Thirsk - Fri 24 Jul 2026
Martinet offered something to work with on her opening fourth at Wolverhampton and she should put that experience to good use. However, she may have her work cut out against newcomer DIAMOND NEW BAY, who is closely related to several winners. Karl Burke has enjoyed a fantastic season with his juveniles and market support for his New Bay filly would increase confidence. Diplomata may fare best of the remainder.
A winner on his debut at Newbury, this could prove a suitable opportunity for BLESSED VOYAGER to keep his unbeaten record intact. Ralph Beckett's charge got the better of some useful rivals and he looks capable of conceding weight all round. Although Statten Island was somewhat underwhelming on his latest fourth at Ayr, he may have found the ground too soft. A reproduction of his fourth-placed opening bid at York would see him involved, followed by Blakey Ridge.
A switch to more aggressive tactics saw Lady Dublin making all on her nursery bow at Catterick. Jake Dickson negates the majority of her 6lb penalty with his 5lb claim and Ollie Pears' filly is likely to prove popular. However, this looks more competitive and it could be worth chancing LIVEADREAM off an opening mark of 60. The daughter of Ardad finished ahead of the aforementioned rival when runner-up at Musselburgh and an opening mark of 60 looks workable. Lairy Mary and Enemy Action are others of interest.
Gibside faces a less demanding task than of late and looks fairly treated if back on song. However, the progressive TUPERO could prove the one to beat. The son of Frankel has enjoyed a short break since landing a double over today's distance back in May and further improvement looks forthcoming from David O'Meara's four-year-old. Gaelic Approach appears to have lost his way, so Twilight Safari looks pick of the remainder.
ZOOELLA returned the impressive winner at Lingfield on her recent seasonal reappearance and handicap bow. She pulled readily clear in the final furlong and Ralph Beckett's Zoustar filly looks one to keep on the right side of as she debuts on the turf. Celtic Arrow is another unexposed type to keep in mind given she went close here at the start of the month, while Canaria Queen heads the remainder.
MAX OF STARS won over C&D by five lengths last September and recent form reads well as she bids to resume winning ways. She struggled over hurdles at Newton Abbot last time but at least she's race-fit and showed up well when last on the Flat at Ripon. Dubai Venture will no doubt have his supporters following a smooth Pontefract victory, while Wolf Of Badenoch is another to bear in mind.
It was only a three-runner contest that SUNLIT SEA won at Lingfield, but you can only beat what is put in front of you and Sir Mark Prescott's filly did that very well. She appreciated the drop back to the minimum trip that day and a 6lb penalty is unlikely to prevent another bold bid. The daughter of Mehmas gets a confident vote ahead of So Grateful and Dabbling.
Karl Burke holds a strong hand here with Little Lady Karen and Diamond New Bay. The former sets the standard following a runner up effort last time but it is her stablemate who is arguably more interesting. The newcomer's dam was a winner on debut before landing a Group 2 at 2. It is DIPLOMATA who is chosen to get off the mark though after a promising midfield effort on debut. The form of that race has been boosted emphatically and she ought to come on plenty for the experience.
BLESSED VOYAGER has an absence to overcome but showed an impressive turn of foot on debut and could outclass this line up. He is bred to relish this longer trip and his debut form has worked out well so he can shoulder the penalty. Blakey Ridge ran well over a stiff 5f on debut and is a potential improver for this longer trip. He can fill the places with Statten Island who ran well in a good race on debut before winding it up too early last time.
LADY DUBLIN looks too well handicapped under a penalty to ignore. Her recent improvement came when dropped back to 6f on fast ground and ridden positively in first time cheekpieces which are retained so with an easy lead likely she will be tough to beat. Crystal Kraken proved steadily progressive in 6f maidens and looks to have been given a lenient opening mark. With a top jockey booked she looks the main threat ahead of Liveadream who needs to back up her recent improvement in a seller in a handicap.
A moderate contest can go to TUPERO who returns from a short break. He's not fully exposed over staying trips and has only gone up another 4lb so can complete the hat trick. Inconsistent veteran Gibside has largely been struggling of late but the handicapper has relented and he hinted at a revival on his penultimate start. If matching that he can throw down the main challenge ahead of Gaelic Approach who needs to put a couple of poor runs behind him. However he was too bad to be true last time and did prove progressive over staying trips in the spring.
Last year's winner Miss Rainbow is in decent form and can again go well but this should go to the progressive ZOOELLA, who is penalised for winning at Lingfield but almost certainly has more to offer and can prove too progressive. Taygar is third choice coming off a good run at Ayr.
Educate was putting in some good work late down to this trip at Wolverhampton last time and has a chance if building on it, but WOLF OF BADENOCH ended a losing run stepped up to 11f last time and still looks well treated on old form meaning he's the pick here with the chance of more to come upped to 12f. Sixty Plus is an interesting handicap newcomer and worth a market check.
So Grateful is coming off a good second at Beverley despite not getting the best of runs and he should again go well but SUNLIT SEA almost certainly has more to offer now she's had her head in front and she's taken to follow up under a capable rider. Midnight Lir remains on a competitive mark and is respected also.
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