UK Horse Racing Tips: Thirsk

EAGLE BAY showed plenty of promise when third on his debut last season and there is every chance that he could make a winning return for his new handler. The three-year-old could be just the type to strengthen up for a 230-day layoff and is open to more improvement than Circle Of Trust. Kevin Ryan's inmate has failed to get competitive in two handicaps this season, but a return to these calmer waters may help. Kyrenia is next best.
Prediction : 1st Eagle Bay 2nd Circle Of Trust 3rd Kyrenia

An official rating of 74 would suggest BIG SHOT VETO should be more than capable of landing a race of this nature. The Ardad colt arrives on the back of a third-placed reappearance at Catterick and any improvement may allow him to break the maiden tag. Indefensible only has 2lb to find with the selection and he isn't taken lightly back at 7f, having raced keenly over the mile at Doncaster last time. Tip Foster completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Big Shot Veto 2nd Indefensible 3rd Tip Foster

Having regained the winning thread at Catterick, Irish Dancer must enter calculations as the only last-time-out winner. That said, a 4lb higher mark demands a career best from the six-year-old, which could see the younger legs of KEEP THE GOLD prevail. Michael Dods' inmate has finished runner-up on his last two outings and a 1lb ease in the handicap for his Ayr reappearance may prove lenient. Stable companion Zuffolo could also make his presence felt.
Prediction : 1st Keep The Gold 2nd Irish Dancer 3rd Zuffolo

FAN MAIL has yet to score on the grass, but Tim Easterby's gelding went within a neck of breaking that duck at Carlisle last month and he might gain compensation should first-time blinkers have the desired effect. Taygar has filled the runner-up spot the last twice so must feature prominently in calculations, as must Elvetham, who has gone close a couple of times since winning at Lingfield in April.
Prediction : 1st Fan Mail 2nd Taygar 3rd Elvetham

MYRRH hasn't made much of an impact in her two handicap starts so far, but she can strike gold now upped to 1m4f. This comes just as David O'Meara's string are hitting form and whilst a few others have questions to answer, it might be the time to catch her. That said, King Of Berkshire made all to win on his penultimate outing and can be a threat to all if replicating those tactics, and don't rule out Fareenar, who would have finished a bit closer at Beverley if he had gotten a clear run.
Prediction : 1st Myrrh 2nd King Of Berkshire 3rd Fareenar

DRAGON SPIN has been in good form and has enough scope to manage a 6lb rise after an encouraging win at Nottingham. Fellow last-time-out winner Military Girl is also high on the shortlist on the back of a return to winning ways at Ayr, while Fille Unique and J Street don't have much to find to be on the premises. Cheerleader is another to keep an eye on with this being her first start after wind surgery.
Prediction : 1st Dragon Spin 2nd Military Girl 3rd Fille Unique

SHOWTOWN doesn't have many miles on the clock and looks worth chancing on the back of an improved effort at Haydock. This is only her third start in a handicap and there is plenty to work with from her current rating. Brave Traveller was clear of the rest when he filled second place at Newcastle most recently. He should be a key player if carrying the momentum over for this return to turf. Empress Olivia and the returning Perineighs are others to monitor in the betting market.
Prediction : 1st Showtown 2nd Brave Traveller 3rd Empress Olivia