UK Horse Racing Tips: Thirsk

Boston Dan has progressed with each of his three career starts, most recently finishing second at Ripon, and he sets the standard for others to aim at. Rikki Tiki Tavi failed to build on his debut effort when only fourth at Ayr, and it might be best to side with THE LOST SOCK. Roger Varian's colt showed ability when third on his introduction at Nottingham last month and could find the improvement required.
Prediction : 1st The Lost Sock 2nd Boston Dan 3rd Rikki Tiki Tavi

ZEUS OLYMPIOS justified short odds to make a winning debut at Kempton in January and is likely to have plenty of improvement in him. The son of Night Of Thunder will relish this extra furlong and can defy his penalty. Nepal has shown ability in Ireland and makes his first start for the George Scott yard, so he has to be considered. Due West completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Zeus Olympios 2nd Nepal 3rd Due West

BONDI gamely made his first start in a handicap a winning one at Windsor and may have been worth more than the winning margin suggests. With a subsequent winner coming out of that race, he could defy a 5lb rise. Iwantmytimewithyou completed a double at Bath on his most recent start and has to be respected, while Always A Star is another to watch out for.
Prediction : 1st Bondi 2nd Iwantmytimewithyou 3rd Always A Star

Blind Beggar made the most of a competitive rating when he won at Sandown last week and has a strong chance of following up. However, there was also plenty to like about the manner in which ROGUE BULLET won at Windsor most recently and the three-year-old could be better equipped to cope with his new mark. Lucius Aurelius, Circus Lion and Bayraat are others with a chance.
Prediction : 1st Rogue Bullet 2nd Blind Beggar 3rd Lucius Aurelius

DARKNESS had Desert Falcon and It Just Takes Time back in second and third when he won over C&D three starts back and has a decent chance of further success running off just 2lb higher. Dubai Beach has been in good form on the all-weather since returning from a break and she could be the biggest danger to the selection. Rhythm Master also merits consideration.
Prediction : 1st Darkness 2nd Dubai Beach 3rd Desert Falcon

BIG LEADER proved there was no fluke about his debut success over 1m at Redcar when he made all to follow up over the same trip in a novice event at Southwell most recently. A rating of 91 for his handicap debut looks manageable given he could be an above-average gelding. The son of Mehmas is an attractive option as he gets 22lb from Botanical, his likely main rival. La Trinidad and Hi Royal are the pick of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Big Leader 2nd Botanical 3rd La Trinidad

MISS RAINBOW seems to be at her best when allowed to bowl along at the head of affairs and, with two wins from three runs here, an added 3lb may not stop her from going in again. Stormy Pearl was second at Redcar last month and she can go well with Silvestre De Sousa an eye-catching jockey booking, with Travis another of interest in first-time blinkers.
Prediction : 1st Miss Rainbow 2nd Stormy Pearl 3rd Travis

Uncle Sam is the only runner who won last time out, but that was in October last year for Kevin Ryan and he has been gelded since for new connections. Captain Vallo deserves a sixth career success after finishing second on his last two starts, but a chance is taken on HURSTWOOD. Nine times a winner over this trip and placed here twice, he must have every chance.
Prediction : 1st Hurstwood 2nd Captain Vallo 3rd Uncle Sam