Thirsk 2.40

 

A competitive and decent grade race for the Track. The Sprint Course here used to have a massive Draw bias favouring High numbers, the myth was that it was due to the path used by the Tractors that transported the Stalls and used for Grass Cutting and also the area least affected by the old irrigation system, a "golden highway" if you like.

 

In the past decade and certainly the past few seasons the bias has reduced significantly although it can still be a distinct advantage to a horse drawn high who can make a good start and run prominently.

 

A good field here and a couple at nice each way prices early this morning caught my eye.

 

WOVEN ticks all the boxes and a Draw in Stall 6 means it can have tactical versatility during the race and possibly benefit from not being in the traffic up the Stands rail. A drop from mostly class2 in to Class 3 won't harm its chances here, they come back to 6 furlongs after trying 7 furlongs and this handicap mark of 88 looks very appealing based on some solid placed efforts in Class 2 races off a mark just north of 90.

 

Clearly every horse needs luck in running but this does look a very good opportunity on the form book for a solid and trusty competitor.

 

The other one with scope to improve still is SUMMER SANDS. It went over to Ireland after an impressive juvenile win and has not really fired over there as hoped for. A 3 month break may not be a disadvantage and he has been back in the UK with original Trainer Richard Fahey for a couple of weeks and if returning in the kind of form and fitness it should be capable of, this may be a very lenient handicap mark to return from. A nice high draw adds to optimism too.