August 29 / 16.08 Thirsk

16.08

Good

Constant Security Services Handicap

  • Prize money: £15702
  • 0m 7f 0y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
RTV
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Constant Security Services Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Abandoned

Form: 8-8680 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Looked a potential superstar early on for Sir Michael Stoute but struggled in two of three runs last year and he's yet to feature for new yard, including when switched to handicap company for the Great St Wilfrid over 6f at Ripon 13 days ago; a refitted hood and first-time tongue-tie needs to have a positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

(3)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Newmarket (July)

Nostrum

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Michael Appleby

Broadly disappointing since proving smart in his early days; form for new yard includes a couple of encouraging efforts but he dropped away rather tamely over C&D (race won by Dark Tornado) last time.

20/1

8th

8

(7)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

12:45 Newmarket (July)

Nostrum

9st 3lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Finished third in the 2022 Dewhurst; getting on for three years since his last win but he ran well for second at Sandown (1m, good) on his penultimate start; front-running fifth of 15 at Newbury two week ago; new cheekpieces need to spark something extra.

12/1

Form: 887465 C

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Former Thirsk Hunt Cup winner who has his lowest mark for over two years and has shown better signs in his recent starts, including fifth of 17 to Bullet Point in valuable 1m handicap at last week's York Ebor meeting; has to enter the reckoning.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(13)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Northern Express

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

High-class handicapper at 7f/1m; winless since landing a valuable 7f handicap at Ascot in July 2024 but he is now 7lb lower and he retains plenty of ability; should be sharper with last month's reappearance behind him; bold bid expected as he attempts to win this race for a second time.

10/1

5th

1

(10)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

12:45 Newmarket (July)

Northern Express

9st 10lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

High-class handicapper at 7f/1m; winless since landing a valuable 7f handicap at Ascot in July 2024 but he is now 6lb lower and three runs in Bahrain this winter suggested he retained a chunk of ability; back from four months off and this is perhaps not the day to catch him.

10/1

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

OUR TIP

Form: 193307 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Some useful placed efforts in Qatar in the spring but well held in Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot on British return in June and last of seven in 1m Longchamp conditions event since; the cheekpieces he wore for one of those efforts in Qatar return; hard to be confident for yard which also runs Fine Interview.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(2)

22nd Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Jayyash

10st 0lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Dual winner for the Gosdens (C&D then over 7f in Qatar); uncompetitive of late and this is a deep race in which to try and bounce back; cheekpieces return.

25/1

1

(2)

12th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Sandown

Jayyash

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Hamad Al Jehani

Two wins for the Gosdens, namely a 1m AW novice and a 7f handicap in Qatar; two runs since returning to Europe have been underwhelming though, albeit both have been tough assignments, and Native American may be the stable's main hope.

10/1

Abandoned

Form: 1-3825 CD BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
C&D novice winner on good to soft last summer and added a 7f Lingfield AW handicap in November; just as good in defeat when second of 11 at Haydock (7f, good) in July but faded into fifth when favourite at Chester since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(6)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Bobby Bennu

9st 3lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Winless last season but ran some promising races and did likewise when fourth on his reappearance at Chester (7f, good; Supido third), having been dropped in from a wide draw; continues to drop down the weights; chance.

6/1

4th

6

(12)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:30 Chester

Bobby Bennu

9st 3lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Course winner; only eighth in the corresponding race 12 months ago; 4lb lower today but he is drawn wide and this may not be his day.

16/1

Form: 8-7475 CD

Last run: 62 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Triple 7f winner on slow turf, including here; creditable fourth of 13 at Chester (7.5f, good) in May but his two efforts since have been no more than respectable; probably best to look elsewhere unless the ground goes on the soft side.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(8)

24th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:35 Newbury

Telemark

9st 12lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Well suited by slow ground; attractively handicapped and his last two runs have both been promising, meeting trouble before finishing off strongly at Newcastle last month; high on the list.

4/1

4th

9

(10)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Telemark

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

1lb lower than for his Doncaster win 12 months ago (7f, soft); several creditable runs in handicaps this season but he will need to pull out a bit more if he's to come out on top.

12/1

8

(5)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Ascot

Telemark

9st 7lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Not troubled the judge this season but hasn't been running badly, last time behind Native Warrior on the AW in late June; a triple winner on ground softer than good so connections have no doubt been waiting for some rain; worth considering.

14/1

Form: 441624 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Bombproof gelding who is rarely far away in his races and posted another solid effort off this mark when fourth (Rhythm Master third) of eight over 1m at Newmarket (good to firm) a fortnight ago; each-way claims under Billy Loughnane.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(10)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket (July)

Sterling Knight

9st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ed Dunlop

Well beaten at Epsom on Oaks day and he still had work to do when his path was blocked late on over this C&D three weeks ago; however, before those he won in good style on the other Newmarket course (1m, good) and he won this race in 2024 (good to soft); capable of having a say.

16/1

13th

1

(6)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:45 Newmarket (July)

Sterling Knight

10st 4lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

Disappointing at Epsom a fortnight ago but won on the other Newmarket course (1m, good) last month and he has a very solid record at this track, featuring a C&D win and 2l fourth in this last year; could bounce back.

14/1

17th

8

(1)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Sterling Knight

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ed Dunlop

Versatile regarding ground and he was winning his 12th race when beating Jimmy Speaking and Final Night at Newmarket (1m, good) three weeks ago; that was a comfortable win and he has the assistance of Ryan Moore but this demands more from him (has never won off a mark this high).

14/1

Form: 1-120

Last run: 70 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Won at Ayr (5f, good) on sole 2yo start and made it 2-2 at Pontefract (6f, good) in April; met with defeat for the first time but improved again when second on 6f Windsor handicap debut (good to firm) at the beginning of June; bit better than result (not clear run over 2f out) when midfield in Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) since; his pedigree provides hope for this step up in trip; very interesting up against largely much more exposed opposition.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(4)

1st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Thirsk

Strong Warrior

10st 0lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won his first two starts in maiden/novice company; second of nine at Windsor (6f, good to firm) on his handicap debut last June but it has been tougher going since; latest third at Ripon was a promising enough return to action though and he should give a good account.

7/1

3rd

3

(6)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Strong Warrior

9st 3lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Shaped well on his first four career starts, winning an Ayr maiden (5f, good) and a Pontefract novice (6f, good); disappointing since, including on first run after being gelded (AW) last time; back after a break.

14/1

12th

5

(8)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Warrior

9st 6lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Won his first two starts and he was a close second on his handicap debut last June (6f, good to firm); struggled thereafter, albeit pitched into a Group 1 at Royal Ascot; gelded during his 132-day absence; could still have some potential and switching to AW shouldn't be a problem.

12/1

Abandoned

Form: 732313 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Snapped a losing run over C&D (good to firm; Desert Falcon third) at the beginning of the month and creditable third (Sterling Knight fourth) off this mark at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) 14 days ago; ought to be competitive again.
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

Abandoned

Form: 11-213 CD BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
In good form in his three outings this year, placing over C&D on good to firm (third to Rhythm Master latterly) either side of a 7f win at Haydock in July; handily drawn for a prominent racer and likely to give another good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(12)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

Desert Falcon

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Front-runner who performed with great credit on all five starts last season, including a win here (6.5f) in September and a narrow defeat in the Ayr Gold Cup (6f); returned after wind surgery with a low-key effort at York last month but he may have need that run and has claims if he can get back near best; acts on most ground and four of his six wins have been at 7f.

6/1

14th

8

(14)

13th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 York

Desert Falcon

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Front-runner who performed with great credit on all five starts last season, finishing second at Thirsk (7f, good to firm) on his reappearance and beaten just a neck in the Ayr Gold Cup (6f, soft) when last seen; has had wind surgery since; no surprise if he makes a bold bid on this return.

16/1

24

(5)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Ayr

Desert Falcon

9st 0lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Julie Camacho

Front-runner; the winner of four of his last six starts, notably a game effort at Doncaster six days ago (6.5f, good to soft); a 5lb penalty for that hard-fought short-head success demands more but his fine attitude and abundant stamina will stand him in good stead on a rare 6f outing.

16/1

Form: 718740 CD

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Five-time winner at this trip, including at Musselburgh (good to soft) in April, but not at the same level in four outings since; only 1lb above mark he defied at Musselburgh but others arrive with more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(11)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

16:35 Carlisle

Persuasion

10st 2lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: David & Nicola Barron

Made it 2-3 at Musselburgh when winning there over 7f in April off a 1lb lower mark than today's; beaten only 4l when seventh of 19 at York (7f, good) 11 days ago but stamina has to be a concern on just his third try over a 1m.

14/1

7th

11

(4)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Persuasion

9st 7lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: David & Nicola Barron

Won at Musselburgh (7f, good) in April, making it 2-3 at the Edinburgh venue, and he's just 2lb higher today; can't be totally dismissed but this 9yo is inconsistent and was soundly beaten at Thirsk (7f, good) last time.

33/1

Abandoned

Form: 786-44 C

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Very well treated on best sprinting form but faded in the closing stages when tackling 7f for just a second time at Chester 26 days ago; has the outside stall so the negatives outweigh the positives.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(1)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

20:00 Down Royal

Flaming Rib

9st 12lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Adrian McGuinness

Seven wins abroad; rated 113 at his peak but nothing since 2023; may come forward from seasonal return at Leopardstown (7f, soft) when fifth of ten, but he remains risky.

16/1

5th

5

(9)

4th Jun 2026

Yielding

0m 7f 20y

18:00 Leopardstown

Flaming Rib

9st 5lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: Adrian McGuinness

Seven wins in Britain; runner-up for Hugo Palmer in 2022 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot; regressive since 2023; improved from a moderate stable debut last September when close fourth in a 7f rated at Dundalk in November; last of ten at the same venue in December; rated 113 at his peak, now down to 79 but remains risky.

8/1

Abandoned

Form: 140020 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
C&D winner last autumn and landed a ninth career success when accounting for eight rivals at Redcar (7f, good to firm) in April; bounced back from a couple of below-par efforts when chasing home Marhaba Ghaiyyath back at Redcar (1m, good to firm) in June but he was well behind Rhythm Master and Desert Falcon back here four weeks ago.
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

Non-runners

Fine Interview, Sixtygeesbaby

Verdict

If there is one in this useful handicap who could be well ahead of his mark it is lightly raced 3yo STRONG WARRIOR. Richard Fahey’s charge was a good second on his Windsor handicap debut before shaping better than the result in the Commonwealth Cup and can resume his progression now stepping up to 7f. Northern Express looks to be on the way back and might provide the main threat. Desert Falcon, Rhythm Master and Sterling Knight are closely matched on solid recent efforts and should also get involved. [Andrew Sheret]

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Northern Express

SPOTLIGHT:

Strong Warrior

The Times:

Fine Interview

D Express:

Sixtygeesbaby

POSTDATA:

Bobby Bennu

NEWMARKET:

Jayyash

Telegraph:

Desert Falcon

TOPSPEED:

Rhythm Master

Daily Mail:

Persuasion

Daily Record:

Strong Warrior

The Guardian:

Fine Interview

Daily Mirror:

Northern Express

The Sun:

Northern Express

The Star:

Northern Express