Race Title and Conditions + Pace Angles + Draw Angles

Race: 7.40 Ray & Eileen Mclean Memorial Handicap
Class & Conditions: Class 5, 4yo+, 0-68 Handicap, 7f 218y (1m), Good to Firm
Pace Scenario: Even pace anticipated, with multiple pressers (Hostelry, Jez Bomb, Without Delay) and limited pure front-runners.
Draw Angle: Low/middle draws historically perform well over this trip at Thirsk on fast ground. Stalls 1–4 are slightly favoured, particularly with prominent runners.

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Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders + Trends/Timeform Comments

Strongest Contender: HOSTELRY (Proven)
In career-best form aged 8, with 4 wins in 2025, including a decisive success at Carlisle. Proven over C&D, surface, and grade. Stays the trip strongly and is racing off her correct mark despite recent form. Solid hold-up style may need luck from a mid-range draw (stall 7), but she has a sharp turn of foot in small fields. Tactically suited if they go an even pace.

Timeform: “Further success might be in the offing.”

Main Danger: JEZ BOMB (Progressive)
Thriving this summer with consistent efforts at Class 5/6 level. Responded well to cheekpieces last time and has run two strong RPR 79s. Front-runner from a neutral draw (stall 5), can dominate or stalk. Peak TFRs align with efficient energy usage, and he’s tactically versatile. Only concern is 4lb higher mark now.

Interesting Outsider: WITHOUT DELAY (Proven, track specialist)
All 3 turf wins over this C&D. 3-5 over course and distance. Well drawn in stall 2, best when prominent, and now back to her last winning mark. Recent win at Catterick franked by the runner-up. Inconsistent but worth noting due to clear suitability to conditions.

Lurking Danger: CLEAR ANGEL (Class Dropper, Regressive)
Slipping in weights and hinted at a revival when 3rd at Haydock (RPR 77). Well-handicapped on old form (rated 78 last season), but hasn’t won since 2022. Firm ground is a question, but stall 6 is okay if he gets cover.

Each-Way Value: ELECTRIC AVENUE (Lightly Raced, Respected)
Patchy but won off a similar mark at Redcar in May. Ran well in defeat latest. Solid sectionals suggest she can be competitive if settling better. Stamina for the 8f trip looks ideal and draw in stall 4 helps.

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Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

• Hostelry: 9/10 – Proven C&D, in top form, well-handicapped. Will need gaps to open but very solid.
• Jez Bomb: 8/10 – Consistent and progressive, could control tempo. Solid for frame again.
• Without Delay: 7/10 – C&D specialist, track and trip ideal. Draw and pace scenario suit.
• Clear Angel: 6/10 – Well-handicapped and has hinted at revival, but firm ground a question.
• Electric Avenue: 6/10 – Some upside, needs pace to run at, but capable if she travels.
• Bernalda: 5/10 – Lightly raced but regressive profile. May want 10f.
• Biplane: 5/10 – Runner-up at this level, best on slower surfaces, but form mixed.
• Carolus Magnus: 4/10 – On steep decline, showing little despite class drop.
• Without Delay: 7/10 – Won over C&D, may go well again at a price.

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 (8+ runners)

With 10 runners declared, WITHOUT DELAY (stall 2, C&D specialist) and ELECTRIC AVENUE (well-drawn, mild upside) offer potential each-way value at likely double-figure odds.

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Private Tissue Estimate (Fair Odds Based on Profile & Data)

• Hostelry – 3/1
• Jez Bomb – 9/2
• Without Delay – 7/1
• Clear Angel – 8/1
• Electric Avenue – 10/1
• Bernalda – 12/1
• Biplane – 14/1
• Carolus Magnus – 20/1
• Others – 20/1+

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play)

This is a well-contested mid-summer handicap where fitness, form, and tactical speed will prove crucial. Hostelry sets a strong standard off her current mark and looks to extend an excellent season. Jez Bomb remains on the up and could get the run of the race. Without Delay is the “go day” profile runner with the strongest C&D credentials.

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Smart Play

• Win Selection: HOSTELRY – Super consistent, well in on balance, and tactically well suited.
• Each-Way Saver: WITHOUT DELAY – Back at ideal C&D, drawn to attack, and in good form