UK Horse Racing Tips: Thirsk

The Grey Zebedee signed off his first campaign with an encouraging third in a Musselburgh nursery and he has been gelded during the off season. MONTALVAN has undergone the same procedure and is of slightly more interest because he showed promise on his final appearance for Willie McCreery in Ireland, and the 6,000 euros Roger Fell forked out for him subsequently could be a bargain. Willow Brook progressed on the all-weather through the winter, and Muhallab is a contender in a first-time visor on his handicap/turf debut.
Prediction : 1st Montalvan 2nd The Grey Zebedee 3rd Muhallab

Munhamek so nearly backed up his debut Kempton victory at Newcastle and looks a decent prospect. There is no reason why he won't handle the grass but will do well to successfully concede 5lb to DESERT LION. The David Simcock-trained gelding began his career with a most promising second to an 80-rated colt at Kempton and should be able to build on it. Hamish hails from the family of Vow, Beaten Up and Harris Tweed, who were all grand servants for William Haggas, so commands attention on his introduction.
Prediction : 1st Desert Lion 2nd Munhamek 3rd Hamish

Pinarella and Sussudio arguably set the form standard but with ratings of 61, the bar isn't very high so it might pay to concentrate on the newcomers. Sharp Breath, a 17,000gns daughter of Bated Breath, makes some appeal, and Followme Followyou is bred to be quick, but this can go to LUCKY NUMBER. The son of Dark Angel also has plenty of speed in his pedigree and represents a trainer who has a good strike-rate when he sends one to this venue.
Prediction : 1st Lucky Number 2nd Followme Followyou 3rd Sharp Breath

STRAWBERRY JACK deserves to get his head in front following three second placings, the most recent of which came at Beverley only on Thursday. It is possible he could go up again for that performance so George Scott is wise to get him out again quickly and he is preferred to Wall Of Sapphire, who made a successful switch to turf at Windsor. Perfecimperfection didn't get the rub of the green at the same track a week earlier but still did well for third, with Curfewed and George Mallory closely matched on Pontefract form, and Creek Island another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Strawberry Jack 2nd Wall Of Sapphire 3rd Perfecimperfection

PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH has been a revelation since having a wind operation, winning over C&D before successfully dropping to the minimum at Musselburgh, and although he has risen a total of 10lb already this season, he remains well treated compared to his career-best figures. Wrenthorpe acquitted himself well when favourite for his comeback at Ripon and any rain will help him. Dalton was a model of consistency in competitive sprints throughout 2018, with Orion's Bow another who could play a part on his return to action.
Prediction : 1st Pennsylvania Dutch 2nd Wrenthorpe 3rd Dalton

Subliminal and Nevada have been paying their way on the all-weather, although the latter is the only one of the pair who is proven on this surface. Richard Strauss enjoyed a relatively successful hurdling stint towards the end of last year and remains on a fair mark in this sphere, but DUKE OF ALBA gets the nod because he has given favourite-backers a run for their money the last twice and his turn is surely imminent. Buckland Boy is worth a mention as well.
Prediction : 1st Duke Of Alba 2nd Nevada 3rd Richard Strauss

All of these have something to prove so only a tentative vote goes to PROCEEDING, who has the most scope for improvement, arriving on the back of just three maiden/novice outings, the most recent of which resulted in a pleasing Newcastle third. A busy second half of 2018 probably took its toll on Kodicat when she was last sighted, but she has been freshened up. C&D winner Forever A Lady has a visor fitted for her reappearance, with the shortlist completed by Naples Bay on his first start for Katie Scott.
Prediction : 1st Proceeding 2nd Kodicat 3rd Forever A Lady