May 16 / 16.47 Thirsk

16.47

Good

Sky Bet Club Handicap

  • Prize money: £9421.2
  • 0m 7f 218y
  • Class 3
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
Sky Bet Club Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.00
  • Place: £3.60

Form: 9541-1

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
All three wins for this yard at about 1m2f on a wide range of surfaces, most recently when making a winning return to action at Haydock (made all, just hung on) in April; also effective at 1m but raised 4lb to a career-high mark; non-runner 2.55 York on Friday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

5

(16)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 177y

Class 4

16:50 York

Empire Of Light

9st 9lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Front-runner who completed a hat-trick when seeing off 12 rivals at Thirsk (1m, good) four weeks ago; the runner-up franked the form with a good second at Epsom last week, while reopposing third Frankie's Dream has also run well since; the draw hasn't been kind given his run style but it's likely his mark is still workable.

7/1

1st

9

(14)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Empire Of Light

9st 1lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

All three wins for this yard at about 1m2f on a wide range of surfaces, most recently when making a winning return to action at Haydock (made all, just hung on) in April; also effective at 1m but raised 4lb to a career-high mark; non-runner 2.55 York on Friday.

10/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 5654-0 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Form subsided slightly on final 2025 starts but now 2lb lower than his Carlisle win (1m, soft; acts on good) last June and he ran well for a long way in a strong Newbury handicap last month; may not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(3)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:17 Sandown

Hot Cash

9st 3lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jack Channon

Back in form and threatening to regain the winning thread, having finished a creditable second in last two starts, latest at Epsom (8.5f, good to soft) on Oaks day; back up another 2lb but can't be ruled out.

12/1

2nd

16

(12)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Hot Cash

8st 11lb

J: David Probert

T: Jack Channon

Acts on soft going; picked up a maiden here (7f, good) in July 2024 on his debut; fair run of form last year came to a crashing halt when virtually tailed off over C&D (good to soft) in September; subsequently gelded and he was back to near his best when second of 13 at Thirsk (1m, good) last time; far from dismissed.

16/1

20/1

  • Place: £7.00

Form: 5187-0

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Won six races at 5f-7f between January and May 2025 but off after a lesser effort in July and down the field here on his return in April; has gone close over the extended 7f at Beverley so should stay an easy 1m if back to full strength but others look stronger for the win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(2)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:30 York

Frankies Dream

10st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jennie Candlish

Course winner who is in a consistent vein of form this term, placing in handicaps over 1m1f and 1m here (both good) on his last two outings; this longer trip asks a different question but he's likely to be on the premises again if his stamina holds.

5/1

3rd

7

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 3

13:55 York

Frankies Dream

9st 9lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Jennie Candlish

Strike-rate is 6-26; soon in a consistent vein of form this term and was beaten only half a length by the market leader in York event (1m1f, good) most recently, taking record at this venue to 512; solid.

5/2

2nd

6

(15)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 177y

Class 4

16:50 York

Frankies Dream

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jennie Candlish

Enjoyed a fine 2025 when a six-time winner (from 5f to 7f); has returned in similarly good form, finishing third at Thirsk (1m, good; to Empire Of Light) and Beverley (7.5f, good to firm) last month; each-way claims again.

10/1

OUR TIP

4/1

Form: 621-39

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Talented on AW and had more in hand than the narrow winning margin suggests when arriving late on the scene at Wolverhampton (about 1m) in November; was carried out of his ground when starting a forward move over C&D (good to firm) recently and has to be of interest in this lower grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

17

(1)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

City Of Poets

8st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: James Tate

Has gained both handicap wins in tight finishes at Class 3 level, including at Redcar latest start; may well come up short in this better grade, for all that he receives weight all round.

16/1

1st

1

(10)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:25 Redcar

City Of Poets

10st 3lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: James Tate

3-9; didn't enjoy much luck when sent off one of the market leaders for the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month, but ran his race when beaten just over a length into fourth of 13 over the same C&D (good) a fortnight later; one for the shortlist down another 1lb.

11/2

4th

1

(12)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

City Of Poets

9st 11lb

J: P J McDonald

T: James Tate

Talented on AW and had more in hand than the narrow winning margin suggests when arriving late on the scene at Wolverhampton (about 1m) in November; was carried out of his ground when starting a forward move over C&D (good to firm) recently and has to be of interest in this lower grade.

4/1

Form: 2/214-

Last run: 330 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Progressive filly who put the race to bed quite convincingly for her first handicap win, at Haydock (7f, good) last May; had a much stiffer task in the Sandringham (1m, good to firm) at Royal Ascot after but ran a cracker in fourth, drifting across from a high draw; off since though so fitness unknown and market helpful; tongue tied this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

15

(3)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:35 Ascot

Oolong Poobong

8st 9lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Edward Bethell

Progressive handicap form at the start of last summer, winning convincingly at Haydock (7f, good) before excellent fourth of 25 in the Sandringham at this meeting (1m, good to firm); not seen again until a creditable fifth of 13 in 1m Thirsk handicap (good) last month and entitled to come on for that run; first-time tongue-tie worn at Thirsk is retained; high on the shortlist under Spencer.

12/1

5th

5

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Oolong Poobong

9st 8lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Progressive filly who put the race to bed quite convincingly for her first handicap win, at Haydock (7f, good) last May; had a much stiffer task in the Sandringham (1m, good to firm) at Royal Ascot after but ran a cracker in fourth, drifting across from a high draw; off since though so fitness unknown and market helpful; tongue tied this time.

13/2

4th

15

(21)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Oolong Poobong

8st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Edward Bethell

This represents a marked rise in grade but she took what looked a competitive Haydock 7f handicap apart last month and a 5lb rise isn't the end of the world; dam won over this far; her yard won last year's Britannia with a similarly progressive type.

12/1

Form: 0/056- D

Last run: 324 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Has won on firm but best form on soft, as when winning the Lincoln (1m) in 2024; lightly raced with little return since but he was hampered on Newcastle AW last June; entitled to be rusty for new trainer on this first run since; missed a race earlier this month due to good to firm ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(13)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Mr Professor

9st 9lb

J: Sam James

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Has won on firm but best form on soft, as when winning the Lincoln (1m) in 2024; lightly raced with little return since but he was hampered on Newcastle AW last June; entitled to be rusty for new trainer on this first run since; missed a race earlier this month due to good to firm ground.

14/1

9/1

Form: 6300-5 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Ended 2025 in poor form but he built up a head of steam to take a late fourth on his recent Pontefract return (1m, good); now 4lb lower than his Haydock win (1m, good to firm) last August so weighted to be competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(5)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:00 Ayr

Leadenhall

9st 5lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

In-form 6yo who scored at Nottingham in May/June and ran well when favourite for the Carlisle Bell most recently; revised mark has kicked in but he defied it last summer; solid chance.

8/1

2nd

13

(13)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

16:35 Carlisle

Leadenhall

9st 5lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Creditable sixth of 16 at York (1m1f, good) before winning at Nottingham (8.5f, good) under Jake Dickson four days ago, making it two wins from his last three starts; escapes a penalty for that success and can't be dismissed.

8/1

1st

4

(1)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 4

18:35 Nottingham

Leadenhall

9st 6lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Recorded his fourth win when scoring over C&D (good) last month and he backed that up with a creditable sixth in a big field at York (1m1f, good); remains feasibly treated on his best form and he's in the mix back at this track.

13/2

10/1

Form: 2034-9

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Winner of his first three handicaps in 2025 (up to about 1m; good) and showed this mark wasn't beyond him when going close at Glorious Goodwood (1m, heavy) last July; should come on for his recent reappearance and have a say with cheekpieces back on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(1)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

15:23 Chester

Impartiality

8st 11lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Phillip Makin

Winner of his first three handicaps in 2025, including here (7.5f, good) at this meeting; also went close at Glorious Goodwood (1m, heavy) off 2lb higher in July; yet to get going this term but he's too well treated to ignore; first attempt at this trip.

8/1

8th

6

(9)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Impartiality

9st 4lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Phillip Makin

Winner of his first three handicaps in 2025 (up to about 1m; good) and showed this mark wasn't beyond him when going close at Glorious Goodwood (1m, heavy) last July; should come on for his recent reappearance and have a say with cheekpieces back on.

10/1

16/1

Form: 141-88 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who won two 1m races (good) in Ireland last year; has needed both runs for this yard but stepped up on reappearance when just ahead of the hampered City Of Poets over C&D a fortnight ago; another advance is possible but needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

1

(11)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 York

Esherann

10st 2lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Lightly raced 4yo who won two 1m races (good) in Ireland last year, but hasn't seen his race out in three outings over that trip for Declan Carroll this spring; now drops to 7f for the first time since his debut.

25/1

9th

4

(11)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Esherann

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Lightly raced 4yo who won two 1m races (good) in Ireland last year; has needed both runs for this yard but stepped up on reappearance when just ahead of the hampered City Of Poets over C&D a fortnight ago; another advance is possible but needed.

16/1

8th

10

(1)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Esherann

9st 1lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Pair of 1m wins on good ground in Ireland last summer, namely a Naas maiden (wore cheekpieces) and Curragh handicap (visored); low-mileage new recruit for Declan Carroll but he'll need to leave last month's Newmarket reappearance with a tongue-tie added (retained) well behind to play a leading role here.

25/1

Form: 6612-0 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
All four wins over 7f, once on this track; probably stays further and is worth another go over 1m but he was last to finish on his comeback here over 7f in April and likely other days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(2)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 York

Count Palatine

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Successful over 7f at Carlisle (good to firm) and Ayr (soft) in the second half of last season; left his first two efforts of the new campaign behind when third of ten back at Carlisle (1m, good) 13 days ago; claims if he can build on that from a handy inside stall.

16/1

3rd

4

(5)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

17:28 Carlisle

Count Palatine

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Useful effort in defeat at Beverley (about 7f) last May and confirmed that stiff tracks suit when winning here (7f, good to firm; sole course start) in August; improved again when successful at Ayr later and no surprise if he comes on plenty from first two runs in 2026.

16/1

10th

12

(7)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Count Palatine

9st 0lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

All four wins over 7f, once on this track; probably stays further and is worth another go over 1m but he was last to finish on his comeback here over 7f in April and likely other days.

25/1

Form: 295-04 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Multiple wins at 1m and 1m1f (good or softer) include two over C&D; quite favourably treated now and he was a very respectable fourth at Ripon recently, when just behind a subsequent winner; needs a bit more here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(2)

17th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

19:42 Pontefract

Empirestateofmind

9st 3lb

J: James Sullivan

T: John & Sean Quinn

A dual winner (around 1m) in 2025 but he's yet to fire this season, only ninth of 11 in 1m Redcar handicap four weeks ago; others appeal more.

20/1

9th

11

(3)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:25 Redcar

Empirestateofmind

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Has dropped 8lb lower than when last winning a handicap for good reason; his last two starts didn't suggest a return to winning ways was imminent.

14/1

9th

6

(1)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:42 Wetherby

Empirestateofmind

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Prolific winner at 1m-1m1f on good or slower; inconsistent this season but has slipped to a workable mark and, if in the same form as at Ripon on penultimate start, he could have a say.

10/1

Form: 908-02 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Had excuses for the fizzling out of his season in 2025 but he'd been a ready winner of his sole C&D start, last May, and later won off this mark in August; appreciated the return to good to firm ground when only narrowly failing to get up at Beverley (about 7f) last month; on the premises.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

16:45 Thirsk

Capital Guarantee

9st 9lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: David O’Meara

A three-time 7f/1m winner in 2025, including over this C&D; mainly below his best this season but he didn't run too badly when sixth at Beverley (7.5f, good to firm) 12 days ago; on a handy mark and now drops in grade.

5/1

6th

3

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

17:10 Beverley

Capital Guarantee

9st 6lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

A three-time 7f/1m winner in 2025; mainly well below par this season though, only 14th in 1m1f York handicap last month; has it to prove at present.

25/1

14th

8

(7)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 177y

Class 4

16:50 York

Capital Guarantee

9st 3lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: David O’Meara

Three-time 7f/1m winner in 2025; good second at Beverley (7.5f, good to firm) in April but well beaten behind some of today's rivals on his two outings since.

33/1

Form: 9/86-3 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Has course form; ran with great credit in stronger races than this as a 4yo when three wins included one in the Shergar Cup (first run at 1m, good to firm; acts on good to soft) at Ascot; he wasn't the same horse in either of his two runs last year but fared much better when a close third at Redcar last month; major player.
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 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

New Image

8st 11lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: David O’Meara

Won four times in 2024; lightly raced last year and reappeared with close third off 4lb higher at Redcar (1m, good to firm) this April; however, three lesser runs have followed and he needs to turn things around.

12/1

7th

5

(1)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:25 Redcar

New Image

9st 13lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: David O’Meara

Lightly raced and mainly disappointing since his last success in August 2024, the exception being when beaten under a length into third of nine on his reappearance over C&D (good to firm) in April; now 3lb lower but he has become hard to predict.

12/1

5th

9

(2)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

16:25 Doncaster

New Image

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Versatile sort who has won four times at up to 1m but his last success was in August 2024; reappeared with a close third off 2lb higher at Redcar (1m, good to firm) in April but he's not easy to predict and was tailed off at Thirsk three weeks ago; yard also runs Akkadian Thunder.

8/1

Form: 42013- D

Last run: 251 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Has won on good to soft but her latest three wins, at about 1m, came on good to firm; on a highish mark now but off since September and past evidence suggests she'll come on for the run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(6)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

Zapphire

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Has won on good to soft but her latest three wins, at about 1m, came on good to firm; on a highish mark now but off since September and past evidence suggests she'll come on for the run.

14/1

2

(11)

2nd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 75y

Class 2

17:10 Nottingham

Zapphire

9st 7lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Handles most ground and she's tactically versatile; has been generally reliable this season and she won in a tight finish at Windsor (1m) in August before a creditable third at York (1m1f) last month; still looks on a workable mark and she's respected with cheekpieces reapplied.

11/2

1

(1)

7th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 177y

Class 3

17:00 York

Zapphire

10st 0lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Julie Camacho

It was a deep handicap she contested at Goodwood and in solid form otherwise, winning for a fourth time by a short-head at Windsor 24 days ago (1m, good to firm); clear claims off 2lb higher if in similar form here.

8/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £139.50
Straight Forecast £83.47
Tricast £2339.63
Trifecta £1955.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

New Image

The Times:

City Of Poets

TOPSPEED:

Leadenhall

The Star:

Capital Guarantee

NEWMARKET:

Mr Professor

Telegraph:

City Of Poets

Daily Mirror:

Leadenhall

RP RATINGS:

New Image

POSTDATA:

New Image

The Guardian:

New Image

Daily Mail:

New Image

D Express:

New Image

The Sun:

New Image

Daily Record:

New Image