8.10 Thirsk – Family Day Friday 29th August Book Now Handicap (Class 6, 1m4f8y)

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Race Title and Conditions + Pace Angles + Draw Angles:

8.10 Thirsk – Family Day Friday 29th August Book Now Handicap (Class 6)
1m 4f 8y | 3yo+ | Rated 46-65 | Ground: Good to Firm
Likely Pace: Even to strongMade All has led or pressed in multiple recent runs, while Arranmore and Prince Achille may also push forward.
Draw Angle: Low to mid draws (Stalls 1-5) typically favoured over this trip when pace pressure is moderate-to-high. Slight edge to Masekela (2) and Prince Achille (3).


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

Strongest Contenders:

  • Arundel (Progressive) – Lightly raced 3yo who’s run to identical RPRs of 68 the last twice at Class 5 level. Stepping up to 1m4f looks ideal given his finishing effort and stout pedigree. 1m2f form of 212 suggests consistency and upside. A 3lb rise for his Ponte win doesn’t look harsh. Drawn 7 is fine with mid-pack style in a field lacking dominant closers.
  • Made All (Proven) – In consistent form since joining Sam England, including two wins and multiple placings over 1m4f+. Narrowly beaten under penalty last time at Musselburgh when favourite. Tends to race prominently and responds well under pressure. Drawn 5, he should be able to adopt his usual forward role.

Main Dangers:

  • Masekela (Well-handicapped) – Former 108-rated in his youth. Recent runs suggest he still retains ability – he’s been finishing his races off with promise and has dropped to a mark from which he can win. Handles Thirsk and today’s conditions. Clear eyecatcher at Hamilton (2576) and not disgraced in stronger York/Ripon events. Drawn 2 and ridden by David Allan again – interesting.
  • Prince Achille (Inconsistent) – Best efforts have come at 10f and earlier in season, but shaped well at Beverley (2044) and is 1lb lower than when winning over C&D in November. One-paced in recent runs but small-field setups haven’t helped. Hold-up style risky, but fitter now and drawn 3.

Interesting Outsiders:

  • Arranmore (Unreliable) – Snapped long losing streak on the AW latest (5611) and has form over further. Not the type to follow up reliably, but is a C&D scorer and back down to a mark he can be effective from. Drawn 1 – if he jumps and holds a spot, could run into minor money.
  • Highfield Comrade (Unexposed 3yo) – Just four runs and shaped adequately at Carlisle when sixth of ten over 1m3f. Pedigree suggests this trip will suit better than previous sharp 7f/1m tests. Trainer/jockey combo going well. Could be a big improver if stamina unlocks more.

Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:

  • Arundel: 8.5/10 – Suited by the trip, going, and profile is upwardly mobile. Handles good ground.
  • Made All: 8/10 – Track/trip ideal, reliable yard and tactics; well-handicapped if not over-raced.
  • Masekela: 7.5/10 – Down to winning mark, shaping well in deeper races. “Go day” signals are flashing.
  • Prince Achille: 7/10 – Hard to catch right, but conditions suit. Needs race to pan out for closers.
  • Arranmore: 6/10 – Not trustworthy but placed here before. Minor place claims at best.
  • Wait And Hope: 5.5/10 – Backed up win with solid effort; doesn’t entirely convince at 1m4f.
  • Highfield Comrade: 6.5/10 – 3yo wildcard, stamina angle interesting. Watch for market support.

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.


Each-Way Angles (8 Runners)

With 8 runners, each-way value exists.

  • Masekela and Highfield Comrade are both interesting each-way angles depending on market shape.

Private Tissue Estimate:

  • Arundel – 3/1
  • Made All – 7/2
  • Masekela – 9/2
  • Prince Achille – 13/2
  • Highfield Comrade – 8/1
  • Arranmore – 10/1
  • Wait And Hope – 12/1
  • Others – 16/1+

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play):

A trappy Class 6 handicap, but with several running from attractive marks and one well-bred improver stepping up in trip. Arundel appeals most as a progressive 3yo now tackling 1m4f for the first time – his strong finishes over 10f hint this is exactly what he needs. Made All looks solid and may control things from the front, while Masekela is dangerous if the race falls right.


Smart Play:

  • Win Selection: Arundel – Progressive 3yo with the right profile for this step up in trip.
  • Each-Way Saver: Masekela – Down to a winnable mark, tactical setup ideal, and stable in form.

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