UK Horse Racing Tips: Thirsk

Lochaber (fourth) finished just in front of East Bank (fifth) last time at Musselburgh and those placings could remain the same, as the former was running on debut and should have learned a lot from that experience. However, with that form possibly not setting a very high standard, a chance can be taken on BELLARCHI, who makes her debut for the Grant Tuer yard. The daughter of Mehmas is bred to have speed and, if ready to go on her first start, she could go close. Invincible Tiger is another newcomer who warrants a market check.
Prediction : 1st Bellarchi 2nd Lochaber 3rd Invincible Tiger

A wide-open contest. SHOWTIME MAHOMES (second) and Bay Breeze (winner) renew rivalry from last time at Ripon with the former getting a 3lb pull in the weights on this occasion for that one-length defeat. He also encounters different conditions and that gives him every chance of reversing that form to score. Maple Jack hit the line in front over C&D on his latest outing, when holding a subsequent winner in third, and warrants plenty of respect after only being put up 4lb for that effort.
Prediction : 1st Showtime Mahomes 2nd Maple Jack 3rd Bay Breeze

BRITANNICA was only beaten two and a half lengths behind the potentially smart Prepense over this trip at Newmarket last time, which was a much-improved effort compared to his debut run and, with the potential of more to come, she could prove very difficult to beat. The main threat could be Classic Puzzle, who made a highly-encouraging introduction when only beaten a head over C&D and could get involved with normal improvement. Any market confidence behind O G Beachwear could prove significant.
Prediction : 1st Britannica 2nd Classic Puzzle 3rd O G Beachwear

GREAT STATE won well on his handicap debut over 5f at Southwell in March and he could be hard to stop, despite an 8lb rise, if transferring that form to turf. Mid Winster ran encouragingly at big odds on her return to action at Musselburgh a month ago and she merits plenty of respect, while Catch Cunningham and the unexposed Sporting Hero also make the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Great State 2nd Mid Winster 3rd Catch Cunningham

NORTHERN EXPRESS did not get the clearest of passages when fifth at Musselburgh on his seasonal return last month but that was still a very promising effort. With more luck and off a 1lb lower mark, it would be no surprise to see the five-year-old play a leading role here. Symbolize rarely runs poorly at this venue and should not be underestimated, while Autumn Festival and Austrian Theory are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Northern Express 2nd Symbolize 3rd Autumn Festival

JOIE DE VIVRE, who won over C&D last September, appeals on his first run back after wind surgery. Having worn cheekpieces that day, and sported a visor in four subsequent outings over obstacles, it's noteworthy that he races without any headgear on this occasion. However, he has previous winning form under such circumstances and gets the vote. Conversely, Wannabe Brave rates as a big threat on his first run in a visor, while Hellenista can also go well on these terms.
Prediction : 1st Joie De Vivre 2nd Wannabe Brave 3rd Hellenista

It might be worth chancing that the relatively unexposed JACK DANIEL can make a successful return after a break since December. He had corrective surgery for a wind problem last summer and, given his three subsequent performances on the all-weather were encouraging, the five-year-old could represent good value now back on turf. Fahari is open to progress and is feared most, although Sir Maxi also rates as a key player.
Prediction : 1st Fahari 2nd Jack Daniel 3rd Sir Maxi