August 29 / 15.38 Thirsk

15.38

Good

Ruby Lodge Care Home In Thirsk Handicap

  • Prize money: £9720
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
RTV
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Ruby Lodge Care Home In Thirsk Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.40
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 429220 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Chased home Sir Garfield at Hamilton and then turned in a career best when pipped at the post in a hot 5f fillies' handicap at York's Ebor meeting last week; well beaten over 7f the following day but she can be given a pass for that; 3lb ahead of her mark and has a C&D win on her record; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(5)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Ascot

Eternal Sunshine

9st 4lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Off the mark for the year with her win at Hamilton (5f, good to soft) in August; wore first-time cheekpieces at Newmarket (6f, good) nine days ago and she ran well for second; another 1lb higher today but foolish to discount.

15/2

2nd

4

(4)

24th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Newmarket

Eternal Sunshine

9st 7lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Well beaten in the Portland at Doncaster 12 days ago, having won that 5.6f handicap 12 months earlier; however, she won at Hamilton (5f, good to soft) two starts ago and is fine at 6f and on good/good to firm ground; this front-runner is not discounted in first-time cheekpieces.

12/1

11/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 143091 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
C&D maiden winner as a 2yo; two wins in 6f handicaps this year, the latest a Class 4 at Leicester 19 days ago; conditions will suit and a 3lb rise shouldn't handicap him out of things.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(8)

19th Oct 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 3

18:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 12lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

In-and-out performer but has bagged four wins on turf and scored on AW at Newcastle (5f) last November; doesn't look one to rely on.

8/1

5th

3

(8)

26th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:28 Ripon

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Scored over C&D in June and in good form subsequently until finishing only sixth of nine in 6f handicap at Thirsk three weeks ago; the sort to bounce back though.

8/1

6th

2

(10)

5th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Thirsk

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 13lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: David O’Meara

C&D winner who made all at Ripon (6f, good) in June and he had an excuse after missing the break in the Great St Wilfrid there last time; now drops back in grade and he's a big player if he can get back near best.

3/1

OUR TIP

14/1

  • Place: £4.10

Form: 505069 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won a 6f handicap in Bahrain in January; down the field in three runs back in Britain this summer (after a wind operation) and although he dropping down the weights, others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(9)

2nd Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:33 Kempton (AW)

Spangled Mac

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Three good runs over the winter (two of them from five runs in Bahrain) but he has struggled in two 7f runs back in Britain since April; handicapper slow to relent and this step up to 1m isn't sure to spark a revival.

16/1

13th

6

(2)

11th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Newbury

Spangled Mac

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

7yo who was well beaten in Bahrain and at Chester on his last two starts; however, he was drawn wide at Chester and showed some good form in Bahrain in January; he's run really well on both previous attempts at this C&D and is not ruled out each-way off a competitive mark.

20/1

12th

3

(10)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Spangled Mac

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Campaigned back in Bahrain since December, best efforts when placed twice over 6f; well treated on historical data but hasn't won a domestic race since 2023; returns to 7f for first time since last July.

25/1

4th
9 (11)
Duran

8/1

Form: 210044 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Won his maiden over this trip but better known for his exploits at 5f, including a Haydock win off this mark in May; faced a hopeless task as things panned out back at Haydock 19 days ago but he did best of those to race up the middle of the track; the trip is the nagging doubt today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(7)

16th Oct 2026

Heavy

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:07 Haydock

Duran

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Nigel Tinkler

He's fully 12lb lower than when going close at Doncaster (5f, heavy) last October; however, he's had an underwhelming campaign in the main this season and others arrive with more pressing claims.

12/1

8th

8

(10)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

16:50 Doncaster

Duran

9st 7lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Lacklustre campaign in the main but he has a reduced mark to work with as a result and was an encouraging seventh of 21 in a first-time visor (retained) at York (5.4f, good to soft) last Sunday, when suffering interference and away from the main action; ran two big races here last autumn; interesting.

7/1

7th

11

(15)

6th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 89y

Class 4

14:05 York

Duran

9st 7lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Twice a course winner, including over this trip; started his campaign with a promising run at Beverley but three lacklustre runs have followed; well handicapped if the addition of a visor sparks a revival.

25/1

10/1

Form: 810720 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
He has blown hot and cold in 2025, last of 17 in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon two weeks ago, but his C&D win in May was a fine effort, as was his penultimate second here (both on good ground).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(3)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Ripon

Secret Guest

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

No win since May 2025 (Thirsk) but is rated 14lb lower as a result; had every chance when fourth of ten at Newmarket (6f, good to firm; beaten over 6l) 17 days ago; more required here with Paul Mulrennan back aboard.

10/1

4th

5

(9)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Newmarket (July)

Secret Guest

9st 5lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Bryan Smart

Sole start here saw him finish eighth in the 2023 edition of this; picked up a Thirsk handicap last May but no wins since and his last two efforts have been modest, albeit he fluffed the start last time; career-low mark.

11/1

10th

3

(3)

27th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

18:05 Southwell (AW)

Secret Guest

9st 9lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Bryan Smart

Lacks consistency now and has become hard to win with; down to a career-low mark but his record here is far from exciting and he's some way down the pecking order.

16/1

Form: 05122- D BF

Last run: 350 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
On the up once switched to nurseries last summer, winning at Glorious Goodwood and then placed at both the Ebor meeting and the St Leger meeting; gelded during his 350-day absence; still has potential and he is an interesting contender on his first run for a new stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(1)

19th Oct 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 3

18:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Artagnan

9st 5lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Ian Williams

Won twice for previous trainers; sold for 27,000gns to join current yard in August but was beaten 14l on stable debut at Pontefract (6f, good) two weeks ago; may need to come down the weights.

20/1

4

(11)

5th Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Pontefract

Artagnan

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ian Williams

Of interest on his best form for previous connections; conditions shouldn't be an issue but he is drawn wide now starting out for Ian Williams (sold for 27,000gns in August).

10/1

3rd

1

(7)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

14:05 Redcar

Artagnan

10st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Ran poorly when favourite for a C&D handicap in May; in good form prior to that and a return to form would come as no surprise; high on the list.

4/1

Form: 745302 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Yet to win this year but latest Ripon second was a solid effort; two-time course winner and apprentice's claim useful; each-way shout.
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

12/1

Form: -87059 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Smart 2yo, including third place in the Coventry Stakes; slow start to 2025 but he has run creditably in deep 3yo handicaps on his last two starts; something bigger could be brewing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(1)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:38 Thirsk

Columnist

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Smart 2yo, including third place in the Coventry Stakes; slow start to 2025 but he has run creditably in deep 3yo handicaps on his last two starts; something bigger could be brewing.

12/1

9th

8

(8)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Goodwood

Columnist

8st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Fahey

Record of 0-7 since debut win; had Group form last year but isn't particularly solid on 2025 handicap results, for all that the latest seemed encouraging; James Doyle prefers the other Wathnan Racing runner.

20/1

8

(6)

10th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Columnist

8st 13lb

J: David Egan

T: Richard Fahey

Third in last season's Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and followed that with fourth in the Superlative Stakes at this meeting; well beaten in three handicap runs this year, the latest behind Hucklesbrook last month, and a further 4lb drop in the weights isn't enough to tempt.

50/1

Form: 274621 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Three wins on turf this year, the latest when narrowly seeing off Eternal Sunshine at Hamilton 12 days ago (strong in the betting); 2lb rise shouldn't stop him from going well once again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

3

(13)

15th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

15:23 Redcar

Sir Garfield

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

6f winner at Catterick and Epsom in early summer; posted another good effort when runner-up at Epsom in August; only eighth of 11 at Hamilton (6f) last time but he's the sort to bounce back.

11/1

8th

2

(11)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:15 Hamilton

Sir Garfield

9st 13lb

J: David Nolan

T: John & Sean Quinn

Bagged a pair of 6f handicaps at Catterick and Epsom in early summer; comes here on the back of a very good nose second of eight in 6f Epsom handicap a week ago; another bold showing is on the cards off an unchanged mark.

100/30

2nd

2

(5)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

16:00 Epsom

Sir Garfield

9st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Began this season with two wins, latterly when holding on by a short head to make all over C&D (good) in early July; probably doesn't have much margin for error off current mark but returns here after a respectable eighth of 26 at Glorious Goodwood (6f, good to firm) two weeks ago.

5/1

25/1

Form: 02-100 C

Last run: 58 days

W: 9st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Veteran who showed a fire still burned when winning a Class 4 handicap at Ripon on his return in April (off this mark); two heavy defeats followed but the stable wasn't really firing at the time; each-way shout.
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

5/1

Form: 614440 D BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Gained a deserved victory at York in May (6f, good to firm) and he ran well on his next three starts; failed to fire in the Great St Wilfrid two weeks ago but he was sent off favourite and remains on a dangerous mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(11)

26th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Haydock

Rousing Encore

9st 9lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Has an excellent record at Ayr and it was a shame that he was drawn on the other side to the narrow winner when leading home his group in the Bronze Cup (6f, soft) last week; back up 3lb which won't be beyond him if he copes with this track at the first attempt.

7/1

5th

5

(3)

3rd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:54 Ripon

Rousing Encore

9st 3lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Inconsistent and winless this year and well beaten at York (6f, good to firm) recently; however, that was more competitive than this and two starts ago he ran well when third of 17 at Ayr (6f, good); may have a chance.

6/1

19th

14

(18)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:00 York

Rousing Encore

8st 10lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Won a good C&D handicap last year and also successful at Ayr last September; 0-7 in 2026 but he retains all his ability and ran well for third (of 17) at Ayr 19 days ago; high draw a potential stumbling block.

12/1

12th
13 (2)
Tiriac

12/1

Form: 5-0586 D

Last run: 37 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in four runs for new stable this season; down in the weights and didn't run badly at Doncaster five weeks ago (6f, good to soft); might not be one for today but, given his penchant for slow ground, he's one to keep an eye on with a view to the autumn.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(17)

13th Oct 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:39 Leicester

Tiriac

9st 8lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Paul Midgley

Multiple 5f-6f winner who acts on slow ground; 0-9 in 2026 but his better efforts in that period would give him each-way claims, if the forecast slower ground proves to be advantageous.

10/1

4th

7

(12)

1st Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

16:50 Nottingham

Tiriac

9st 8lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Paul Midgley

Two 6f wins earlier in career but he does most of his racing over 5f these days; some promise over that trip at Hamilton in August but he hasn't looked like coining in on a favourable mark since; remains with queries.

12/1

6th

10

(4)

13th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

16:15 Doncaster

Tiriac

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Paul Midgley

He's on a dangerous mark and will be right at home if slow ground prevails; things may click again at some point but slow starts are an issue and his form has been patchy this season.

11/1

13th
10 (14)
Kings Call

25/1

Form: 700800 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Signs of retaining ability this year but last two runs were disappointing and others look stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(3)

16th Oct 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

16:12 Redcar

Kings Call

9st 12lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Lawrence Mullaney

Won on 2yo debut at Ayr (6f, good) in July 2024 but he's 0-18 since and was always in rear at Southwell three weeks ago; continues to drop down the weights but he needs a transformation back on turf; first-time cheekpieces replace blinkers.

25/1

13th

4

(10)

26th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Kings Call

9st 7lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Lawrence Mullaney

Winless since his 2yo debut and with his fourth yard already; signs of life on debut for his new trainer at York and this is easier on his AW debut (brother to a dual course winner), so he is one to consider off a career-low mark under experienced 5lb claimer Cian Horgan.

16/1

9th

6

(5)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Kings Call

11st 8lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Lawrence Mullaney

Hard to fancy on recent efforts with no better than a tenth-placed finish in his last five starts; however, he could be revived by a recent stable switch (from Seb Spencer) and he's fully 18lb lower than when eighth in the 5f handicap at Royal Ascot last summer; worth monitoring in the market.

20/1

14/1

Form: -02000 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won the corresponding race 12 months ago off a 2lb higher mark; looked booked for another good season when finishing fast for second over 5f here in May; struggled in three runs since but cheekpieces return today and Paul Mulrennan is back on board; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(6)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:23 Ayr

Tinto

10st 0lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Dods

Operating off a reduced mark but on a losing run; has strong C&D form but reserves his best for Thirsk these days; well beaten on last month's seasonal return.

20/1

10th

5

(12)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Tinto

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

C&D winner; best known for exploits at Thirsk more recently, including a close second there last May (5f, good); cheekpieces off for his reappearance and not a solid option, for all he has dropped to a good mark.

20/1

18

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Tinto

9st 10lb

T: Michael Dods

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £46.10
Straight Forecast £32.07
Tricast £308.69
Trifecta £590.50

Selections

POSTDATA:

It Just Takes Time

SPOTLIGHT:

Artagnan

TOPSPEED:

Eternal Sunshine

The Times:

Secret Guest

RP RATINGS:

Rousing Encore

Telegraph:

Sir Garfield

D Express:

Tiriac

THE NORTH:

Tinto

Daily Record:

Artagnan

The Star:

Eternal Sunshine

Daily Mail:

Secret Guest

The Sun:

Rousing Encore

The Guardian:

It Just Takes Time

Daily Mirror:

It Just Takes Time