5:20 Thirsk Tips

Al Muqdad was running on well when a close up 4th last time. Last year his winning mark was around 77 and last September he managed a 2nd off 81 at Ayr. Perhaps he is not quite the horse he was last year but he should run well today off 70.

Hoping that the rain continues to fall throughout the day at Thirsk. If so, it should play into Ey Up It's Jazz's hands perfectly here. Loves the mud and can beat these on those terms.

Since two good wins last season, he's been falling back down the handicap. He is now 20 pounds lower than the two runs off its highest mark. Last runs were poor, but he was the favorite for the one in Galway that he won last year. He should be competitive in this grade, and the four places on offer is the play.

Showed a free running style when winning by a head in July. Followed up with a nose defeat when stepped up in trip. Clearly in good form.

The race appears fairly open, and we may get an upset. The Expert Eye offspring, Sunny Orange, won three runs back, and with the stable in top form, may complete the double for the yard who won earlier.

Good stable, inconsistent this year but won 3 races at Catterick last year on soft ground. Now dropped to an attractive mark, not to be underestimated.

Lightly raced 4yo. Four runs for a new yard this year, who were in good form last month. The selection was poor in his last three runs, all on the AW, but the return to a slow turf surface should be a big positive going off his earlier career form. Good jockey booking and is on a very handy mark now.

THE COOKSTOWN CAFU has an awkward draw to contend with which tempers enthusiasm slightly. Eased in class he is well treated against his best form and starting back later than most for this spell with just a sighter behind him could serve him well. Formerly competitive in deeper handicap company he makes each-way appeal.

An open-looking affair where Naval Academy appeals at 9/1. He handles the softer ground, sees out this trip well, and looks on a good mark. From a small yard in great form.

The trainers have got their only two entries in this race as they are returning this one back to the turf with a good jockey booking/change. Worth a small each way saver bet for the four places available.