3:33 Thirsk Tips

The 4-year-old has run well in his three turf runs this year, going very close with good ratings posted in his last two races. Ridden by an amateur in his last two races, he now has an experienced jockey in the saddle.

The Good Biscuit is a 4-year-old gelding trained by Ruth Carr. He has 2 wins out of 15 and has posted a career-high RPR of 85. He runs off a mark of just 70 today, so he is clearly well handicapped. He is a two-time winner on today's good to firm ground, so he evidently likes to hear his feet rattle. He was fancied on his last start, moving from 3-1 into 5-2, but was always behind. Today's step up to 7f could be just what is needed. It's always noteworthy when the money is down for a Ruth Carr inmate. Three starts back, over CD, he ran well, posting an RPR of 75 despite a bit of a hard luck story. He raced in last, still had plenty to do 3f out, and was rallying when not clear run over 1f out. He kept on inside the final furlong, nearest finish, and did well in the circumstances. He can take advantage of any poor form from hot favorite Arantes Nascimento.

Highfield Viking is a 5-year-old gelding trained by John & Sean Quinn, who won with Finbars Lad last night. He is a CD winner and is a two-time winner off 62-64, both wins coming under today's jockey, Jason Hart. He is 1lb lower than his last victory off 63. A concern is the good to firm ground, but this can be offset by a jockey riding like his life depends on it, picking up 10 wins in recent weeks. Highfield Viking could be hitting some form, beaten only 1.75 lengths under Jason Hart at Doncaster last time out, despite suffering some interference approximately 1 furlong after exiting the stalls at an unfancied 80-1. He definitely has each-way possibilities now back at Thirsk off a winnable mark of 63.

Lovely big grey who, at 10 years of age, has returned to form in the last couple of runs with a win at Southwell, leading all the way, and then just getting run out of it to finish 3rd at Ripon when up in class. Could surprise again and has solid each-way chances.

Backing Travis, the 4-year-old gelding by Advertise trained by Geoffrey Harker, in tomorrow’s 7f Weatherbys ePassport Handicap at Thirsk. He arrives in decent touch, producing a solid 4th of 9 at Redcar on 20 June (7f on good ground), showing he’s race-fit and handling the mid-summer conditions well. His recent form includes a respectable 2nd at Ayr in May along with two further minor placings. That consistency suggests the pathways towards a big run. Rated around 61??'a shade below his peak??'Travis is now operating off a fair mark. Thirsk’s 7f sharp course, where early pace sets up a late surge, should suit his come-from-behind style. A mid-pack ride is expected before he launches his challenge in the final furlong.