Thirsk, Saturday 1 August 2026: Best Bets on a Good-Ground Card

Thirsk, Saturday 1 August 2026: Best Bets on a Good-Ground Card

Thirsk stages a solid seven-race card on good ground, and three races stand out as genuinely priceable. The mile handicap, the seven-furlong sprint and the five-furlong dash all throw up angles worth following. Trainer stats at this track matter: Richard Hannon (25% strike-rate, A/E 1.08) and Archie Watson (21%, A/E 1.23) are the yard names to follow here, while Jack Callan’s 25% course strike-rate at an A/E of 2.22 is the most striking jockey figure on the card.

2:08 — William Hill Summer Cup Handicap Stakes (1m, £26,170, 12 runners)

Selection: Northern Express (13/2, BoyleSports/Betfred) Each-Way

Michael Dods has been in fine form with 6 wins from 25 runners over the past 14 days, and Northern Express gives him a solid platform here. The eight-year-old won last time out and arrives on the back of a 22-day break that looks well-timed rather than rushed. He has form over today’s trip and on good ground, and his rating gives him a genuine edge over most of these. The 137lb burden is the one question, but Dods knows how to place his horses, and Connor Beasley is well suited to this sort of front-running profile.

The main danger is Mirsky at 11/4. David O’Meara’s seven-year-old won five starts back and Daniel Tudhope knows the Thirsk mile better than almost anyone (18% course strike-rate, A/E 1.07). But his last two runs were well short of that level, and the price reflects hope more than substance. Mr Swivell caught the eye finishing second last time and 7/2 with BoyleSports (4/1 Betfred) makes him an interesting each-way alternative in a big field, but Northern Express at 13/2 is the bet.

3:17 — Jordan Foy Memorial Handicap Stakes (5f, £6,281, 12 runners)

Selection: Asuka… no, this race is the 5f. Selection: Rock Of England (9/2, BoyleSports/Betfred)

Selection: American Bay Each-Way (4/1, BoyleSports/Betfred/LiveScore Bet)

Paul Midgley runs two here, and on balance American Bay is the more attractive each-way proposition at 4/1 in a 12-runner handicap. Jack Callan rides, and that course figure of 25% wins at an A/E of 2.22 is not a number to dismiss lightly. American Bay ran second two starts back over today’s trip and conditions, his rating of 84 puts him right in this, and 136lb from stall four is workable for a horse with genuine pace. The unplaced run last time is the concern, but Callan’s booking suggests Midgley fancies the chances here.

Rock Of England is the yard’s other runner and arrives as the in-form horse, winning last time out and again three starts back. However, ranked 11 of 12 on ratings and carrying 136lb, the figures don’t back up the recent form. Moulin Booj (5/1) holds the highest rating in the field and George Scott’s yard has been busy and productive over the past fortnight (5/15). Worth a look each-way if you want the market leader.

3:47 — William Hill Epic Boosts Handicap Stakes (7f, £9,720, 16 runners)

Selection: Asuka (7/4, BoyleSports)

This is the most straightforward bet on the card. Asuka has won two of his last four starts, including last time out, and returns on a quick 10-day turnaround that suggests George Boughey is happy with how he has come out of that run. Boughey has a 17% course strike-rate at Thirsk and his yard has sent out 3 winners from 23 runners in the past fortnight. Jack Callan again takes the ride, and you simply cannot ignore that A/E of 2.22 at this track.

The 134lb weight and stall two are the two things working against him, but stall two on the seven-furlong start at Thirsk is not a death draw, and a horse this fit and progressive should handle it. At 7/4, this is not a value overlay in the traditional sense, but when the form is this clear and the trainer-jockey combination is firing, you back it.

Yankee Dude at 10/1 Each-Way is worth a small each-way dabble for the adventurous. Edward Greatrex has a 27% course strike-rate and an A/E of 1.37 at Thirsk. The 117-day layoff is a real concern, but if Warren Greatrex has him ready, that jockey booking is a meaningful clue. Two wins in his last four starts before the break, and the drop to 7f suits on paper.

Today’s NAP

Asuka — William Hill Epic Boosts Handicap Stakes (3:47, Thirsk)
Odds: 7/4 — BoyleSports (others: 15/8 Betfred)

Two wins from four starts, including last time out, a quick 10-day turnaround that screams trainer confidence, and the best jockey-course combination on the entire card. George Boughey places his horses well at Thirsk and Jack Callan’s 25% course strike-rate at an A/E of 2.22 is the standout number on the day. Asuka is thriving right now and should take all the beating at seven furlongs on good ground.