13:50 Thirsk
Saturday 22 April 2017
All13:5014:2014:5515:3016:0516:4017:1517:50
Book At thirskracecourse.net For Discounted Entry Handicap (Div 1)
- 4YO plus  |  Class 5  |  6f  |  Good to Firm (Good in places, Watered)  |  11 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 13:50Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 1m 11.69s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Effective from 6f up to a 1m and made the most of a handy mark on the AW to win his last two outings in good style; creating the impression that he may still have a bit more to offer despite being set to race from a 6lb higher rating. Best form on Turf has been achieved with some give underfoot so should also enjoy the predicted conditions. No easy task under topweight but has stronger credentials than many.
Rated 86 at his best during his time with Richard Hannon but struggled to make an impact in decent company last season. Entitled to respect on the pick of his his efforts, though, and notable that he has been gelded as well as switched yards since he was last seen in action. The draw could have been kinder but his yard has won a division of this race in recent times, so he is one to monitor closely in the betting.,
Disappointing when last seen out but possible that she may have gone over the top after a busy spell last summer. Now has a bit to prove and, as her yard isn't quite firing on all cylinders just at the moment, she may be best watched just for now.
A dual C&D winner in the past and is well treated in comparison to the pick of his old form. Does tend to need at least a couple of runs to put him straight though. And having not seen a racecourse since November, he may just be sharper for the outing, so best watched this time around.
Respected but is up in trip and has a much better record on the AW surfaces than he does on turf. Also looks to face an uphill task in carrying a 6lb penalty for last week's win at Southwell. Rider's claim obviously helps on that score but others may have the edge on this surface.
Has won from a 1lb higher mark but is out of form just now and has plenty to find with Foolaad after their encounter at Newcastle last month. Needs everything to go his way.
Flew the flag for his yard back in the mists of time with a handful of wins on turf in Spain; also a C&D success to his name, so is proven under the conditions. Recent form leaves a little to be desired though.
Won a maiden on his racecourse debut but failed to replicate the performance in three attempts in handicap company last season. Should strip fitter for his recent spin at Southwell but didn't really land a telling blow and may be ready for a step up in trip. One to treat with caution just at the present time.
Set to race from 1lb lower than his last winning mark but was a disappointing favourite last time out, so needs to post a more determined effort on this occasion. But the switch to turf is now in his favour and may help him to up his game a little. One to bear in mind for an in-form yard.
Capable on his day but doesn't appear to be especially well treated on these terms. Suited by the switch to Turf but may be best watched on his debut for a new yard.
Won off a mark of 75 during his time with Marcus Tregonning, so is at least attractively weighted for his seasonal debut. However, his form dipped when he switched yards last summer and he does need to conclusively prove he still has the requisite attitude to be a leading player. Very positive jockey booking but has a bit to find with Meandmyshadow.
Non-Runners
6
(8)
Gilmer186
Weight: 9-3|Â Â Age: 6
T: B Ellison  J: T Eaves
NR
13
(4)
Round The Island188
Weight: 8-8|Â Â Age: 4
T: R M Whitaker  J: Nathan Evans
NR
Forecasts
Foolaad (3/1), Zylan (7/2), African Blessing (5/1), Compton Park (9/1), Fyrecracker (9/1), Gilmer (10/1), Classic Pursuit (12/1), Storm Trooper (12/1), Round The Island (14/1), Racquet (16/1), Alpine Dream (20/1), Meandmyshadow (33/1), Be Bold (33/1)
Topweight may not be enough of a barrier to stop FOOLAAD completing the hat-trick, as he comes into this on the back of a couple of very convincing performances. A 6lb higher mark looks fair and another bold attempt can expected. Classic Pursuit has fitness on his side and reverts to turf at a very realistic level. He rates as big danger. As does Gilmer, who's yard won this race last year, so has to be shortlisted as a contender in a pretty weak event. Support for Round The Island would also be noteworthy as he has very little to find and could easily make the frame from the foot of the handicap.
- Foolaad
- Classic Pursuit
- Gilmer
Prize Money
1st: £3,234.002nd: £962.003rd: £481.004th: £240.00
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