15:40 Thirsk
Saturday 6 May 2017
All13:5514:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:25
totepool Thirsk Hunt Cup Handicap
- 4YO plus  |  Class 2  |  1m  |  Good to Firm (Watered)  |  17 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 15:43Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 1m 38.87s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Never won off a mark this high and, as all his best form has been achieved on softer ground, he has a tough task ahead. The rider's 7lb claim may not be enough to ease the burden on these terms.
Won this from a mark of 87 two years ago and went on to add to his tally off higher marks at Chester afterwards. His record when fresh isn't too inspiring, however, and he has a lot to do in his bid to have his name engraved on the cup for a second time.
Travelled the globe during his time and has been a grand servant. But he is on a long losing run and even though he was fit from a spell over hurdles, he was disappointing on his return to the Flat last month. Respected but has a lot to prove here.
His in-form yard has won two of the last ten renewals of this race, so respected for that fact alone. Also has the assistance of a promising young lad who takes a very handy 7lb off his back. Wasn't beaten far in the Irish Lincolnshire in March and has sound claims of at least going close if he can run to a similar level this time around.
Very progressive during his time with Sir Mark Prescott and continued in much the same vein during his first few starts for his current yard. However, he does now look weighted to the hilt and will need to work very hard to gain a good position from almost the worst of the draw. Tough test ahead.
Never better than mid-division in the Spring Mile at Doncaster but was obviously sharpened up by the run as he posted a much better effort over 7f at Musselburgh last month. Interesting if backed but worth bearing in mind that he has never won over this trip and isn't especially well treated from his current mark. The betting will help in terms of where he stands in the pecking order with his stablemate, Sound Advice.
Consistent and shaped with promise last time out - but does have a bit to find with Lat Hawill. First-time headgear may help, but difficult to see him holding court at the business end when all evidence is pieced together.
Last won from a mark of 95 but has a bit to prove after three modest efforts so far this term; and is hard to fancy from a unfavourable draw.
Has gone well fresh in the past but his form hit the buffers towards the end of last season; creating the impression that he needs more assistance from the assessor. Tough ask on these terms from a stiff draw.
Finished fourth on both previous visits to this course (including in last year's renewal of this race), so acts on the track and has nothing to fear from the ground. Not too badly drawn either, so worth bearing in mind if the market vibes are positive. Rider's 3lb claim also a bonus.
Yard sent out the winner of this race in 2009 but this has been a quite start to the season for them in comparison. Also debatable as to whether a mile brings this best out of this fellow and others appear to hold stronger claims.
Very consistent and looks the better option from the Kevin Ryan-trained entries; even though the draw could have been kinder. Solid as it was, he does need to up the ante after his reappearance effort in a lesser race though.
Held his own in many a similar contest and, having posted a sound effort on his reappearance at Ripon, he can be expected to strip fitter here. One for the shortlist despite still being 9lb higher than his last winning mark.
Back for a fourth attempt at this particular race and is now 12lb lower than when third behind Norse Blues in the 2013 renewal. Has posted a couple of sound efforts in preparation - notable that he finished just over 4l ahead of Rousayan when they met at Ripon last month - and would have been a stronger fancy were it not for a nightmare position in the stalls.
Only third in a much weaker race than this at Redcar last month and looks up against it from 6lb higher than her last winning mark.
Won in good style on the AW at Newcastle back in February but has been regressive since. Did win the first time he was tried in cheekpieces but very unlikely they will have the same impact this time around.
Returned with a win at Nottingham last time out; he ran on strongly near the finish and created the impression that he has more to offer. A 5lb higher mark does mean he needs to post a personal best once more but he won with authority at Colwick Park and would be dangerous to dismiss out of hand. One to bear in mind from a handy draw.
Non-Runners
9
(16)
Calvados Spirit31
Weight: 8-11|Â Â Age: 4
T: W R Muir  J: D C Costello
NR
Forecasts
Spring Offensive (13/2), Lat Hawill (7/1), Reaver (7/1), Rousayan (15/2), Mutarakez (15/2), Cote d'Azur (8/1), Heir To A Throne (10/1), Two For Two (12/1), Worlds His Oyster (12/1), Calvados Spirit (14/1), Briyouni (16/1), God Willing (20/1), Moonlightnavigator (20/1), Hidden Rebel (25/1), Stipulate (33/1), Sound Advice (33/1), Silvery Moon (33/1), Dream Walker (50/1)
Richard Fahey has hit the gates running this season and has found a suitable opening for SPRING OFFENSIVE to land himself a decent prize. His solid run at Naas last time out is a particularly strong piece of form and he will be hard to contain if he can use that as a stepping stone. Lat Hawill has often come up short over a mile but is well berthed to gain a handy position from stall one - he will be a big threat if his stamina holds out. As will Silvery Moon, who is back for another crack at this race and has his best chance at the weights for quite some time. With four places on offer, Reaver could also be worth a speculative punt to at least make frame.
- Spring Offensive
- Lat Hawill
- Silvery Moon
Prize Money
1st: £16,172.002nd: £4,812.003rd: £2,405.004th: £1,202.00
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