There are no fewer than eight meetings taking place this Friday, so there is loads of racing to choose from for a punt heading into the weekend.
GG tipster Joe Napier had two winners in his Thursday lucky 15. His four selections for Friday run at Thirsk and Goodwood.
Thirsk Racing Tips (Friday 28 August)
Thirsk host a class 2 handicap on Friday, with their card the classiest of the afternoon. Three of our lucky 15 tips run at the track.
4.00 Thirsk – Durham Castle (1pt e/w – 9/1)
It has clearly not been easy to train Durham Castle, but the five-year-old is undoubtedly talented. Simon & Ed Crisford’s charge has three wins from eight starts, but still boasts potential to rate higher yet. Wins at Southwell and Goodwood in 2024 hinted at what he could achieve and he also won one of just two appearances last season. That was at Windsor off a mark of 89; he is just 1lb higher in the weights here. He ran respectably after plenty of time off again at Kempton to begin this campaign. He and Harry Davies then found the action all unfolding to their left at Windsor last time out. The handicapper has been generous to drop him lb off that evidence as he saw the race out well. Another 72 days have passed since, but that is a relatively quick turnaround for him. There may still be further for him to climb.
4.38 Thirsk – Perfect Part (1pt e/w – 12/1)
She is without a win since her 125/1 shock on debut, but Perfect Part is consistent when getting her conditions. The Mehmas filly was then tried in good company as a juvenile, running with credit at times. She also ran well on multiple occasions off marks in the 90s last term, but lines up here off 82. Her two efforts at this track this season have seen her finish within a length-and-a-half of the winner off a rating of 85, and she was value for closer when runner-up in May. Her fifth of 19, when not getting a clear run, at York last week was another solid effort. 1lb lower in the weights, and at a track she clearly likes, she may finally win again. Rain in the forecast could prove helpful too.
5.13 Thirsk – Sudu (1pt e/w – 11/4)
Another chance is given to Sudu after his recent comeback. He was baked in our lucky 15 three weeks ago when probably in need of the run here over 1m4f. As well as possibly being too fresh, the first-time hood used that day is now removed. That was only the seventh career race for the four-year-old, who impressed distinctly at Epsom last season. He has not been competitive the last twice, but he has excuses for each, especially most recently when returning from 373 days off. The handicapper has dropped him 2lb, while he also goes up 2f in trip. Both can prove useful to getting him back on track as can Roger Varian’s sparkling recent form.
Goodwood Racing Tips (Friday 28 August)
Goodwood’s main meeting this week takes place on Saturday, but there are still six races to enjoy on Friday evening down in Sussex. One horse there makes up our lucky 15 for the day.
5.45 Goodwood – Marianita (1pt e/w – 6/1)
Results so far this summer suggest the goal has been to get Marianita handicapped. Though Ralph Beckett and owners Ballylinch Stud may not be thrilled with an opening rating of 74, the selection could yet improve beyond recognition in this company. Her fourth of 14 at Newbury in April came in a strong fillies’ maiden. The same could be said of her seventh at Southwell last time out. Given that an all-weather surface may not have suited, a return to turf can pay dividends. Her 200,000gns price tag, plus her pedigree, suggest improvement should be to come.
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Thirsk – first race 14:13
- Goodwood – first race 16:35
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Joe Napier provides the GG Lucky 15 tips on Friday 28 August, which include selections at Thirsk & Goodwood.
When were Friday’s Lucky 15 tips for Thirsk & Goodwood published?
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Friday 28 August were published at 5.03pm on Thursday 27 August.
Who is Joe Napier?
Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.