August 02 / 13.38 Thirsk

13.38

Good To Firm

Karen Batty Spirit EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4860
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 8 runners
RTV
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Karen Batty Spirit EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)

Runners: 8 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

9/4 (Won)

  • Win: £2.25
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 24

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed clear promise when second of eight on debut at York (6f, good to firm) but faded into fourth of six at Ayr (6f, good to soft) next time; wayward on both occasions but looks to have plenty of speed and dropping to 5f may suit; must be considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

(10)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:15 York

Rikki Tiki Tavi

9st 8lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

A good start to his career included a Thirsk maiden (5f, good to firm) win in August but his form tailed off (mitigating circumstances) subsequently and he was never a factor when beating one home on his return at Thirsk in April; off since.

20/1

13th

7

(14)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:07 Thirsk

Rikki Tiki Tavi

9st 3lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Made all when beating The Lost Sock by a head over C&D last August; came up short in stronger races twice afterwards but there were mitigating factors; one of three runners for Kevin Ryan.

14/1

3

(2)

19th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:33 Ayr

Rikki Tiki Tavi

9st 5lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

The form of his maiden win at Thirsk last month has worked out well (5f, good to firm) and he raced away from the main action when mid-division in sales race at York (6f, good to firm) last time; however, others have more substance to their claims; below best on good to soft ground in July.

20/1

11/4

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 3

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
The sole newcomer in the line-up when around 6l third of seven at Nottingham (6f, good; 6-1) two weeks ago, losing second only inside the final 1f; should not be inconvenienced by this shorter distance; open to improvement and might be the answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:40 Salisbury

The Lost Sock

9st 9lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Roger Varian

Won a 5f maiden at Catterick last August but he's 0-6 in handicaps this year and has generally underperformed; second in first-time headgear off this reduced mark at Kempton (6f, AW) on latest outing but markedly better is needed, even in this small field.

5/1

2nd

4

(8)

2nd Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:17 Kempton (AW)

The Lost Sock

9st 9lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Won a 5f maiden at Catterick last summer but he's been expensive to follow in handicaps this year; now 9lb lower than for his opening mark but he's been well held in last three runs and needs blinkers to make a difference.

10/1

6th

7

(8)

10th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:10 Kempton (AW)

The Lost Sock

9st 2lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Roger Varian

Won a 5f maiden at Catterick last summer; expensive to follow in handicaps this year and the step back up to 6f isn't enough to tempt.

12/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 432

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Getting better with each run, seeming suited by the drop to 5f when second at Ripon (good to soft) two weeks ago; may not have reached his ceiling just yet; solid candidate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(12)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:25 York

Boston Dan

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Good second in sales and Listed races over 6f at York during his 2yo campaign; not in anything like the same form this term, including here, and still needs to prove that he's trained on; record is only 1-12.

33/1

12th

6

(21)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 York

Boston Dan

8st 12lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Two of his best 2yo runs came over C&D, including a Listed second in October (good); however, he's been a long way below that level on both starts this term, most recently in a 5f Listed race here (good) last month.

40/1

10th

3

(3)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

16:40 York

Boston Dan

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Sole success came in four-runner Hamilton maiden (5f, good to soft) but it was a fine effort when second at 66-1 in very valuable sales race at the Ebor meeting (6f, good to firm) and bettered that form when runner-up in Listed event back here (good) in October; floundered on heavy ground next time, however, and down the field in Newmarket handicap on return; work to do even if this track brings out the best in him again.

33/1

16/1

Form:

Last run: 59 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Seemed too green to do himself justice when last of 11 at Nottingham (6f, good; 16-1) two months ago; difficult to recommend on that evidence but he's in good hands, cost 130,000gns at the breeze-ups and may benefit from the application of a tongue-strap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(3)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 4

16:25 Lingfield (AW)

Lord Harcourt

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Back-to-back C&D wins in December and up against it from where he was when a close fifth back here in February; perhaps didn't take a liking to Southwell when below par there last time and could still be on the upgrade.

6/1

7th

6

(6)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 2

18:50 Southwell (AW)

Lord Harcourt

8st 12lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Dual Lingfield winner (6f, Polytrack) in December, but finished behind a couple of these when fifth of 12 there a fortnight ago; was up against it in attempting to come from so far back, though, so it wouldn't be a surprise were he to fare better;

5/1

5th

4

(9)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 2

14:12 Lingfield (AW)

Lord Harcourt

8st 8lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

Returned from a gelding operation to win back-to-back C&D nurseries in December; came up just short in his hat-trick bid at Newcastle six weeks ago but it was another step forward in form terms; return to Lingfield should help and Ashley Lewis takes off a useful 5lb; good chance.

5/1

Form: 74

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well held when favourite on debut but he showed plenty of improvement in hood/tongue-strap when fourth of eight at Yarmouth (5f, good) the following month, always chasing the leaders; still has potential; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

12

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 12y

Class 4

18:15 Windsor

Alasrae

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

In fine form since joining George Boughey, gaining a third AW win of 2026 at Lingfield (6f) in April; posted another good effort with third of 11 (a place behind Marcellinus) over C&D 12 days ago; must enter calculations.

5/1

3rd

1

(12)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 12y

Class 4

20:00 Windsor

Alasrae

9st 10lb

J: Jack Callan

T: George Boughey

Progress on AW this year features three wins; failed to transfer the form back to turf last time, only midfield at Hamilton; bit to prove.

12/1

7th

4

(14)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

16:15 Hamilton

Alasrae

9st 6lb

J: Jack Callan

T: George Boughey

Enjoyed an excellent winter on the AW, scoring three times at 6f, and comes here on the back of a good third of ten in 6f Lingfield handicap 19 days ago when not enjoying the smoothest of passages; can play a prominent role again back on turf.

6/1

Form: 34

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
In the frame in 5f events at Hamilton (good) and Newcastle (AW), making running on second occasion; has a bit to find with a couple of these but unlikely to be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

(11)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

16:45 Doncaster

Veiled Truth

9st 2lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Phillip Makin

Overcame traffic issues in Newcastle nursery (6f, AW) last time, opening his account at the fifth attempt and looking value for more than the winning margin; enters calculations.

12/1

1st

1

(4)

29th Aug 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Veiled Truth

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Phillip Makin

Best run was when fourth in a 5f novice here in June; beaten less than 4l when 11th of 19 in a York nursery last week (6f, good to firm; not get best of runs); interesting back on the AW but can pull hard so this small field a concern.

3/1

11th

19

(10)

20th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

17:20 York

Veiled Truth

8st 3lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Phillip Makin

Reached the frame on the first two of his qualifying runs over 5f; steps up to 6f for the first time now handicapping from a mark which doesn't allow much obvious room for manoeuvre.

50/1

Form: 7

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Never able to challenge when seventh at Pontefract (100-1) last Sunday and requires significant improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(7)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:03 Thirsk

Empress Olivia

9st 6lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Both wins have been at Ripon over 6f, the most recent on good to soft in April; reported to have bled from the nose when failing to beat a rival at York (5f, good) in first-time cheekpieces (discarded) last month and needs to bounce back.

12/1

13th

7

(13)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 York

Empress Olivia

8st 13lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Mark Walford

Started the season with two good runs, notably a 6f win at Ripon in April (good to soft); two subsequent runs less convincing and connections now reach for cheekpieces.

16/1

4th

6

(8)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:20 Thirsk

Empress Olivia

9st 7lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Mark Walford

Both wins have been over 6f at Ripon, the most recent in April on good to soft off 4lb lower than today; led a smaller group of five when 11th at Ascot (6f, good) 28 days ago but looks capable of bouncing back.

9/1

OUR TIP

33/1

Form: 50

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has beaten only one rival in two outings to date, and even allowing for a wide draw he should have fared better at Chester last time; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(12)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

14:02 Newcastle (AW)

Fanjove

9st 9lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Ed Dunlop

C&D winner, who was beaten by a short-head on only other visit (6f) to Newcastle; won off this mark at Wolverhampton (7f) last October, but his last two efforts were low key - last of nine at Goodwood latest; first-time headgear needs to have a reviving effect.

10/1

9th

5

(7)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:02 Goodwood

Fanjove

9st 5lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Ed Dunlop

The winner of two 7f handicaps on the AW and has shown he can threaten off this mark; last run was disappointing but could bounce back, and no doubt a better horse now than when last seen on turf.

7/1

6th

6

(5)

7th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Fanjove

9st 6lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Ed Dunlop

Held on to win by a short head at Wolverhampton (7f) in October and went close at Newcastle (6f) next time; gelded prior to finishing fourth of 12 here over 6f on his reappearance and now steps back up to 7f; contender.

11/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £7.10
Straight Forecast £5.77
Trifecta £19.00

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Rikki Tiki Tavi

SPOTLIGHT:

The Lost Sock

Daily Record:

Boston Dan

Telegraph:

The Lost Sock

D Express:

The Lost Sock

TOPSPEED:

Rikki Tiki Tavi

POSTDATA:

Rikki Tiki Tavi

The Times:

Rikki Tiki Tavi

The Guardian:

Rikki Tiki Tavi

Daily Mail:

Rikki Tiki Tavi

Daily Mirror:

Rikki Tiki Tavi

The Sun:

Rikki Tiki Tavi

The Star:

Rikki Tiki Tavi