May 16 / 15.00 Thirsk

15.00

Good

Metaxas Handicap

  • Prize money: £3925.5
  • 1m 4f 8y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
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Metaxas Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.50
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 77-646 BF

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Five-race maiden who has not finished closer than 7l to a winner but she ran into lots of trouble when 6-5 favourite for a Wolverhampton handicap (1m4f) last week; still has potential for top yard and she needs a close look back on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(6)

5th Oct 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Caraway

9st 5lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: William Haggas

Gained a first success at Thirsk (1m4f) in May and has continued in good nick since, fifth in 11.5f Yarmouth handicap 19 days ago; needs considering from an easing mark.

4/1

5th

9

(2)

16th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 3f 104y

Class 4

16:45 Yarmouth

Caraway

8st 6lb

J: Harry Davies

T: William Haggas

Has been a beaten favourite in three starts since winning at Thirsk (1m4f, good) in May but it was steadily run race over C&D 55 days ago and she just couldn't get by the more forwardly ridden winner; looks capable of further progress but she was a non-runner due to softer ground at Epsom this month.

5/1

OUR TIP

4/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 777-4

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Brother to a fairly useful 1m4f winner; finished seventh in three qualifying runs last year and he returned after a gelding operation with a well-held fourth on handicap debut at Yarmouth (1m2f, good to firm) in April; needs to find more but it's still early days and he's a possible improver on his step up to this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(5)

13th Sep 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Bath

Boilermaker

9st 3lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Harry Charlton

In-form 3yo who made all for clearcut success at Wolverhampton (1m6f, AW) last month and is now 2-3 since cheekpieces were added; still unexposed over this trip and commands respect.

5/2

1st

7

(6)

26th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

15:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Boilermaker

9st 4lb

J: David Probert

T: Harry Charlton

Well held in two 1m AW novices late last year, but is a much better performer now contesting handicaps on turf, getting off the mark in a four-runner event at Sandown (1m6f, good to firm) four weeks ago (runner-up was bidding for a five-timer); much respected from 3lb higher if as effective back on Tapeta.

15/8

1st

4

(3)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

20:30 Sandown

Boilermaker

8st 12lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Harry Charlton

Ran well when upped to 1m4f at Thirsk (good) in May and has run to a similar level in both starts since, including when second of five at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm; first-time cheekpieces) 11 days ago; claims if seeing out this longer trip.

11/4

7/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 74-8

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Didn't live up to market expectations in two juvenile runs and was tailed off on his reappearance here (1m2f, good to soft) in March; been gelded since and now goes handicapping but he needs a transformation on this step up to 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(1)

5th Oct 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Faeberon

9st 6lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Cheekpieces on for first time when getting off the mark over C&D in June; has posted solid efforts to make the frame at Ayr (1m2f) and Southwell (1m3f) since; tried in different headgear here (visor goes on) and may still do better given he remains quite lightly raced.

9/2

4th

3

(1)

31st Aug 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

14:42 Southwell (AW)

Faeberon

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Found an ordinary Wolverhampton handicap when winning in first-time cheekpieces off 2lb lower two months ago; easy to back on turf last time, when running to a similar level, and today's extra furlong won't hurt on that evidence.

5/2

3rd

8

(9)

8th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

18:30 Ayr

Faeberon

9st 6lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Produced a career best when winning in added cheekpieces at Wolverhampton (9.5f, AW) six weeks ago; that form perhaps isn't the strongest on offer but he's open to further improvement off a 2lb higher mark.

8/1

20/1

Form: 905-5

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Struggled in three maidens in Ireland last year and same story when upped to 1m3f on handicap/stable debut at Southwell (AW; 20-1) last month; one of two runners for yard and she needs a transformation back on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(2)

17th Oct 2026

Good

1m 5f 192y

Class 5

17:15 Catterick

Gemical

8st 5lb

J: Molly Keegan-Price

T: Rebecca Menzies

Eight-race maiden; reached the frame in 1m4f handicaps at Thirsk and this venue (visored fist time) in May but beaten a long way in her two subsequent outings.

25/1

9th

12

(7)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

18:19 Newcastle (AW)

Gemical

9st 1lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Rebecca Menzies

Seven-race maiden; both 1m4f runs in May were respectable and she may not have been suited by the soft ground when well beaten over 1m6f in June; has her second go on AW from a reduced mark and it's still relatively early days.

11/1

33/1

Form: 809-87

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Has finished tailed off in four of his five runs including in a Beverley handicap (1m2f, good to firm) last month; has lots to prove back up in trip and he's 4lb out of the weights; cheekpieces added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

14th Oct 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Wetherby

Jambearee

11st 0lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Brian Ellison

Poor maiden on the Flat but showed some promise when third of six at Cartmel (2m1f, good to soft) in August on his second hurdle start; place claims, probably at best.

20/1

3rd

3

31st Aug 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

14:35 Cartmel

Jambearee

10st 12lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Brian Ellison

Lowly rated on the Flat (0-6); ran well to a point but ended up well held when fifth of six on hurdle debut at Hexham (2m, good) in June; improvement required.

14/1

5th

1

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

17:05 Hexham

Jambearee

10st 12lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Brian Ellison

Lowly rated on the Flat (0-6); never better than midfield in added cheekpieces at Thirsk (1m4f, Class 5; beaten over 10l, 40-1) three weeks ago; trainers sole representative in this in 2024 was an early casualty; stablemate of Steel Fixer.

25/1

Form: 57-656

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Regressive ten-race maiden who has been well held in five handicaps at up to 1m4f; continues to drop down the weights but she was always in rear at Newcastle two weeks ago and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(10)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 5

15:00 Thirsk

Sweet Love

8st 6lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Charlie Johnston

Regressive ten-race maiden who has been well held in five handicaps at up to 1m4f; continues to drop down the weights but she was always in rear at Newcastle two weeks ago and others are preferred.

16/1

6th

4

(3)

1st May 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

16:45 Newcastle (AW)

Sweet Love

9st 0lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Charlie Johnston

Exposed, regressive maiden who again finished weakly on her first crack at 1m4f two months ago; handicapper giving her every chance but she's vulnerable to improvers and not obviously fancied.

12/1

5th

3

(5)

9th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Sweet Love

9st 8lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Johnston

Her limitations have been exposed over shorter trips, most recently sixth of nine on her seasonal return here two weeks ago (9.5f); by Dream Ahead but she is related to several strong stayers so this new, longer trip could unlock something extra.

6/1

Form: 636-61 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at the fifth attempt when making all in a Kempton handicap (1m4f, AW; cheekpieces added) two weeks ago; up 6lb but that was a dominant display and she's open to more progress on this switch to turf; key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(2)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 5

18:20 Goodwood

Blackisthenewblack

9st 6lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Andrew Balding

Had cheekpieces on for the first time when making all (dictated a steady gallop) in a 0-65 at Kempton (1m4f, AW) in April but she was disappointing on her turf debut at Thirsk (1m4f, good) last month; needs to bounce back.

8/1

10th

2

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 5

15:00 Thirsk

Blackisthenewblack

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Off the mark at the fifth attempt when making all in a Kempton handicap (1m4f, AW; cheekpieces added) two weeks ago; up 6lb but that was a dominant display and she's open to more progress on this switch to turf; key player.

15/8

1st

2

(3)

30th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 6

20:15 Kempton (AW)

Blackisthenewblack

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Ties in with two of tonight's rivals as she finished alongside Wedonttellthetruth in the C&D event won by Cospicua when making handicap/seasonal debut; may build on that effort and show progress, provided she takes well to first-time headgear; shortlisted.

5/1

33/1

Form: 4023-7

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Low-level maiden who reappeared with a heavy defeat at Newcastle (1m2f, AW; 33-1) last month; that took her record to 0-6 and she's not finished close than 6l to a winner so far; opposable from out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(7)

28th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 6

17:13 Hamilton

Due To Shine

8st 7lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Brian Ellison

Inconsistent 3yo maiden who has been campaigned mostly at up to 1m2f; by no means a safe option but dam's side of pedigree suggests this return to further may have a positive effect.

25/1

5th

10

(5)

16th Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

17:50 Beverley

Due To Shine

8st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Brian Ellison

Second, albeit comfortably held, over C&D (soft) this time last year but overall profile makes little appeal.

40/1

7th

7

(7)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 6

16:45 Ripon

Due To Shine

9st 2lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Brian Ellison

3yo maiden; somewhat resurgent with cheekpieces fitted in AW classified contest last time but needs to build on that effort.

20/1

Form: 555-

Last run: 154 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 67-694

Last run: 33 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 6690

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £23.60
Straight Forecast £21.68
Tricast £41.15
Trifecta £74.70

Selections

Daily Mirror:

Boilermaker

RP RATINGS:

Caraway

SPOTLIGHT:

Blackisthenewblack

NEWMARKET:

Faeberon

The Times:

Raven's View

Telegraph:

Sweet Love

The Guardian:

Blackisthenewblack

Daily Mail:

Faeberon

The Sun:

Boilermaker

The Star:

Boilermaker

Daily Record:

Boilermaker

POSTDATA:

Caraway

D Express:

Caraway