5f, Good ground, 4yo+, Handicap (0-85)
18 runners

A typically competitive Thirsk sprint where pace, draw and track position are likely to play a major role.

Pace & Draw Assessment

Thirsk’s straight 5f course can favour those able to secure a prominent early position. On good ground, there is often less pronounced draw bias than on softer going, but in large-field sprints it can still pay to be drawn near concentrations of pace.

Looking through the field:

Low draw pace

Mondammej (1)

Copper Knight (2)

Kinetic Force (3)

Acrisius (4)


Middle draw pace

American Bay (5)

Montezuma (8)

Changeofmind (9)

Far Above The Law (10)


High draw pace

Mon Na Slieve (16)

Woohoo (18)


The pace appears reasonably spread, though the strongest concentration may sit in the lower-to-middle stalls. That slightly favours runners drawn single figures who can race prominently.


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Race Assessment Factors

Going Suitability

Most of the principal contenders are proven on good ground.

Strong positives:

Montezuma

Kinetic Force

American Bay

Al Hussar

Far Above The Law


Field Size Suitability

Large-field sprint experience is important.

Strong:

Montezuma

Kinetic Force

Al Hussar

Far Above The Law

Mon Na Slieve


Forecast Pace Suitability

Likely to suit:

Kinetic Force

Montezuma

American Bay

Al Hussar


Possible hold-up risks:

Muker

Woohoo

Mon Na Slieve


Draw Suitability

Best positioned among principals:

Kinetic Force (3)

American Bay (5)

Montezuma (8)

Far Above The Law (10)


Slightly harder:

Mon Na Slieve (16)

Woohoo (18)


Class Suitability

Strongest recent Class 3/4 form:

Vantheman

Far Above The Law

Montezuma

Kinetic Force

Mon Na Slieve


Track Suitability

Course winners:

Kinetic Force (CD)

American Bay (CD)

Equity Law (CD)

Muker (CD)


Distance Suitability

Many are specialist 5f performers. No concerns for:

Montezuma

Kinetic Force

American Bay

Far Above The Law

Vantheman


Trainer Form

Notable:

Jim Goldie operating at 49%

Ruth Carr 49%

Kevin Ryan 44%

Tim Easterby 43%


Jockeys

Positives:

Paul Mulrennan

Joanna Mason

David Probert

Jason Hart



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Are We Weighing The Race Correctly?

This is a large-field 5f handicap, so I would increase emphasis on:

1. Pace position


2. Draw/pace interaction


3. Recent sprint form


4. Current wellbeing



I would slightly reduce emphasis on:

Historical ratings from last season

Older course form


Current speed and tactical positioning are critical over Thirsk’s minimum trip.


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Main Contenders

Kinetic Force (3) – 8.5/10 p

Progressive 4yo.

Won over C&D last month and remains relatively lightly raced for a sprinter. Drawn well, handles conditions and should get an ideal race set-up. Strong recent figures and still has scope for further improvement.

Montezuma (8) – 8.5/10 p

Excellent start to 2026 before disappointing at Hamilton.

That Hamilton effort looks too bad to be true given prior Musselburgh form. Well drawn, good pace profile and likely capable of bouncing back.

Far Above The Law (10) – 8.5/10 p

Career-best when winning a competitive Ascot sprint.

Only 4lb higher and remains lightly raced at 5f. Profile suggests further improvement possible.

American Bay (5) – 8/10

Course winner.

Consistent, well drawn and shaped well in stronger company over C&D recently. First-time cheekpieces appeared to help last time and another big run looks likely.


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Main Dangers

Vantheman (13) – 8/10

Comes here off a Class 3 Hamilton success.

Penalty makes life tougher but he’s clearly thriving and Kevin Ryan’s yard is in excellent order.

Al Hussar (11) – 7.5/10

Remarkably consistent.

Rarely runs badly and should get another solid pace to attack. Place claims again.

Mon Na Slieve (16) – 7.5/10

Strong speed ratings.

High draw not ideal but remains capable if things fall right.


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Interesting Outsiders

Woohoo (18) – 7/10

Bottom weight.

Jim Goldie yard flying. Wide draw creates complications but she’s well treated if able to secure cover.

Equity Law (6) – 7/10

Course winner who keeps running respectably in stronger races.

Each-way possibilities from a handy draw.

Copper Knight (2) – 6.5/10

Veteran but still retains ability.

Useful 7lb claimer helps and low draw could prove beneficial.


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Hold-Up / Luck-In-Running Types

These may need gaps and race circumstances:

Muker

Mon Na Slieve

Woohoo

Mondammej



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Timeform/Profile Notes

Progressive (p)

Montezuma p

Kinetic Force p

Far Above The Law p

I’m Next p


Promising (P)

No obvious P types in this field; most are established handicappers rather than unexposed sprinters.

Proven

American Bay

Vantheman

Al Hussar

Mon Na Slieve



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Runner Ratings (/10)

Kinetic Force (p) – 8.5
Montezuma (p) – 8.5
Far Above The Law (p) – 8.5
American Bay – 8.0
Vantheman – 8.0
Al Hussar – 7.5
Mon Na Slieve – 7.5
Equity Law – 7.0
Woohoo – 7.0
I’m Next (p) – 7.0
Changeofmind – 6.5
Copper Knight – 6.5
Spring Is Sprung – 6.5
Muker – 6.0
Vince L’Amour – 6.0
Acrisius – 5.5
King’s Call – 5.0
Mondammej – 4.5


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Private Tissue

Kinetic Force 8/1
Montezuma 8/1
Far Above The Law 8/1
American Bay 9/1
Vantheman 10/1
Al Hussar 10/1
Mon Na Slieve 12/1
Equity Law 14/1
Woohoo 14/1
I’m Next 16/1
Changeofmind 18/1
Copper Knight 20/1
Spring Is Sprung 20/1
Muker 22/1
Vince L’Amour 28/1
Acrisius 40/1
King’s Call 50/1
Mondammej 66/1


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Summary

This looks a very strong Class 4 sprint where recent course form, pace position and draw are likely to decide matters. Kinetic Force appeals as the most solid all-round package given his recent C&D win, favourable draw and progressive profile. Montezuma is dangerous if forgiven one poor run, while Far Above The Law arrives on the back of a strong Ascot victory and may still have more to offer.

ChatGPT Smart Plays

Win Selection: Kinetic Force (p)

Strong recent C&D form, ideal draw, pace suitability and still improving.

Second Bet: Far Above The Law (p)

Ascot win suggests he remains ahead of the handicapper and his profile is one of the most progressive in the field.

Each-Way Saver (18 runners): American Bay

Course winner, well drawn and consistently competitive in this grade. Offers solid place credentials in a race where many have questions to answer.