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

10th

4

(11)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 0f 100y

Class 4

15:20 Beverley

Hot Cash

9st 7lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Jack Channon

Possible to excuse his last two efforts and was running well in defeat before that; 2lb lower than when successful at Carlisle (7.7f, soft) in June last year and, with the likely conditions not an issue, he makes the shortlist.

7/1

10th

1

(14)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Hot Cash

10st 2lb

J: Rose Dawes

T: Jack Channon

Fairly useful 1m winner in 2025; back on track when runner-up in handicaps (around 1m) at Thirsk and Epsom this summer but only eighth at Sandown (1m) last time; needs to bounce back.

7/1

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

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

8th

2

(12)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

15:12 Redcar

Frankies Dream

10st 2lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Jennie Candlish

Placed off marks slightly higher than today's four consecutive times in May/June, the last twice at York (1m1f/1m, good); not quite at same level on last two outings but still enters calculations.

10/1

8th

11

(11)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Frankies Dream

8st 4lb

J: William Pyle

T: Jennie Candlish

Twice close up in big-field handicaps at York (1m1f/1m, good) last month before fading when upped to 10.2f there (good to firm) a fortnight ago, when he failed to settle; could be a contender back down in trip.

14/1

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

1st

3

(2)

13th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:41 Windsor

City Of Poets

9st 13lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: James Tate

Both handicap wins have come by narrow margins at Class 3 level and it was a deep Class 2 in which he made no impact last time at Sandown; he's not handicapped out of it if he stays this longer distance (unraced beyond 8.6f).

5/1

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

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

3rd

9

(7)

20th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

17:20 York

Oolong Poobong

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Edward Bethell

Unraced on ground slower than good; landed a handicap at Haydock (7f) last May in convincing style before a good fourth in the Sandringham (1m); returned from 11 months off with a solid fifth of 13 at Thirsk (1m; first-time tongue-tie) in May but well beaten since in the Kensington Palace back at Royal Ascot (1m); drops back in trip, needing to bounce back.

18/1

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

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

5th

4

(3)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ripon

Mr Professor

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Fresher than most, having raced just twice this term, runner-up on AW last time; attractively treated on peak form, which includes a success off 5lb higher in the 2024 Lincoln on soft ground.

5/1

2nd

2

(7)

19th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Mr Professor

10st 4lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

The most recent of his five wins came in the 2024 Lincoln on soft; left the impression his first start for 324 days was needed when sixth of 13 at Thirsk (1m, good) on his stable debut in May but this C&D winner has been off again since.

12/1

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

2

(2)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 3

13:40 Beverley

Impartiality

9st 12lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Phillip Makin

Probably on a high enough mark but he's gone close in last two races and travelled much the best last time at Hamilton (1m1f, good); he'll enjoy this softer ground; considered.

4/1

2nd

5

(13)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 3

19:00 Hamilton

Impartiality

9st 12lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Phillip Makin

Winner of his first three starts in 2025, including here over 8.5f (good), and also went close on heavy ground at Goodwood (1m; first-time cheekpieces) last July; below his best on his first two starts this year but bounced back when runner-up at Chester (1m2f, good to soft) in June; contender.

11/1

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

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

6th

6

(10)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

1m 0f 100y

Class 4

15:20 Beverley

Count Palatine

9st 5lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Versatile ground-wise and comes into this off the back of a narrow success at Carlisle (7f, good to soft) 11 days ago; only 3lb higher but he may be better over a furlong shorter.

6/1

1st

4

(8)

19th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 195y

Class 4

16:20 Carlisle

Count Palatine

9st 7lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Versatile ground-wise and all four wins have been at 7f on turf; his mixed record this season but he wasn't beaten far at Ayr (1m) last time and is now only 1lb higher than for his last success; not ruled out back in trip.

10/1

6th

8

(6)

8th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Ayr

Count Palatine

9st 3lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

All four wins have been at 7f but he hasn't had many chances at this trip, over which he ran third on his penultimate start at Carlisle; had a break since a bad run in June and has possibilities.

16/1

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

10th

11

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Newcastle (AW)

Empirestateofmind

9st 1lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: John & Sean Quinn

A fair 1m1f winner in 2025 but arrives out of sorts, beating one in 1m handicap at Pontefract eight days ago; others are preferred.

40/1

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

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

6th

4

(11)

15th Aug 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Ripon

Capital Guarantee

9st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Back to winning ways at Thirsk (1m, good to firm) last month; only sixth off this mark at Redcar last Saturday but the fact he won this race off 2lb higher last year provides hope; draw could have been kinder.

16/1

6th

3

(10)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

15:12 Redcar

Capital Guarantee

10st 1lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Not quite at best this season but exploited some help from the handicapper when winning narrowly at Thirsk (1m, good to firm) last month and ought to remain competitive after going back up 4lb.

7/1

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

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

8th

10

(10)

27th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

New Image

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Michael Herrington

2-2 here (5f/7f), but remains unexposed on the AW after just four outings; not at his best on turf lately, but the return here makes him worth a second look on stable debut (same owners).

12/1

5th

6

(3)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

15:34 Haydock

New Image

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David O’Meara

Reappeared with close third at Redcar in April but hasn't built on it, including last of 15 at Thirsk last weekend; hopes are pinned on a first-time visor having a revitalising effect with Oisin Murphy taking the reins.

10/1

15th

9

(11)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:47 Thirsk

New Image

9st 3lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won four times in 2024; just two runs last year and reappeared this April with close third at Redcar; down to a dangerous mark but he hasn't really shone on his last four starts and has to turn things around.

10/1

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