Thirsk Racecourse presents its latest seven-race card on Friday afternoon, consisting of four handicaps, two novices and classified stakes race.
Read on for a preview of the Thirsk card, courtesy of Racing TV, who provide all the latest free bet offers.
We begin with an amateur jockeys’ handicap, run over a mile (2.05). Paragon makes his stable debut for Pam Sly and, usually a useful sort, could be in with a chance of a place today now down to a lower mark. Richard Fahey’s Epicurian Lad is on a workable mark now too, so is worth considering here. His rider, Jude Fernandes, rode a winner at Goodwood when last in the saddle, so the pair could be our victors here too.
Next is a mile novice for two-year-old fillies (2.35). We have only five runners here with a variety of experience; Sir Mark Prescott’s Conjecture has been the runner-up in each of her five starts so far, so is equipped with cheekpieces today in the hope she can go one better. On the flipside, we have one newcomer in the shape of Karl Burke’s Nada Two, who was an extremely expensive yearling purchase at 775,000 guineas from a high-class family. She is a serious prospect from a top yard, and might serve it up to Conjecture.
Staying with the two-year-olds, race three is another mile novice (3.05). Our three debutants are Norcross Brow, Accidental Bid and Regal Knight, but some decent form offered by those with previous experience make them easy to look past. Charlie Hills Cashbox travels a fair distance to race at Thirsk, and certainly looks to have a chance up in trip from finishing second when last seen over seven furlongs. The step up to a mile also looks positive for David O’Meara’s Saxophonist and Ed Dunlop’s Magical Merlot, so this is a really competitive-looking contest.
Race four is a six-furlong handicap (3.38). Both Sir Garfield and Dark Cloud Rising seek to make it back-to-back wins, with the latter looking the most likely to do so under Jason Hart, while It Just Takes Time could have a very solid chance too after a good performance last time out and given five pounds by his rider. Wathnan’’s Columnist is the top-rated, but appears to have lost some of his spark lately and has been sharply on the downgrade since his seasonal reappearance.
The fifth race is a seven-furlong handicap (4.08). There is lots of quality form on offer from some highly-rated horses, so this looks a proper race. Tom Clover’s Sixtygeesbaby could have a solid chance here, staying on the same mark as last time when he was third of seven at Newmarket, but steps up in class here. He should be capable for a yard in form. The very consistent Sterling Knight should not be ignored under Billy Loughnane, and there’s a similar story for course and distance winner Rhythm Master.
Second to last is a handicap run over a mile and three quarters (4.38). Both Scarlet Moon and Ancient Myth won their last starts, but the younger Scarlet Moon is the more progressive of the two and could go back-to-back here, but Coedanna might be worth a look too, up in trip for her handicap debut. These two-three-year-olds will have to work hard to get the better of these older, hardened handicappers, and Jim Goldie’s Tafsir could be the main danger.
Lastly, a six-furlong classified stakes rounds off the evening (5.08). Billy Loughnane’s ride, Crocus Time, has had some near misses this term and the booking of one of the season’s top jockeys could be the difference for him here. Queen’s Palace might be able to run for a place under Harrison Shaw.
Thirsk selections – Friday:
- 2.05 – Epicurian Lad
- 2.35 – Nada Two
- 3.05 – Saxophonist
- 3.38 – Sir Garfield
- 4.08 – Rhythm Master
- 4.38 – Tafsir
- 5.08 – Crocus Time
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