Pace Angles: Likely honest tempo with several midfield-to-prominent types; no guaranteed front-runner, but High On Hope, Anthropologist, and Fire Flame should be handy.
Draw Angles: Historically even at Thirsk over 7f on good to firm, but middle-to-high draws (stalls 6–10) marginally favoured in large fields.

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Strongest Contenders, Main Dangers & Interesting Outsiders

Strongest Contenders:

• Mystical Storm (Julie Camacho) – Proven at this level, highly consistent profile (RPRs: 88-86-80) post-wind surgery. Good York run last time (4th/16) from poor draw; likely to go close if pace holds up. Suited by distance/surface/draw.
• High On Hope (Michael Appleby) – Proven and consistent, albeit slightly frustrating. Five seconds from seven runs this year, including a close one behind Dapper Gee Gee at Chepstow. Solid ratings (85–86–86); another near-miss possible but hard to rule out.
• Anthropologist (Charlie Johnston) – Progressive since cheekpieces applied. Strong run at Haydock two starts back (88 RPR), form franked. Yard in form (10-52 last 14 days), draws well. Drop to 7f looks ideal.

Main Dangers:

• Far Ahead (Richard Fahey) – Promising profile. Won well two back at Catterick (RPR 87), excuses since at York in stronger company. Should appreciate return to 7f and class drop. Draw fine, but still unexposed.
• Annsar (Jack Jones) – Unproven at this level, but interesting on early Lingfield form (RPR 89) and back at 7f. Trainer 1–2 last 14 days, strong strike rate. Likely to be held up – hold-up risk noted.
• Arbitration (K R Burke) – Shaped well at Musselburgh (84) and has a higher ceiling (best RPR 89). No pace pressure on front; could get soft lead. Lightly raced.

Interesting Outsiders:

• Empire Power (Tim Easterby) – Lightly raced filly from a top pedigree (by Frankel). Best run came latest (RPR 85). Draw in 10 is workable, and looks a likely improver.
• Fire Flame (Roger Varian) – Big-priced type with talent. Only one turf run after a promising AW maiden. Poorly placed at Nottingham last time. Trainer in form (RTF 67%); potential “go day” on 3rd handicap run – market watch essential.

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Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:

• Mystical Storm: 9/10 – Suited by trip, going, and track. Solid form and improving since wind op.
• High On Hope: 8/10 – Very consistent; lacks tactical speed but always runs his race. Draw positive.
• Anthropologist: 8/10 – In form and tactically versatile. Cheekpieces key. Looks fairly weighted.
• Far Ahead: 7/10 – Good win two back; York form excusable. Draw fine. Unexposed and with upside.
• Annsar: 7/10 – Bounce back possible; if excuses taken for recent form, dangerous. Needs pace.
• Arbitration: 7/10 – Stays 7f well; drying ground suits; drawn well. Can surprise.
• Empire Power: 6/10 – Lightly raced; profile progressive. Big ask but interesting.
• Fire Flame: 6/10 – Strongly bred, but hard to trust after Nott. run. Third handicap start = market key.
• Panelli: 5/10 – Not straightforward; best form looks trip-dependent and likely prefers further.
• Jamaican Storm: 5/10 – Little tactical speed; RPRs fair but doesn’t finish his races strongly.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.

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Each-Way Angles (11 runners):

• Empire Power – light profile, progressive filly, drawn well, each-way angle if 12/1+
• Arbitration – well drawn, pace to suit, bit of hidden merit in Musselburgh run

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Private Tissue Estimate (Fair Odds):

• Mystical Storm – 3/1
• High On Hope – 9/2
• Anthropologist – 5/1
• Far Ahead – 13/2
• Annsar – 7/1
• Arbitration – 8/1
• Empire Power – 12/1
• Fire Flame – 14/1
• Panelli – 16/1
• Jamaican Storm – 20/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary + Professional Punter View

This 3yo-only Class 4 at Thirsk has depth and several strong form lines converging. The tempo should be fair, with multiple runners holding prominent positions. There’s a touch of class about Mystical Storm, who’s found consistency since his wind op and ran a strong fourth last time from a poor draw. He’s drawn to attack now and looks well-suited.

High On Hope remains a perennial placegetter but deserves respect again, while Anthropologist is the value improver on recent figures with conditions to suit. The dark horses are Empire Power (unexposed filly) and Arbitration, who could dominate from the front.

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Smart Play:

• Win Selection: Mystical Storm – consistent, proven, drawn to track leaders, ticks all boxes
• Each-Way Saver: Arbitration – could get tactical control, race looks to set up nicely if unchallenged