5:13 Thirsk Tips

Won a Class 2 (0-100) over this trip at York last time out. Raised 4 pounds as a consequence but looks the progressive type and eased in grade to Class 3 (0-90).

Two return runs for the 4-year-old this year and a big run three weeks ago, beaten just 1/2L in a 19-runner handicap. High RPR rating posted, but the run can be marked up as much better than the stats as he was easily the best runner from those drawn high.

Won at Newcastle in March. Disappointing last time out after a slow start, but now taking a drop in class and well supported in the market.

Mythical Phoenix is a 5-year-old gelding trained by the evergreen Julie Camacho, who does superbly well with the horses she recruits from other yards. Mythical Phoenix is 1/13, having won once at Bellewstown in July 23 over 5f, but has placed a further 7 times and is a six-time bridesmaid all over today's 6f around the same mark of 86 (80-85) over various ground conditions. Julie Camacho is 52/423 wins and 152/423 in all-aged handicaps since 2012, and while only 1/26 at Thirsk, she is 43/223 wins in all-aged handicaps if in the first four in the betting (fancied). Joe Fanning is 5/12 for Julie on all tracks and has won three YTD on Two Be Tanned, a new recruit from George Scott, who won four consecutive races this year and risen from 48-74, which just proves how good a trainer Camacho is. The Mythical Phoenix Partnership deserves a win for his model of consistency.

Kats Bob can give another good account here, has course & distance form. Held on well at York last time out. 4 places. William Pyle rides again.

Tinto last won here last August when today's rider was last in the saddle on GF. He only missed out by a nose here in May. Although up 1 lb for that, I still think he could be worth an EW 4P with Paul again.

Distance winner who rattled off a hat-trick in April and May, all on fast going, which saw rating rise to 79 from 67. Has had two runs since, the latest only 18 days ago when finishing 11th of 19 in a class 4 after not getting much room 1f out under 9st 12lb and rating 81. Rating today is 80 and step up to a class 3 means 9st 7lb, and S Kirrane, who rode him on those three victories, returns to the saddle.

Secret Guest is a 5-year-old gelding trained by Bryan Smart. He is a five-time winner, four times over 6f and once over today's course and distance, beating one of the more fancied runners in this race, Pals Battalion (gave 2lb). Today, Secret Guest receives 2lb when factoring in Andrew Breslin's 3lb claim, yet Pals Battalion is 11-2 and Secret Guest is 16-1. Secret Guest has yet to win a class 3, yet is top weight, which suggests this is not the strongest of class 3 sprints. Secret Guest has, however, placed six times in class 2/3 contests, so he can be competitive. He won over course and distance three starts back off a 3lb lower mark, posting a career-high RPR of 95, so he is definitely not regressive. This race may have been a sighter for this race and he can figure off current 89 in a very competitive handicap.

Manila Scouse dropped a hint at Hamilton last time that he was ready to strike form. That was a strong handicap with winners already coming from it. Manila Scouse hit top form around this time last season, and with the yard firing well just now, he can go close here.

On time figures, you'd expect Irish Nectar to outrun these odds but has to put the last race behind him. Cheekpieces are added and this may help the cause.

Veteran horse who had a day to forget LTO when 16 of 16 at Haydock back in May of this year, but now only operating 1 lb higher than last winning mark should make him a threat.