This is a deep Class 2 7f handicap (0–100/105 band) and it’s full of seasoned handicappers, track specialists, and a couple of upwardly mobile types. Here’s the runner-by-runner profile set.

Bobby Bennu (IRE)

• 11 runs, 3 wins, 4 places (peak RPR 108).
• 2 wins at 7f, including here at Thirsk (RPR 98).
• Can operate in 0–105 Class 2 company, but best form in Class 3s.
• Profile: Young, still progressive at 4. Handles the track and has run 108 RPR already. Interesting improver against battle-hardened handicappers.

---

Cruyff Turn

• 49 runs, 9 wins, 5 places (peak RPR 116).
• 6 wins at 7f, thrives in summer handicaps.
• Redcar specialist, but has won here too (RPR 107).
• Profile: Old-school Class 2 7f horse, can still run to 110+. Consistent benchmark, but needs his conditions (likes a strong-run 7f on good ground).

---

Desert Falcon (IRE)

• 16 runs, 5 wins, 5 places (peak RPR 107).
• 4 wins at 7f, including Thirsk success (RPR 103).
• Profile: Reliable 7f handicapper, still lightly raced compared to others. Knows his job, handles different tracks. On the up.

---

Fine Interview (FR)

• 15 runs, 3 wins, 4 places (peak RPR 110).
• 6f winner who has stretched well to 7f.
• Best on soft/heavy; multiple 100+ RPRs in autumn.
• Profile: Ground-dependent — a big player if the rain comes, otherwise slightly vulnerable on quick.

---

Flaming Rib (IRE)

• 30 runs, 7 wins, 4 places (peak RPR 124).
• Group-class sprinter, most wins at 6f.
• Has run well at Thirsk (won once).
• Profile: Back-class Group 1 sprinter now dipping into handicaps. If sharp at 7f, he’s dangerously well treated; but hasn’t been the force of old.

---

Jayyash (FR)

• 15 runs, 2 wins, 4 places (peak RPR 100).
• Best form at 1m (RPR 98), but has 7f win.
• Profile: Useful, but more of a mid-90s handicapper. Needs a big career-best to win in this company.

---

Northern Express (IRE)

• 44 runs, 7 wins, 13 places (peak RPR 114).
• Strong York record (3 wins) and a Thirsk win (RPR 104).
• 6 wins at 7f; thrives in Class 2 handicaps.
• Profile: Rock-solid Class 2 performer. Runs to 110+ often; almost always competitive in these big northern 7f handicaps.

---

Nostrum

• 13 runs, 3 wins, 2 places (peak RPR 118).
• Group 3 winner at 1m, classy but inconsistent.
• Only one handicap try (flopped).
• Profile: On ratings, the class act. But question mark: does he fire in handicaps, or is he better in small-field Group races?

---

Persuasion (IRE)

• 47 runs, 5 wins, 15 places (peak RPR 108).
• True 7f specialist, 5 wins all at trip.
• Good record at Thirsk (1 win, 2 places, RPR 108).
• Profile: Consistent, thrives in big-field handicaps. Always dangerous at this level, especially when the pace is strong.

---

Rhythm Master (IRE)

• 37 runs, 3 wins, 10 places (peak RPR 121).
• Smart juvenile once, now a seasoned 7f–1m handicapper.
• Thirsk winner (RPR 108).
• Profile: Capable of running to 110 in big handicaps, but inconsistent. Needs luck in running.

---

Sixtygeesbaby (IRE)

• 5 runs, 2 wins (peak RPR 104).
• Progressive 3yo sprinter/miler, best form at 6f (RPR 103).
• Tried 7f once (RPR 104, respectable).
• Profile: Lightly raced and improving. This is a big ask vs. seasoned handicappers, but the unexposed profile makes him dangerous.

---

Sterling Knight

• 58 runs, 11 wins, 9 places (peak RPR 107).
• Effective at 6f/7f/1m. Won at Class 3 level.
• Hasn’t landed a big Class 2 yet but often runs to 106/107.
• Profile: Solid, honest handicapper. Rarely wins in Class 2, but always runs his race.

---

Strong Warrior

• 4 runs, 2 wins, 1 place (peak RPR 104).
• 2yo winner, progressive at 6f.
• Tried Ascot Class 1 (RPR 102) and wasn’t disgraced.
• Profile: Potential improver, but very inexperienced. Unknown in this company — could be anything.

---

Telemark (IRE)

• 14 runs, 3 wins (peak RPR 110).
• 3 wins at 7f, including Thirsk (RPR 110).
• Has run to 109/110 in handicaps, so fits perfectly here.
• Profile: Course winner, proven at level. Genuine and battle-tested.

---

Key Takeaways – Thirsk 4.08 (7f Class 2 Hcap)

• Proven Class 2 benchmarks: Cruyff Turn, Northern Express, Persuasion, Telemark.
• Back-class Group performers: Nostrum (118 peak), Flaming Rib (124 peak), Rhythm Master (121 peak).
• Improving/lighter raced angles: Bobby Bennu, Desert Falcon, Sixtygeesbaby, Strong Warrior.
• Ground watch: Fine Interview (soft needed).

👉 Initial Shortlist:

• Northern Express – rock-solid in these big-field northern handicaps.
• Telemark – proven Thirsk 7f winner, ran to 110 here.
• Bobby Bennu – younger horse still climbing.
• Sixtygeesbaby / Strong Warrior – wildcards, lightly raced, could be better than marks.
• Nostrum / Flaming Rib – danger if dropping into handicaps clicks, but risky.