BEST OF THE REST (SATURDAY)

Rory has a handful of selections he thinks will go well and outrun their odds this Saturday.

15:25 THIRSK

With just the one win from 24 career starts Bayraat couldn’t be described as prolific but he’s produced some eye catching performances nonetheless. None more do than his recent third in a competitive 19 runner handicap at York. At the age of nine his better days might be behind him but a repeat of his last run would be enough to see him go close once more.

Dothan and Lucius Aurelius look best of the rest and should be there or thereabouts at the finish line.

BAYRAAT (E/W)

16:05 THIRSK

Despite never claiming a turf handicap victory Bosh could finally shake off that tag with a bold performance today. Hailing from an in-form yard and with the pleasing appointment of jockey Cieren Fallon his fourth last time out looks very encouraging. More will be needed at this level but he looks a generous price in a race that’s wide open.

Godolphin’s Dubai Beach looks an interesting contender as do former course and distance winners It Takes Time and Desert Falcon.

BOSH (E/W)

16:10 DONCASTER

On initial inspection Huscal doesn’t make an abundance of appeal but a chance is taken that he’ll come on for his most recent run after being gelded. Now racing in Class 4 company, which should suit, Charlie Hills runner could sneak into a place.

The likes of Anthropologist, Spirit Of Leros  and likely race favourite Mayday Malone seem to be the biggest dangers.

HUSCAL (E/W)

16:35 NEWMARKET

Although these pink and blue silks are more synonymous with jumps racing Houston could add to the owners flat success. Richard Hannon’s Houstonn finished a respectable third in a higher grade at Ascot last time and he’s bound to appreciate a drop in class in what looks a wide open contest. The four-year-old is way below his last winning mark and with a very capable apprentice jockey taking more weight off the horses back he looks primed for a big run.

Notable dangers come in the form of top-weight Siempre Arturo and likely race favourite Moon Angel.

HOUSTONN (E/W)

17:15 THIRSK

This selection comes with a huge warning as the horse has only finished ahead of 9 of his last 69 rivals in his seven most recent outings. Finishing last or second from last in four of those races. That being said a very tentative chance is taken on Respectful to do far better than his form may suggest. He drops down into this grade for the first time in his career and finally returns to his last winning trip. He needs to show vast improvement but he won’t have to be anything but average to claim a race of this nature.

The consistent Miss Rainbow and Stormy Pearl should be taken very seriously.

RESPECTFUL (E/W)

17:20 DONCASTER

Former course and distance victor One More Dream has produced a string of consistent performances this season and last came out on top when winning here back in May. His mark might be a tad too high but he’s gone close off this weight before. Not a sure fire victor but a confident enough selection to grab place money.

Mister Invincible could go well at a big price and any market support for the O’Meara runner should be taken seriously.

ONE MORE DREAM (E/W)

17:50 THIRSK

Groundsman’s best recent effort came over this course and distance and now back at Thirsk and with less weight to carry he can finish even closer.

Captain Vallo has been knocking on the door of victory most of the season and there’s little doubt he’ll claim more prize money again.

Of the rest Uncle Sam could go well if fit from his lengthy layoff.

GROUNDSMAN (E/W)

19:00 HAMILTON

If the rain were to fall at Hamilton this Saturday evening then Tafsir’s chances of success will only sky rocket however despite the ground conditions we’re still sticking with the six-year-old. Both trainer Jim Goldie and young jockey Rhys Elliott are in good form and we hope this course and distance winner can add to his tally.

Spirit Of Jura and Lord Protector pose major threats to the selection.

TAFSIR (E/W)

21:00 HAMILTON

With the eight runners still entered there could be some each way value in the last race on the card and hopefully it comes in the form of Spring Festival. Yet to win in his 13 race career but has gone close in a few starts this season. If he can be settled into the race he might spring a shock and finish in the first three.

Transfuse produced a better effort last time and former course and distance winner Gemini Man looks the most likely to spoil the party.

SPRING FESTIVAL (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock