May 31 / 17.15 Thirsk

17.15

Good

Sky Bet Extra Places Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £12369.6
  • 1m 4f 8y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
ITV4
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Sky Bet Extra Places Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.10
  • Place: £2.90

Form: 63140-

Last run: 204 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won a novice at Hamilton (1m, good) last July and back on the scoresheet at Ayr (1m2f, good to soft) in September on third handicap start; failed to kick on subsequently but had excuses for those two runs; there can be be optimism that 1m4f will suit; could go well in first-time tongue-tie on return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(9)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Newmarket (July)

Brielle

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Returned with a win in 1m4f Thirsk handicap (good; first-time tongue-tie) in May; creditable effort when sixth of nine in a Listed race at Pontefract (1m4f, good again) since but the reopposing Revoir was 4.5l ahead in second; improvement needed at this level.

25/1

6th

2

(2)

21st Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 1

15:05 Pontefract

Brielle

9st 2lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: David O’Meara

Stablemate of Ryka; has registered her handicap wins in Class 4, latest at Thirsk (1m4f) on reappearance when fitted with first-time tongue-tie (retained today); faces a stiffer assignment back up sharply in grade.

25/1

20/1

  • Place: £6.80

Form: 443-67 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 4lb

8 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Consistent last July-September and nicely treated on that form; however, she hasn't been at the same level on her two outings this year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(7)

29th Aug 2026

Good

1m 4f 23y

Class 5

14:20 Beverley

Valley Of Flowers

9st 11lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

She recorded the latest of her six wins when readily taking five-runner Carlisle handicap (1m3f, good) last month; not disgraced at York over an extended 2m on her next two starts and now drops back in trip and grade; acts on most ground and warrants consideration.

8/1

6th

9

(9)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

18:05 York

Valley Of Flowers

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Behind a couple of these when fourth over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago but that was still a respectable run and she won at Carlisle (1m3f, good) prior to that; went close in this race in 2024; not ruled out.

14/1

4th

6

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:20 York

Valley Of Flowers

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Five-runner race at Carlisle (1m3f) last Saturday was first win since 2023 and she's a dependable sort who finished a C&D second (twice) and fourth in July 2024 and 2025 on her only three appearances at York; going back up 5lb since Carlisle seems to pose the difficulty but she should be on the premises.

13/2

5/2

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 575-11 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
He's reappeared in rude health this year with wins under Lauren Young at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) and Hamilton (1m3f, good); beat bang-in-form stablemate last time and a 5lb higher mark might not stop this course winner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(5)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 27y

Class 3

18:15 Pontefract

Letsbefrank

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Ridden this season by Lauren Young; won at Musselburgh (1m4f) and Hamilton (1m3f) on first two starts, with a good third at Thirsk (1m4f) next time, all on good ground; shaped as if still in form in a steadily run race on latest outing; this good season (better than 2025) has been over much shorter but he did win this race on good to firm in 2024; not dismissed.

7/2

6th

10

(12)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 2

14:53 Ayr

Letsbefrank

8st 8lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

He's reappeared in rude health this year with wins under Lauren Young at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) and Hamilton (1m3f, good) before good third at Thirsk (1m4f, good) last time; he'll be fine at this longer trip, and also if slow ground prevails; could be bang there.

8/1

10/1

Form: 6-2128 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Disappointing behind Letsbefrank at Hamilton a fortnight ago but in good form otherwise this year, with two close seconds sandwiching a win at Musselburgh (1m4f, good); no surprise if he bounces back with a big performance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(9)

25th Aug 2026

Good

2m 2f 28y

Class 4

15:45 Musselburgh

Fast Fred

9st 8lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

Won here (1m4f, good) in April; beaten a head at Chester (1m4f, good) last month and again finished second at Haydock (1m6f, good) last time; ran well over an extended 2m at York last season and could be involved.

10/1

2nd

2

(8)

7th Aug 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:18 Haydock

Fast Fred

11st 2lb

J: Miss Pippa Brown

T: Phillip Makin

Winner off 4lb lower at Musselburgh in April (1m4f, good) and back to form when runner-up at Chester last time (1m4f, good); seems to stay 1m6f so could go well.

4/1

2nd

1

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 5

17:00 Chester

Fast Fred

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Phillip Makin

Drops back in trip/grade having never landed a blow in the Northumberland Vase last time; broadly consistent otherwise this term and won at Musselburgh (12.5f) in April; 4lb higher now, though.

13/2

Form: 26/5-4 D

Last run: 71 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Ran just once last year (last April) and also unable to pose a threat on her comeback at Newcastle this March; however, she's on a handy mark on her 2024 exploits and may be able to rediscover that form at some point.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

1st Aug 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

19:00 Hamilton

Cabrera

10st 4lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Edward Bethell

Out of her depth in Listed company at Pontefract (1m4f, good) 15 days ago, but suggested she retains ability after returning from another lengthy absence in March; return to a longer trip may suit and respected down in grade.

5/1

4

(1)

17th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 4

17:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Cabrera

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Edward Bethell

Hasn't won since landing a Doncaster novice in July 2024 but has been fairly consistent in handicaps; out of her depth in a Listed contest at Pontefract last time but should run her race here.

7/1

9th

3

(1)

21st Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 1

15:05 Pontefract

Cabrera

9st 2lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Edward Bethell

Has fairly useful figures but an underwhelming strike-rate and this is the most difficult task of her career (has the worst chance at the weights); fifth in the Thirsk handicap won by Brielle most recently.

40/1

Form: 1-1235 D

Last run: 58 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Two 1m4f AW wins last winter for Denis Quinn and respectable fifth of 15 at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) last month on sole run for John Ryan; however, it's a long time since he ran well on turf and has something to prove back on grass; stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(12)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:35 Epsom

Damascus Steel

11st 3lb

J: Mr Fletcher Yarham

T: Gihan Arnolda

2-4 for new stable, winning at Goodwood (1m4f, good; cheekpieces first time) before getting the better Epictetus over C&D last month; came unstuck at York in his hat-trick bid and this looks a competitive race in which to get back on track.

20/1

8th

8

(3)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

16:17 York

Damascus Steel

9st 1lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Gihan Arnolda

Represents a new trainer in excellent form and has won at Goodwood (1m4f, good) and Epsom (1m4f, good to firm) on his last two outings, proving himself better than ever; edging up the weights only gradually and in the mix again.

10/1

1st

4

(8)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

19:30 Epsom

Damascus Steel

10st 6lb

J: Miss Becky Smith

T: Gihan Arnolda

Did well on AW last winter and even better form when the cheekpieces replaced a visor at Goodwood (1m4f, good) four weeks ago, leading over 1f out to score with rather more authority than the half-length winning margin suggests; used to act on good to firm; up 3lb but firmly in the picture.

5/1

12/1

Form: -23002

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Having dropped down the weights he returned to form when runner-up off today's mark at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) recently on his second start for this yard; however, he's 5-22 on AW as opposed to 0-11 on Flat turf, and needs to back up that latest performance now back on grass.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

31st Aug 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

15:55 Downpatrick

Penzance

11st 7lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Not the force of old (one-time useful AW handicapper) but runner-up in modest maiden hurdle company three times in Britain this summer; well beaten back in handicap company at Galway earlier this month but okay fourth of eight in a Tramore maiden hurdle last time (2m1f, good to yielding); place chance.

15/1

4th

2

16th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 140y

13:45 Tramore

Penzance

11st 12lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Not the force of old (one-time useful AW handicapper) but runner-up in modest maiden hurdle company in Britain this summer at Stratford (twice) and after making most (carrying head awkwardly, hung right) at Worcester (2m, good); no show on handicap debut at Galway and back into maiden company probably with a bit to find.

10/1

11th

12

2nd Aug 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 160y

13:50 Galway

Penzance

10st 11lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Not the force of old (one-time useful Flat handicapper) but runner-up on latest three starts in modest maiden hurdle company in Britain; twice at Stratford and most recently after making most (carrying head awkwardly, hung right) at Worcester (2m, good); handicap debut and doesn't exactly appear thrown in.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 56-282 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Beaten on his last 13 starts going back to last May but he's been a good second on two of his last three starts, most recently in a big field at York (1m4f, good) this month; every chance he'll again be bang there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(10)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:35 Epsom

Great Bedwyn

11st 7lb

J: Mr Lucas Murphy

T: Richard Hannon

Yet to win this year but he has run several good races in defeat at this trip; the bulk of his racing has been on good ground or quicker so underfoot conditions could be troublesome.

12/1

3rd

4

(5)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Newbury

Great Bedwyn

9st 11lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Beaten on his last 15 starts but placed over 1m4f/1m2f in three of his five races this term; has the form for another prominent finish and is claimer ridden for the first time.

7/2

3rd

2

(1)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:30 York

Great Bedwyn

10st 2lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Beaten on his last 14 starts but he was a good second of 17 over 1m4f here (good) at the Dante meeting in May; freshened up since a disappointing effort at Thirsk six weeks ago.

8/1

40/1

Form: 5442-5

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Ran in five maidens in Ireland for Noel Meade, finishing second on the final occasion (1m4f, heavy); has also shown promise on good ground; she could improve for last month's stable/seasonal debut at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) but was soundly beaten and others have more pressing claims; a hood goes on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(10)

1st Aug 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

19:00 Hamilton

Eroico

9st 3lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

0-8; finished fourth of 15 on her third start for the yard at Carlisle (1m3f, good to firm; 50-1) last time, but was still 15l behind the winner; another 2lb drop not enough to tempt.

25/1

4th

9

(11)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 4

17:05 Carlisle

Eroico

9st 1lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

Showed ability in Irish maidens for Noel Meade but yet to get going in two starts for this yard, latterly in a hood (now removed) at Thirsk last month; this is just her third handicap but it's a tough one in which to stage a revival.

40/1

9th

11

(9)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Eroico

8st 10lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Martin Todhunter

Ran in five maidens in Ireland for Noel Meade, finishing second on the final occasion (1m4f, heavy); has also shown promise on good ground; she could improve for last month's stable/seasonal debut at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) but was soundly beaten and others have more pressing claims; a hood goes on.

40/1

12/1

Form: 230P-4 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
0-14 on turf (5-19 on AW) but he ran well when he last tackled grass in summer 2024; returned from some time off with promising fourth at Southwell (1m3f, AW) last month and can be in the mix if building on that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(1)

17th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

20:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Optician

10st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Michael Herrington

All five AW wins have been at this track, four of which were over this trip; recorded his first turf success at Doncaster in June and has run well since, which augurs well for this return to AW.

5/1

2nd

1

(5)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 5

15:15 Redcar

Optician

10st 2lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Michael Herrington

Off the mark on turf when beating five rivals at Doncaster (1m4f, good to soft) last month but he was beaten 8l when fifth of ten off this mark at York (1m4f, good to firm) 19 days ago; now drops back in trip.

4/1

5th

7

(4)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:40 York

Optician

9st 10lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Michael Herrington

Five-time AW winner who made it sixteenth time lucky on turf when seeing off five rivals over 1m4f at Doncaster (good to soft) under Conor Whiteley 26 days ago; 3lb higher in a deeper race now but the Michael Herrington stable continues in good form.

8/1

7/1

Form: 109-30

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Two novice wins last May/June (1m2f, good to firm) and back on track when third in handicap at Kempton (1m4f, AW) last month; down the field at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) since on first run since being gelded but this 4yo remains lightly raced and is not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(4)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 14y

Class 4

19:05 Chepstow

Serenity Blue

10st 1lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: James Horton

Dual novice winner last year and back to form in first-time cheekpieces when not quite getting home over 1m2f last time (runner-up won at the weekend); drops in trip with probably more to offer.

7/2

4th

3

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 4

15:45 Doncaster

Serenity Blue

10st 0lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: James Horton

Dual novice winner early last summer who's generally strugged in handicaps, including in two runs since being gelded; the drop back from 1m4f should help but this will largely come down to how he responds to first-time headgear.

10/1

11th

3

(10)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Serenity Blue

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: James Horton

Two novice wins last May/June (1m2f, good to firm) and back on track when third in handicap at Kempton (1m4f, AW) last month; down the field at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) since on first run since being gelded but this 4yo remains lightly raced and is not written off.

7/1

25/1

Form: 7448-0 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Hamilton specialist who was tailed off there on his reappearance a fortnight ago (pulled hard); hard to fancy on the back of that but it may have got the freshness out of him and he's on his last winning mark; not a forlorn hope on his first visit here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(11)

2nd Sep 2026

Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 5

17:50 Hamilton

Spanish Hustle

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Six-time course winner who is lurking on a lowly mark; 2026 campaign yet to gather any momentum but Paul Mulrennan back on board and better could be forthcoming.

16/1

5th

4

(2)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 13y

Class 5

14:15 Catterick

Spanish Hustle

10st 10lb

J: Miss Kayleigh Williams

T: Jim Goldie

9lb lower than for his Hamilton win last summer; struggling for form so far this season, however, and others bring more pressing claims.

16/1

5th

8

(1)

1st Aug 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

19:00 Hamilton

Spanish Hustle

9st 3lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Six of his eight wins have come over 1m3f/1m4f here and is 6lb lower than for the most recent, but yet to click since returning in May; dual-handed stable won this in 2022 and 2023.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £270.30
Straight Forecast £222.84
Tricast £1148.55
Trifecta £2425.60

Selections

POSTDATA:

Letsbefrank

SPOTLIGHT:

Great Bedwyn

NEWMARKET:

Serenity Blue

TOPSPEED:

Eroico

D Express:

Optician

The Times:

Serenity Blue

Telegraph:

Letsbefrank

Daily Mirror:

Letsbefrank

The Sun:

Letsbefrank

The Star:

Letsbefrank

RP RATINGS:

Great Bedwyn

Daily Record:

Great Bedwyn