14:15 ThirskTue 4 Apr 7f Mdn Stks

In this race, I would give my top pick to Liberalist, who has shown promise in both of her starts as a juvenile, particularly when third at Newmarket on soft ground. With the potential for further improvement, she could take this race. My second pick would be Anjo Bonita, who placed on four of her five starts last season, including on soft ground, and has a solid chance of being in the mix once again. Lastly, I would consider Congruent, who improved on her debut to finish fourth in a moderately run 1m novice at Newcastle last month and could step up further on her turf debut.

As for the other horses, Classic Puzzle has a good pedigree but may need the run, while Greek Siren has a bit to find with Anjo Bonita based on their form at Beverley last season. Heerbegood is a half-sister to a 6f AW winner and could improve on her debut run with a tongue-tie on, but Tamay Girl has struggled in her two starts to date and may need more time to develop.

14:45 ThirskTue 4 Apr 5f Mdn Stks

Aclaim To Fame has a good pedigree, being a half-sister to several winners, but her dam was only a temperamental maiden, and her stable isn’t known for first-time-out winners. Loveliest is a rare newcomer for her stable, but her pedigree suggests she may need more experience before she can be competitive. Bangles Joe has a decent pedigree, and although he might find 5f a bit sharp, he doesn’t need to be anything special to get competitive on debut.

Chattel Village has been off the track for a while and returns with cheekpieces tried. He has placed on consecutive starts last spring but disappointed in three subsequent outings. Lady Pascha has had only one start and finished fourth of six at Redcar. She will need to improve to be competitive here. Rwenearlytheredad has a pedigree that suggests he can do well, but he is yet to show it on the track.

Gemini Star made a promising debut when second of four at Haydock in October and could be the one to beat in this uncompetitive race. Stella Blue ran well on debut at Beverley a year ago and looked like a future winner. Her subsequent AW runs have been underwhelming, but a switch back to turf could be what she needs to get back on track. Victory Flagship is a half-brother to a 2yo winner and his dam is a winner up to 6f. With his stable running three in this race, the market could reveal some clues.

Based on the above, my top three picks for this race are Gemini Star, Stella Blue, and Victory Flagship. Gemini Star has shown promise and could improve on her debut, while Stella Blue could benefit from a switch back to turf. Victory Flagship has a decent pedigree, and his stable running three in this race suggests he could be ready to run a big race.

15:15 ThirskTue 4 Apr 1m4f Hcap

This is a weak race with few horses having shown much ability, so it’s hard to be too confident about any selection. Edwina Sheeran showed some promise last time out and may benefit from the addition of cheekpieces, so she is tentatively selected as the top pick. Stelios has been in decent form on the all-weather and could be in the mix now switching to turf and up in trip. Philos has been running creditably in handicaps and is another to consider with a lower weight, especially back on turf.

15:45 ThirskTue 4 Apr 7f Hcap

In this race, Martin’s Brig appears to be a solid contender given his good form over 7f, having won three of his last five attempts, including a win at Carlisle on good to firm ground and on the AW in December. He is in form, having finished a good second at Newcastle 43 days ago and should not be overlooked.

Miss Calculation is another horse to consider. She has improved since her only run in a 7f turf handicap, finishing third of 18 at Redcar in October (good to soft), and has since won a race at Wolverhampton in January. Despite not having things go her way in her last two starts, she can be expected to carry her AW form back to the turf and is a definite threat.

Brunello Breeze, off 5lb lower and with Ben Curtis on board, can also make a bold show after his close finish over 7f on reappearance at Haydock in May (good to soft). With the potential to produce his best performance yet, he should be closely watched in the market.

In summary, Martin’s Brig, Miss Calculation and Brunello Breeze are my top three picks for this race, as they have good form over 7f, are in decent form, and have the potential to improve.

16:15 ThirskTue 4 Apr 7f Hcap

Darbucks has shown good form over 7f and 1m in the past, including a win at Wetherby on good ground. He’s been running well on the AW recently and looks to have a good chance on his return to turf.

Hoots Toots ended last season with two wins over 1m on the AW, and while this is his first run over 7f, he’s bred to handle the conditions and has shown form on soft ground before. His siblings have also gone well on their reappearance, so he’s one to consider.

Spartakos has a good recent record over 7f on good to soft or soft ground, winning three of his last five starts under those conditions. He’s on a winning mark and has a good chance in this race.

Of the others, Little Ted is a course winner who is on a good mark, but he hasn’t shone on his last few reappearances. Ginato has struggled on turf recently, while Kittybrewster needs to show more to be competitive in this race. Positive Force and Sir Dotti are both maidens who are hard to fancy.

Overall, my top three picks for this race are Darbucks, Hoots Toots, and Spartakos, in that order. Darbucks looks to have solid form and should go well on his return to turf, while Hoots Toots is a progressive sort who is worth considering in these conditions. Spartakos has a good record over this distance and ground and should be a major player in this race.

16:45 ThirskTue 4 Apr 5f Hcap

In this race, it appears that there are a number of lightly-raced horses who are still improving and have the potential to be involved in the finish. Based on their past performances, physical attributes, and other relevant factors, my top 3 horses are as follows:

1. Debydinks – This filly has shown some good form on the AW recently, with a creditable second at Newcastle last time out. She has the potential to improve further back on turf and looks to have a good chance of winning this race.
2. Holly Blackmore – This filly has run well on the AW in her three starts so far and has shown good speed. She is related to turf winners and should take well to the surface. With only three starts to her name, she has the potential to improve and could be a major player here.
3. Fortunate Star – Making his handicap debut, this colt showed some promise in three maiden races last year. He has been off for six months, but he should be fit and ready to go and could improve now in handicaps.

Of the others, Teresa Grace and Bedazzling are also worthy of consideration, while the remaining horses may find this race too tough.

17:15 ThirskTue 4 Apr 1m4f Hcap

Fen Tiger stands out as the most likely winner of this race. He won three times over this trip last season, including on heavy ground at Leicester on his final start. Although he lacks a recent run and begins the year on a career-high mark, he should be fit enough to run a big race.

Poster Child and Forgetmenotblue are two other contenders. Poster Child has been competitive in his three starts for this yard, including a runner-up finish over C&D in May 2021. He handles soft ground and has a shout if fully tuned up after a break. Forgetmenotblue is a 12-race maiden but has been in the frame on all four starts this season, and she acts on soft ground.

Other horses to consider include Purple Ice, who showed promise over 7f/1m on turf last season and has run creditably with cheekpieces over 1m4f on the AW. She was not beaten far when last of eight at Southwell on her reappearance last month and should be all the better for that run. Marbuzet, who won twice with blinkers last season, including over 1m6f here (good), and Visitant, who won over 1m2f at Newcastle in January and is just as effective at 1m4f, are also possible each-way contenders.

My top three for this race would be Fen Tiger, Poster Child, and Forgetmenotblue, in that order. Fen Tiger has the strongest form in the book and is proven over this trip and on soft ground. Poster Child is consistent and should be thereabouts if fully fit after a break, while Forgetmenotblue is improving and could be a surprise package.

17:45 ThirskTue 4 Apr 5f Hcap

In this race, there are a number of horses with chances, but the following three stand out:

1. Tantastic: Took a step in the right direction when finishing fourth of 10 in a handicap at Doncaster two days ago. He is now dropping in grade and could be in the mix off an unchanged mark.
2. Astapor: Returned to form after five months off with a respectable fifth of 11 in a handicap at Wolverhampton 29 days ago. He could make his presence felt again here.
3. Rockley Point: He is a recent winner on the all-weather at Newcastle over 5f in March and has won on soft ground before. Although he faded to fifth of 10 at Wolverhampton last week, he is still firmly in the picture.

Of the others, Freedom Flyer ran well last time out and can be in the mix again, while Gullane One is also worth considering given his course form. Captain Corcoran and Latin Five are both capable of better than their recent performances suggest and shouldn’t be ruled out completely.

Overall, Tantastic, Astapor, and Rockley Point look to have the strongest claims in the race.