is the best he's managed in three previous attempts in this race.
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: 2182-5 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2023; only seventh last year but better than ever later in 2025 and should be sharper for his 7f course reappearance three weeks ago; has to enter the reckoning.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

4th

2

(2)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Northern Express

9st 13lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Former winner at this meeting; operating a little below his really smart best so far this year but his handicap mark has edged down and his latest fifth came in a strong 17-runner handicap at the York Ebor meeting (good to firm; has won on soft); eased another 1lb; contender.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 902-34

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Creditable in-frame efforts in competitive AW handicaps at about 1m on his last two outings; yet to prove he's quite as effective on turf (0-7 as opposed to 4-12 on AW) but has the same mark on the grass.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(2)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Kingdom Come

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Smart performer on AW, winning this race in 2024 and third 12 months ago; cheekpieces have given him a lift of late, winning a 7f handicap at Kempton ten days ago; still on a handy mark and he is sure to be popular.

7/1

1st

3

(4)

25th Feb 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

18:10 Kempton (AW)

Kingdom Come

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Goes well fresh and should cope if it gets tactical given all three of his C&D wins were achieved in single-figure fields; pushing two years since he last got his head in front but the handicapper is giving him a chance and he responded well to first-time cheekpieces (retained here) when fifth over track and trip last time; of significant interest.

7/2

1

(10)

6th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Kempton (AW)

Kingdom Come

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Record of 4-13 on AW and 3-4 at Kempton; below par returned to this sphere ten weeks ago and losing run is mounting up but a revival would put him in the picture; 1lb below last winning mark.

14/1

Form: V6-415

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
As good as ever on AW when making all over 1m2f at Chelmsford in March; respectable fifth of 14 in strong Newcastle handicap (1m2f again) on Good Friday; the drop back to a 1m for the first time since his 3yo days shouldn't inconvenience but he needs to show he's as good on turf (0-6) as on AW (5-14).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(11)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Penzance

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Mark Loughnane

Having dropped down the weights he returned to form when runner-up off today's mark at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) recently on his second start for this yard; however, he's 5-22 on AW as opposed to 0-11 on Flat turf, and needs to back up that latest performance now back on grass.

12/1

2nd

1

(1)

12th May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:20 Lingfield (AW)

Penzance

9st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Has been a smart performer in his time (rated 18lb higher), but well below form in his last two starts including on stable debut here (1m2f) last month; tongue-tie removed after one use; look elsewhere.

11/1

11th

7

(4)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

Penzance

9st 6lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Mark Loughnane

Formerly a smart AW performer for Mick Appleby, but not quite the force of old; makes his debut for another new yard (same owners) in a new headgear combination after eight starts for Shark Hanlon; well treated if he could rediscover anything like his best form.

33/1

Form: 034-40

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Listed runner-up (1m1f, good) at three; shaped well when fourth (Kingdom Come nose ahead in third) in Lincoln Trial on Wolverhampton reappearance but looked beaten when meeting trouble in the Lincoln itself (1m, good to soft) three weeks later; probably acts on good to firm; thereabouts if back to his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(12)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Whip Cracker

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Richard Hughes

Without a win since his second start as a 2yo, but several good efforts since as when beaten a length into third of 24 in the Newbury Spring Cup (1m, good ) last month; Ryan Moore keeps the ride and rain shouldn't be an issue, but the draw could have been kinder.

6/1

3rd

16

(22)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Whip Cracker

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Richard Hughes

On a 14-race losing sequence but he was runner-up three times last term, including when beaten a head at Glorious Goodwood (1m1f, good); went off third favourite in a big field at the Curragh on reappearance but didn't give his running; on a retrieval mission with Ryan Moore booked.

12/1

11th

5

(7)

15th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

16:20 Curragh

Whip Cracker

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Richard Hughes

0-13 since winning in 2023 on his second start but he went close at Goodwood (1m1f, good) last August and again finished second at Yarmouth (1m1f, soft); an interesting runner despite uneven form.

7/1

Form: -16101

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Improver this spring; landed a wide-margin win at Southwell (7f, AW) in March and showed he can do it on turf too with a Class 2 success at Musselburgh (7f, good) three weeks ago; however, in between those wins he was well beaten when tackling 1m for the first time at Doncaster so does have to prove his effectiveness at the trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(7)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Our Havana

8st 10lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Richard Fahey

Recorded useful wins on AW and turf in the spring but hasn't been in quite the same form since; doesn't look as if he's about to add to his tally.

25/1

9th

9

(1)

27th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

17:55 Newmarket

Our Havana

9st 1lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Richard Fahey

Recorded useful wins on AW and turf in the spring but hasn't been in quite the same form since, midfield at Thirsk most recently; goes back up in grade and needs to raise his game.

33/1

3

(10)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Thirsk

Our Havana

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Has developed into a useful 7f handicapper, including a Musselburgh win (good) in May; hasn't managed to reproduce that in three outings since but this is a bit easier than the Bunbury Cup he contested last time and Warren Fentiman takes 5lb off; not discounted.

20/1

Form: 0300-8 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Close third of 14 at Ayr (1m, good to firm) off 2lb higher last autumn; soft ground provides an excuse for below-par runs on his final outings last year and he might have needed last month's Redcar reappearance after wind surgery; no shock were he to go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(10)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

17:28 Carlisle

Mr King

9st 7lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Geoffrey Harker

Modest 2-26 strike-rate and refused to race once in the autumn; however, he's often run well in competitive races, as when third of 19 at York (1m, good) last July and was hampered next time; creditable return for new yard at Redcar (first-time hood, cheekpieces now refitted) this month; involved.

14/1

6th

6

(9)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

19:20 Redcar

Mr King

8st 13lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Geoffrey Harker

Successful twice (1m2f/1m) in Ireland earlier in his career; talented but failed to win in 14 starts for Iain Jardine, including refusing to race on his penultimate outing last year; it's possible a change of stable (same owner) could spark a revival but a watching brief is still the percentage call here; hooded first time.

22/1

16th

9

(11)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:05 York

Mr King

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

2-24 with both wins coming for Ger Lyons in Ireland (1m/1m2f); finished a close third of 19 behind Billyb here (1m, good) in July, but he refused to race at Ayr three weeks ago and has enough to prove after that.

12/1

Form: 6-5022 BF

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
It's been a long time since his last win but his runner-up efforts here (7f, good; had to wait for gap) and Redcar (1m, good to firm; bumped into a Boughey improver) on his last two outings have been encouraging; runs off unaltered mark so he's another who could be in the mix, for all that the outside stall isn't ideal.
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

5/1

Form: 5910-4 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Having dropped in the weights he gained his first handicap success in a competitive heat at Haydock (1m, good) last autumn; well held off this mark on his final 4yo start but caught the eye (met trouble) when a never-nearer fourth on his 7f course reappearance, suggesting he could still be feasibly treated; interesting back at 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(6)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:42 Wetherby

Obelix

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

7f and 1m winner on good; has been unable to return to the heights of his most recent win at York last July, in six subsequent starts; back on a handy mark; could be better for his reappearance and is not written off.

12/1

12th

1

(13)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Obelix

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Lacks both consistency and recent match practice (absent for 200 days) but holds a fighting chance provided he's in top form; has gained both handicap wins off 2lb higher, including over C&D (good) last July.

25/1

4

(11)

27th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Obelix

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Won a 1m novice here easily as a 2yo when trained by the Gosdens; back off the same mark as when successful at York (7f, good) in July and wasn't beaten far, albeit only eighth of 14, at Kempton (7f, Polytrack) 19 days ago; not ruled out.

12/1

Form: 41551- CD

Last run: 214 days

W: 8st 4lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Career highlight when winning this on his 2022 reappearance; gained career wins 15 and 16 in small fields in the second half of last season but probably asking a bit much for him to land a race as competitive as this on first start as an 11yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

12th

10

(5)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 3

17:15 Musselburgh

Redarna

8st 7lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Dianne Sayer

Showed he still had it what it takes when gaining his ninth course success at Ayr (1m, good to soft) last September and ran well despite a 10lb rise back there 12 days later; has tended to need his reappearance in recent years.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £83.60
Straight Forecast £76.68
Tricast £2238.29
Trifecta £2869.20

Selections

POSTDATA:

Obelix

LAMBOURN:

Whip Cracker

Telegraph:

Our Havana

TOPSPEED:

Mr King

SPOTLIGHT:

Flight Plan

RP RATINGS:

Hi Royal

The Star:

Cruyff Turn

Daily Mirror:

Whip Cracker

Daily Record:

Our Havana

The Sun:

Mr King

The Times:

Obelix

The Guardian:

Obelix

Daily Mail:

Obelix

D Express:

Obelix