Thirsk 2.10
THirsk 2.10 Handicap - Class 5 - 16 run - 1 mile (7 f 218 yards!) - Soft
A lot of these are fit from AW at Newcastle mainly but not a great deal of soft Flat Turf form at the trip.
At the head of the market both Ventura Rascal for Kevin Ryan whose front running style may be suited here but no experience on Soft Going and best form on Good or firmer and Irv, somewhat unlucky here last time but a horse whose running style can leave it as a hostage to fortune, both look solid and dangerous but at the likely odds I'd want to be taking them on.
At the opposite end of the market, the "rag" is Frankello who did win first time out last season off this mark, was very well backed that day and Trainer could offer "no explanation" for improved form, so probably best to watch the market for any moves and if you fancy a shrapnel bet early at 40/1 I would not put you off.
I really narrowed it down to 4 horses all I think have good chances here.
RUM RUNNER ran well over CD last time finishing well, has been placed on Soft over 10 furlongs but that last and best form is on Good or Good to Firm. It has a solid chance but rated 4th of the 4 so make of that what you will.
VOCATUS is one to "back early" I think. Some decent soft and yielding form in Ireland, best at 1 mile, slowly finding its feet over here and Mick Appleby has booked Hollie Doyle. The Hollie bandwagon may roll later so take the early price and BOG if you can for a Tracker bet.
We had no luck with the Fahey/Hanaghan runner yesterday (stone last) but I do like the profile of DUBAI ACCLAIM who has won off marks in high 60's at the trip and on soft ground, probably went to high in the handicap at mid to high 70's, is fit and back to a mark of 71 may be right back in to the handicap range to strike again.
The best each way punt i think is LITTLE JO, nicely race fit now, caught my eye last time out, has a Distance win on soft was runner up on last Course vist off a mark of 82, runs off a mark of 74 here, drawn in stall 2 so no need really to ever leave the rail and hard to find any reason not to tip it.
TIP - Little Jo / Trackers - Dubai Acclaim + Vocatus. (reserve if any n/rs Rum Runner)