UK Horse Racing Tips: Thirsk

Plenty will fancy their chances in what looks an open nursery, but Ralph Beckett sends only THE MONKEY KING to North Yorkshire and that could be a clue in itself. The son of Time Test looked better the further he went when successful in a Brighton novice, so he's likely to find even more progress now upped to the mile. The consistent Love Tanya is another who should benefit from a step up in trip, while the recently-gelded Akaraka is also of interest.
Prediction : 1st The Monkey King 2nd Love Tanya 3rd Akaraka

BLACK VELVET BOY looked potentially useful when scoring at Beverley in July. He was keen throughout at Windsor next time but that didn't stop him from following up and, with that in mind, a 3lb rise might underestimate him. Concert Pitch was hit with a 7lb hike after winning at the Westwood venue, although it looks more than fair given the manner of that triumph. Spare a thought for Savage Mariner, who will find this much less taxing than the nursery he contested at the Ebor Festival.
Prediction : 1st Black Velvet Boy 2nd Concert Pitch 3rd Savage Mariner

Dontlookanyfurther sprang something of a surprise to score at Redcar and he merits respect, but having to shoulder the winner's penalty might swing this in favour of MA BLUSHIN ROSIE. The Ardad filly was beaten less than a length into third on her racecourse bow at Carlisle and she ought to be wiser now so can take the necessary step forward. Reddy and Scottys Rocket are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Ma Blushin Rosie 2nd Dontlookanyfurther 3rd Reddy

It would be naive to ignore the chances of Cotai Belle, who was fourth in a better race at York but two lengths adrift of OOLONG POOBONG. Ed Bethell's filly ought to confirm that form on these terms, even though there may not be much between them. Proposal gets in off bottom weight and returns to the distance of her Doncaster maiden success, making her a serious danger to all for the Haggas team.
Prediction : 1st Oolong Poobong 2nd Cotai Belle 3rd Proposal

The fact that Godolphin keep MIDNIGHT THUNDER in training suggests they think he can win more races. Although beaten five lengths when fifth at Southwell last month, he is entitled to improve for his first start in 19 months, with a 2lb drop in the handicap a bonus. The Good Biscuit won for the third time this summer when successful at Pontefract and warrants serious consideration, with Commanche Falls and perhaps Musical Touch others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Midnight Thunder 2nd The Good Biscuit 3rd Commanche Falls

Spirit Of Acklam found the opposition too speedy when dropped back to 10 furlongs at Ayr but won at Hamilton in July and is one to consider, despite top weight. Bay Of Myths intrigues after two starts, winning at Chelmsford and finishing third at Redcar before being gelded, and he is one to watch on his return after four months off. However, WARDLAW reacted positively to a hood when running away with a Beverley handicap and although upped 7lb, there is every chance we haven't seen the best of him yet.
Prediction : 1st Wardlaw 2nd Bay Of Myths 3rd Spirit Of Acklam

NATIVE INSTINCT made a mess of the start at Carlisle and finished a commendable fourth given the circumstances. He made every yard when successful at Musselburgh before that and Ed Bethell's charge looks worthy of another chance off his current mark. Kosometsuke won here back in April and wasn't beaten far over C&D last time. He has a fighting chance, while last week's Beverley runner-up Misunderstood is a solid alternative.
Prediction : 1st Native Instinct 2nd Kosometsuke 3rd Misunderstood

Not at his best over a mile last time, MR KING scored over C&D in June and endured a troubled passage when finishing a close-up eighth at York when last seen over 7f. Geoff Harker's charge is taken to bounce back here at the chief expense of Imperial Guard. The latter rattled-up a hat-trick at Ayr in July and looks fairly treated on that form, while Stanley Spencer steps up from 6f with a shout.
Prediction : 1st Mr King 2nd Imperial Guard 3rd Stanley Spencer