UK Horse Racing Tips: Thirsk

Having been narrowly denied in the Brocklesby on his racecourse debut, it might take a special performance to prevent VALADERO, who looks sure to progress, from going one better. The third did that form no harm when finishing an extremely unlucky fourth at Beverley on Wednesday, after being repeatedly short of room late on. Sergeant Wilko, akin to the selection, was just touched off on his first start and must be feared. Bombay Bazaar heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Valadero 2nd Sergeant Wilko 3rd Bombay Bazaar

Old Smoke was unfortunate not to have opened his account at Redcar last time having been denied a clear run at a crucial stage and, though he merits respect, a chance is taken on UBETTABEQUICK. Out of Wootton Bassett and a half-sister to the talented Above, who was Group 3-placed in Germany as a juvenile, the 350,000-euro purchase could be one to watch this season. Market support should be noted for Paternoster Square ahead of his debut.
Prediction : 1st Ubettabequick 2nd Old Smoke 3rd Paternoster Square

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS was caught late on in a valuable York race last August, before going on to pick up some valuable black type with a third-placed finish in Redcar's Two Year Old Trophy. A mark of 90 could be within range on his handicap debut, and he's narrowly preferred to Star Of Lady M, whose third at Goodwood last July to subsequent Prix de l'Abbaye winner The Platinum Queen reads well. Thankuappreciate has the ability to go close too.
Prediction : 1st Washington Heights 2nd Star Of Lady M 3rd Thankuappreciate

Heathen continued his winning run when scoring on his return at Wolverhampton last month, but Ed Dunlop's gelding has yet to win on the turf and he may prove worth taking on now 8lb higher in the ratings. CHILLINGHAM was quite taking when winning over C&D on his handicap debut in September and the four-year-old could prove tough to beat if ready to roll on this seasonal debut, with a 6lb rise looking more than fair. Last-time-out winner La Pulga completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Chillingham 2nd Heathen 3rd La Pulga

ESCOBAR arrives in this conditions stakes contest as the highest rated and the nine-year-old could regain the winning thread now returned to his last winning distance. Mount Athos has fitness assured and arrives in fine fettle having completed a hat-trick at Kempton last month. James Tate's colt is likely capable of better and is feared most. Spycatcher may prove more competitive in these calmer waters.
Prediction : 1st Escobar 2nd Mount Athos 3rd Spycatcher

LORD ABAMA's stamina appeared stretched by the 7f trip at Newcastle and he is fancied to go well now switched to the turf back over 6f. Maple Jack appeared to be heading in the right direction when last seen in the autumn and he may play a part if in the same form on this return. Hiya Maite certainly has a race of this nature within his compass on the pick of his form.
Prediction : 1st Lord Abama 2nd Maple Jack 3rd Hiya Maite

The value may lie with AFTER JOHN, who has been runner-up on both career runs over C&D, including in this event 12 months ago, and has paid his way on the all-weather over the winter. Iain Jardine's charge may have last won on turf in August 2020 but he is narrowly preferred to the well-handicapped Cold Stare, who ran a promising race on his return at Doncaster. Society Lion is another to consider, along with Cotai West and Kapono.
Prediction : 1st After John 2nd Cold Stare 3rd Kapono

ISLE OF DREAMS began this season at Catterick the way she ended the last - in victory - and stepping back up in trip could see her land the five-timer. Versatile in regards to the ground as well, Declan Carroll's mare can see off Redcar scorer Slainte Mhath and Quercus, who has only a length to find with the selection from when they last met. Others to note include Hurt You Never, Impressor and Merry Secret.
Prediction : 1st Isle Of Dreams 2nd Slainte Mhath 3rd Hurt You Never