Cliff Stud Thirsk Hunt Cup This Saturday Novice Stakes

Off time: 17:43 | Winning time: 1m 38.25s

(6)

Munhamek¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: A Mullen| T: I Furtado

9/2

AW winner at Kempton on debut in March over 7f, since finished second at Newcastle. Likely to keep progressing now switched to turf.

Form: 12

(2)

Desert Lion³³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: J Fanning| T: D M Simcock

10/11

Found only one too good on debut at Kempton over 1m last month, Lope De Vega gelding rates a likely improver and respected here.

Form: 2

(5)

Hamish

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: D Tudhope| T: W J Haggas

11/2

Motivator gelding is bred for further than this but commands plenty respect on debut for the in-form William Haggas team.

Form:

(3)

Noble Prospector²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey

12/1

Stayed on for fourth in Leicester debut (7f, good) and should have a bit more to offer with experience banked. Improver.

Form: 4

(4)

Transpennine Gold¹⁴⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: P Mulrennan| T: M Dods

80/1

Well beaten on AW bow at Newcastle in December and major shock should he have improved enough to land this.

Form: 6-

(1)

Beautiful Gesture¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: B A Curtis| T: K R Burke

13/2

Finished third here in a mile novice contest on reappearance and wasn't without support in the betting. Interesting to see if confidence is maintained.

Form: 5-3

Forecasts

Desert Lion (10/11), Munhamek (9/2), Hamish (11/2), Beautiful Gesture (13/2), Noble Prospector (12/1), Transpennine Gold (80/1)

DESERT LION found only a decent sort too good on his first start on the AW at Kempton and any improvement will make him hard to hold here, especially given that he receives 5lb from main danger Munhamek. Beautiful Gesture is the best of the rest with form while Hamish is an interesting newcomer.