August 02 / 15.25 Thirsk

15.25

Good To Firm

Amstel Thirsk Summer Celebration Handicap

  • Prize money: £7851
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
Amstel Thirsk Summer Celebration Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

Form: 943931 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Hadn't had much luck before ending a losing run at Sandown (5f, good) last week; up 5lb but he's still well treated on the pick of his form from last year; should be involved again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(12)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:03 Newcastle (AW)

Blind Beggar

9st 7lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Jessica Macey

Tumbling down the weights and one to be interested in when the stable emerges from the doldrums.

25/1

6th

3

(1)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Ripon

Blind Beggar

10st 0lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Jessica Macey

Well handicapped on his Sandown win (5f, good) last July but has mixed record since and he's been well held in three runs this year; now drops back in grade but he needs to get back on track.

20/1

3

(7)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Blind Beggar

9st 7lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jessica Macey

Has won just once since April 2024, at Sandown (5f, good; from 6lb higher) last July; joined this trainer soon after for 15,000gns, and runner-up on stable debut; nowhere near his best in three starts this year, including when twelfth of 20 at York (6f; 50-1) latest.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 552665 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Runner-up three times in the spring, beaten a neck at Musselburgh (5f, good) in May, but recent efforts have been below par and he needs to get back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(4)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

15:10 Doncaster

Moulin Booj

9st 9lb

J: Liam Wright

T: George Scott

Close third at Windsor (5f, good to firm) last month and another good run when runner-up at Brighton (5.2f, good to firm) latest; contender.

3/1

2nd

1

(4)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 60y

Class 4

16:56 Brighton

Moulin Booj

9st 11lb

J: Liam Wright

T: George Scott

Six-time winner who is dangerous at this level; just 1lb higher than for his AW win in March and he was back at that level when a close third at Windsor (5f, good to firm) three weeks ago; this is his first visit to Brighton but likely to be in the thick of the action.

11/4

3rd

2

(5)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 4

17:05 Windsor

Moulin Booj

9st 6lb

J: Liam Wright

T: George Scott

C&D scorer; not seen to best effect on his last three runs since scoring at Wolverhampton (5f) in March, going too freely from an outside draw when last of six at Bath (5f) last time; interesting from an easing mark.

7/1

Form: /19-62 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who was just denied at Newcastle (5f, AW) five weeks ago after leading for most of the final 1f; just as effective on turf, may still have untapped potential and high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(3)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Thirsk

Circus Lion

9st 10lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Bryan Smart

Lightly raced 4yo who was just denied at Newcastle (5f, AW) five weeks ago after leading for most of the final 1f; just as effective on turf, may still have untapped potential and high on the list.

5/1

2

(1)

27th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:40 Newcastle (AW)

Circus Lion

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Bryan Smart

Helped force a strong pace at Southwell on last month's return from 12 months off, weakening in the final furlong; should last longer today and he retains potential.

8/1

Form: 427410 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Gained his fourth career success at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) in July and 6f will have been too far for him at York next time; however, he's still 7lb higher than for the win and others make more obvious appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(10)

24th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:40 Beverley

Frank The Spark

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Paul Midgley

Handicapper had his say after an easy Nottingham win (2-2 there) early last month and this 5yo has been held since; often dropped in (may well be again from a wide stall) and would then be reliant on the race setting up for him, as well as some luck.

12/1

4th

9

(4)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Redcar

Frank The Spark

8st 10lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Paul Midgley

Won at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) in July but that wasn't much of a race and he has not repeated the form; now wears cheekpieces; others preferred.

14/1

4

(2)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:25 Thirsk

Frank The Spark

9st 10lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Paul Midgley

Gained his fourth career success at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) in July and 6f will have been too far for him at York next time; however, he's still 7lb higher than for the win and others make more obvious appeal.

8/1

Form: 316090 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Won on the AW in March but the wheels have come off since and he showed little at 100-1 on his stable debut last week; hard to recommend.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(10)

18th Jun 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Desert Champion

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

On a losing run but he shaped better than his placing suggests in 5f handicaps at Redcar and Lingfield on his first two runs this term; went without headgear when only sixth of eight in 5f Newcastle handicap last time but no surprise to see him play a prominent role here in refitted blinkers.

7/2

6th

2

(7)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Desert Champion

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Paul Midgley

Only win was a 5f handicap at Chelmsford in March 2025 when visored for the first time; would have a chance on his C&D second off 8lb higher last November, but below-par recently; no visor this time.

6/1

8th

8

(2)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 4f 217y

Class 5

16:25 Lingfield

Desert Champion

8st 8lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Paul Midgley

Had a BHA mark 26lb higher than today when starting out for this yard last summer but he's struggled to make much of an impact; did finish second at Newcastle in November (well backed) but that form hasn't worked out at all; recent Redcar reappearance is easy to excuse (went off hard and raced in a group of two, finishing sixth and seventh, on the far side); stable looks to hold stronger claims with Birkenhead.

16/1

Form: 008585 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Has not made the frame in six runs since winning at Southwell in March, and four goes for Ruth Carr have all been below par; falling in the weights but needs to turn over a new leaf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(12)

17th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:50 Redcar

Sevensees

9st 8lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

On a losing run and she arrives on the back of modest efforts in 5f handicaps at Haydock and Southwell last month; cheekpieces are reached for now.

14/1

11th

5

(12)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

16:37 Southwell (AW)

Sevensees

9st 8lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

C&D winner off 11lb higher as recently as March; the odd good run for Ruth Carr this summer and he is closely matched with Zarzyni on a Beverley run last month; not ruled out.

14/1

8

(10)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Sevensees

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Front-runner who has dropped down the weights and run well in defeat on his last two starts (5f, good to firm); his turf wins in Ireland came on soft/yielding going; could build on his recent form now back on easier ground.

8/1

Form: -15752 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Sprint-bred 3yo who won at Doncaster (5f, good to firm) in the spring and ran at least as well when beaten a head at Catterick (6f, good to soft) last month; still low mileage and a leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(7)

27th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Dothan

9st 10lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Ran well on his only previous outing at Southwell but has lost his form of late and finished down the field at Redcar 11 days ago; hopes depend on how he reacts to first-time cheekpieces.

8/1

8

(5)

16th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:03 Redcar

Dothan

9st 7lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Off the mark on handicap debut at Doncaster in April (5f, good to firm); some fair runs since, including a good second over 6f, but disappointing on last two starts.

8/1

8th

5

(9)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 12y

Class 4

17:15 Windsor

Dothan

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Edward Bethell

Patchy form since making a successful handicap debut/reappearance at Doncaster (5f, good to firm) in April, his best subsequent effort when beaten a head off this mark at Catterick (6f, good to soft) on his penultimate outing; each-way claims on his best form.

5/1

Form: 154231 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Holding his form well and posted a personal best to win at Windsor (good to firm) five weeks ago; can race freely over 6f and 5f is probably his optimum trip; may not have reached his ceiling just yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(8)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:33 Newmarket (July)

Rogue Bullet

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: James Owen

Three wins include a successful stable debut at Brighton (5.5f, good to firm) and he wasn't beaten far under a penalty when fourth of five at Lingfield (5f, AW) three weeks ago; career-high mark but he's respected.

7/2

4th

2

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 4f 217y

Class 5

19:25 Lingfield

Rogue Bullet

9st 12lb

J: Jack Callan

T: James Owen

Yet another to win first time out for this yard when turning in a career-best effort at Brighton last Sunday; makes appeal under a penalty for that, especially with Jack Callan taking off 3lb, and he looks to have Ancient State to worry about.

5/4

1st

4

(3)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 60y

Class 4

16:56 Brighton

Rogue Bullet

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: James Owen

Two wins for Jack Jones last year, a 6f novice (good to firm) at this track and a 5f handicap at Windsor (good to firm); ended 2025 with two lesser efforts and he was again below par on his seasonal return in April; back down the weights as a result and he wouldn't be the first horse to be revived by a move to James Owen (same owners).

7/2

Form: 606827 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Loves it here (five wins, including this race in 2021) and will be dangerous if on a going day, but he's becoming hard to predict and he was well held after blowing the start at Musselburgh 11 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(8)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

18:15 Southwell (AW)

Ready Freddie Go

9st 9lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Ollie Pears

Drawn a blank this year but he has dropped a long way in the weights and is now eligible for Class 6 company for the first time; ran okay over C&D last month and the return of cheekpieces will help; considered.

10/1

2

(8)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

18:15 Southwell (AW)

Ready Freddie Go

9st 9lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Ollie Pears

Drawn a blank this year but he has dropped a long way in the weights and is now eligible for Class 6 company for the first time; ran okay over C&D last month and the return of cheekpieces will help; considered.

10/1

5th

11

(8)

29th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Ready Freddie Go

9st 4lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Ollie Pears

He's having a mixed season and hasn't looked ready to pounce since a good Ripon run (5f) in July; needs a turnaround but he wasn't far away on his latest C&D start in March and is on a much lower mark now.

25/1

Form: 909466 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
This year's form-figures look unpromising but he wasn't beaten far at Redcar (5f, good to firm) in June and he ran creditably from a poor draw in first-time blinkers at York last Friday; now 5lb below his last winning mark and could be ready to strike.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(13)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:05 York

Al Hussar

9st 11lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

He has turned in a string of good runs this year, winning a 17-runner event at Thirsk in May; while he should give his running it would be a surprise if one or two weren't better handicapped.

10/1

4th

5

(7)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

19:30 Hamilton

Al Hussar

9st 11lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Running well in defeat this season prior to narrow win in a big field at Thirsk (5f, good) last month; caught wide at Chester (5f, good to soft) 12 days ago when a respectable sixth of 12; could have a big say.

15/2

6th

5

(9)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Al Hussar

9st 6lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Grant Tuer

Yet to run a bad race after six starts this season, and kept on for last-gasp success in 17-runner Thirsk handicap (5f, good) a fortnight ago; also suited by this C&D and slow ground; stall 9 makes things awkward, though.

8/1

Form: 9-0859 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Sole success came on second 2yo start when trained by Karl Burke; yet to show she's trained on, and the application of a visor failed to stop the slide at Southwell last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(1)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

19:00 Nottingham

Storm Call

9st 10lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Michael & David Easterby

Has won twice over 5f but has been below her best this year; has dropped to a career-low mark but doesn't look ready to take advantage.

8/1

6th

3

(2)

7th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

16:48 Pontefract

Storm Call

9st 13lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Reponded well to the fitting of blinkers when winning at Redcar (5f, good) last October, but not matched that form since; also has something to prove over this stiffer 5f.

12/1

4th

2

(7)

22nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Catterick

Storm Call

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Won at Redcar last October (5f, good) off 2lb lower when blinkered for the first time; not quite so good in two runs on the AW since; may need the run on first outing since March.

10/1

Form: 109340 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Better form on AW (3-10) than turf (0-7) but his mark reflects that and he raced on the unfavoured part of the course when down the field at Yarmouth nine days ago; others are more solid but he's impossible to discount.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

11

(3)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Monks Dream

9st 4lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Has gained all four of his wins at Newcastle, with the most recent of those successes coming there over 5f 16 days ago; 3lb rise looks fair but he was well beaten when last seen over 6f.

8/1

1st

2

(4)

4th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Monks Dream

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

All three of his wins have come at Newcastle and he has run some good races this winter, including his latest third when keeping on after an awkward start (not his first); capable at this level; respected.

9/2

Form: 43-222 BF

Last run: 101 days

W: 8st 10lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Eight-race maiden but he was knocking at the door in the spring, rallying when narrowly denied at Catterick (5f, good to firm) on most recent outing; not ruled out after an absence of over three months.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(9)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Catterick

Lucius Aurelius

9st 9lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Kevin Ryan

Hasn't finished out of the first three in five starts here, including a win over this trip on good in April; well beaten at Pontefract in first-time blinkers latest but his course record affords him respect with regular cheekpieces also back in place.

9/1

8th

7

(3)

29th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

16:30 Pontefract

Lucius Aurelius

9st 6lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Kevin Ryan

Seems ideally suited by Catterick, the scene of his April win and bronze medal latest start; has an unconvincing record at Pontefract; new headgear needs to make a difference.

8/1

3rd

7

(3)

11th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

19:52 Catterick

Lucius Aurelius

8st 11lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Kevin Ryan

Record here is 2231, his win coming over 5f in April (good); can be forgiven a below-par effort next time after being restless in stalls; interesting back here.

11/2

8/1

Form: 30-433

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Veteran who arrives in good heart after a never-nearer third in a big field at York (5f, good) last Saturday; possibilities if repeating that form but a strike-rate of 1-24 is a concern.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(4)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 143y

Class 5

17:40 Doncaster

Bayraat

10st 4lb

J: Mr Eireann Cagney

T: Tom Tate

Veteran who has returned from a break in fine form and won by a length over this far at Wetherby (good to firm); back up 4lb but had dropped to a good mark.

9/2

1st

3

(1)

15th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 110y

Class 6

15:40 Wetherby

Bayraat

9st 7lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Tom Tate

Not the best of strike-rates but two good seconds at Redcar this season; plum draw and one with a chance.

7/4

2nd

8

(5)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

17:23 Redcar

Bayraat

10st 8lb

J: Mr Eireann Cagney

T: Tom Tate

Only a length away over C&D on his return from 222 days away but no certainty to follow one good run with another, and he finds winning difficult (1-31).

13/2

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Rogue Bullet

The Guardian:

Blind Beggar

SPOTLIGHT:

Al Hussar

Daily Record:

Lucius Aurelius

The Sun:

Monks Dream

POSTDATA:

Sevensees

TOPSPEED:

Moulin Booj

D Express:

Al Hussar

The Times:

Rogue Bullet

Telegraph:

Rogue Bullet

The Star:

Rogue Bullet

Daily Mail:

Blind Beggar

Daily Mirror:

Blind Beggar