UK Horse Racing Tips: Thirsk

The debut run at Ascot from JE NE SAIS QUOI was solid enough on face value, but given the winner franked the form in good style at Carlisle last Thursday, this daughter of Dandy Man, looks the pick of the bunch at this early stage of their development. Barg represents a yard that has hit the ground running with its juveniles and he is another to monitor closely in the betting, while Latama and Macarone also appeal based on pedigree.
Prediction : 1st Je Ne Sais Quoi 2nd Barg 3rd Latama

The unbeaten Tyndrum Gold is highly respected on his reappearance/turf debut. However, he shoulders a double penalty and he will need to be well above average to give so much weight away after an 180-day absence. Therefore, it might be worth putting a small investment on RAJINDRI being able to take a step forward from a promising second at Beverley last month. She gets weight from the rest and her turf experience could be vital. Dora Milaje is also considered.
Prediction : 1st Rajindri 2nd Tyndrum Gold 3rd Dora Milaje

DIAMOND HAZE, who won last year's corresponding race off 1lb higher, strikes as a likely candidate to give his all in his bid to gain back-to-back wins. Assuming he breaks on better terms than on his latest outing, the five-year-old has a lot going for him and looks worth another chance. Menelaus has also shown a liking for this course and is feared most, while Rocket Rod and Langton Wold also have something to offer.
Prediction : 1st Diamond Haze 2nd Menelaus 3rd Rocket Rod

Only narrowly denied over an extended 5f at Wetherby last month, a 2lb raised mark looks unlikely to stop HAIL SEZER being in the mix and Geoffrey Harker's six-year-old appears the one to beat. He was denied a clear run during the aforementioned contest and the fact he stayed on well suggests a marginally stiffer stamina test can suit here. Patontheback is respected following a close second at Newcastle in April, while Barney's Bay is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Hail Sezer 2nd Patontheback 3rd Barneys Bay

Lady Rascal recorded a staying-on success in a classified stakes at Salisbury last month, but the daughter of Nathaniel was beaten seven lengths at Newbury off a 5lb lower mark on her penultimate run. Therefore, the vote goes to handicap debutant FOLK STAR. Her dam won a Grade 1 in America over 1m 2f and was only narrowly denied in the Lillie Langtry during her career, so David Simcock's inmate looks set to progress up in distance. The grade-dropping Fox Flame completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Folk Star 2nd Lady Rascal 3rd Fox Flame

PURPLE ICE justified favouritism when getting up to lead in the dying strides at Newcastle last month and he looks capable of shrugging off a 2lb rise back on turf. C&D winner Bollin Margaret returned to form when denied by a neck at Redcar last Monday and she is feared most. Jamih and Visitant arrive in fair form and can't be discounted either.
Prediction : 1st Purple Ice 2nd Bollin Margaret 3rd Jamih

CRIME FICTION responded well to first-time cheekpieces when coming from the rear to triumph at Musselburgh last month and Adrian Nicholls' filly looks to have been found a suitable opportunity to complete a double, with a 2lb nudge in the ratings more than fair. Exceed remains a maiden after eight appearances, but he can't be discounted in his current form. Cheyenne Nation and Desert Illusion make most appeal of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Crime Fiction 2nd Exceed 3rd Cheyenne Nation