UK Horse Racing Tips: Thirsk

Indication Ember reached the frame in last month's Brocklesby and she is the obvious starting point in a race full of unknown prospects, although it might be worth taking a chance on MISS LAMAI. The daughter of Mehmas was a 115,000gns purchase and represents a yard that typically excel with their juveniles, so it would come as no surprise were she to make a winning start. Amo Racing's Li Ban is related to a trio of useful types and she is likely to prove popular, while Innocent Settler merits closer inspection too.
Prediction : 1st Miss Lamai 2nd Indication Ember 3rd Li Ban

Having struck over C&D on his debut last year, SERGEANT WILKO was highly tried thereafter and failed to make an impact. He was imperious in victory on last month's return at Newcastle, though, and despite being 7lb higher back on the grass, he could have more in the locker. Kendall Roy is 1lb out of the handicap under a 6lb penalty for his recent Windsor success but the Twilight Son gelding looks set to mount a stern challenge from a handy weight, while the consistent Moonstone Boy should not be far away.
Prediction : 1st Sergeant Wilko 2nd Kendall Roy 3rd Moonstone Boy

NEVER SO BRAVE can count himself incredibly unfortunate to have bumped into a pair of subsequent Group 1 winners when second on his two starts last season. It is perhaps a slight concern that we haven't seen him since last July but, all being well, he is the one to beat. Swift Storm was a promising third on his debut at Newcastle in October and he appeals as a likely threat, while Ghaihaban and newcomer Phoenix Of Dreams are just two others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Never So Brave 2nd Swift Storm 3rd Ghaihaban

HOLLOWAY BOY sets the standard in this contest with a rating of 109 and he was beaten into fourth in the Doncaster Mile on his return to action month, shaping as if this step back down in trip would be a good move. The Karl Burke-trained four-year-old's only victory came in the Chesham over this distance on his debut and he looks well placed to double his tally. Ramazan progressed nicely last year and his latest effort when runner-up in the Guisborough at Redcar in October puts him bang in contention, while Shartash warrants a market check on his first start for the Archie Watson yard.
Prediction : 1st Holloway Boy 2nd Ramazan 3rd Shartash

SLAINTE MHATH (third) finished a neck behind Mersea (second) on her return from a 192-day break at Catterick earlier in the month and she is 2lb better off with that rival this time around. Katie Scott's mare could strip fitter on her second start back and she can reverse that form to go two places better. As for the latter, she went on to score at Southwell last week and is likely to be on the premises once again. Music Society and Huddle Up are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Slainte Mhath 2nd Mersea 3rd Music Society

Mereside Diva got up by the smallest of margins at Redcar in October and makes her return to the fray off a 2lb higher mark, so she has to be respected. However, she could come out second best to GULLIVER, who was only denied by half a length in third at Southwell and reverts to turf on a career-low mark. David O'Meara's veteran looks to have lots in his favour to take his career victories into double digits. Hurstwood and Minnesota Lad could also have a say.
Prediction : 1st Gulliver 2nd Mereside Diva 3rd Hurstwood

FAIRBANKS improved at a rate of knots in handicap company last season, with a hat-trick of victories in the space of a little over a month. The son of Nathaniel has been gelded during his time off and is expected to have more to offer, despite this being his first run since June. Better is expected from To Catch A Thief following his below-par effort at Newcastle on New Year's Day and he enters calculations along with Kardia, who remains open to improvement on her fifth career start.
Prediction : 1st Fairbanks 2nd To Catch A Thief 3rd Kardia

STORMY PEARL took a step back in the right direction on her return to turf when runner-up over C&D last week after a couple of spins on the all-weather earlier in the year. She has gone up 2lb, but won off 1lb higher at Hamilton last July and gets the vote to go one better. Langholm went close on his first run of the season at Catterick and is capable of another decent showing, while Yazaman and Enderman complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Stormy Pearl 2nd Langholm 3rd Yazaman