Home / News / Tipster Columns / Thirsk Racing Tips & Predictions – Friday 7th August 2026

Tipster Columns

Thirsk Racing Tips & Predictions - Friday 7th August 2026

Thirsk Racing Tips & Predictions - Friday 7th August 2026

Our Thirsk racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Friday 7th August 2026. The action gets underway at 14:10 and runs through to 16:40, with going reported as 8.1) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick).

A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Mrs Trump boasts a 33.33% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Liam Wright has been in fine form here with 1 wins from 3 rides, Ed Walker’s yard sends out runners with a 24.39% strike rate at this venue. Below you’ll find race-by-race breakdowns with our top selections, live odds and tipster picks.

Tipster Performance at Thirsk

Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Thirsk over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):

TipsterSourceSelectionsWinsWin %Place %
The GuardianThe Guardian10330%50%
Chris WrightLiverpool Echo10220%40%
The NorthRacing Post1400%50%

14:10 – goracing.co.uk Future Stars Apprentice Classified Stakes

Race Details: 6f | Class 6 | Going: 8.1) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This is hardly a deep classified, but it does look a fairly workable contest for a couple arriving in better nick than the rest. Tarlac and Tickets stand out on recent placed efforts and both have been giving the impression a race of this nature is within reach. Mister Sky Blue and Hurstwood are solid enough at this level without looking bombproof, while Mrs Trump is short enough for one whose recent form doesn’t quite match the market confidence. A few of these, such as Drish Samphire, Newyorkstateofmind and Thank The Lord, need a revival. In truth, this doesn’t look a strong race, but that can make it straightforward rather than impossible if one of the obvious pair runs to form.

Top Selections

1. Tarlac – 9/4 with Bet365

Jockey: Olivia Haines | Trainer: Katie Scott | Form: 587742 | Rating: 60 | Topspeed: 54

Tarlac makes plenty of appeal in a race where not many arrive with momentum. That latest second was a step back in the right direction and, on figures, he sets the standard anyway off a mark of 60. His Topspeed of 54 is right up there in this field, and the recent form string suggests he’s finding his level again after a few lesser efforts. In a modest apprentice classified, a 4yo with the best recent piece of form is exactly the type I want to be with. At 9/4 he isn’t hiding from the market, but he still looks the most solid option and the one they all have to beat. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Hurstwood – 6/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Ethan Tindall | Trainer: Peter Niven | Form: 946604 | Rating: 56 | Topspeed: 54

Hurstwood is the each-way angle in a race where plenty have obvious holes. He’s a 9yo now, so nobody is pretending there’s untapped potential, but he has run to a level that makes him competitive in this company and that latest fourth was at least a hint that he can still get involved when things fall right. The equal-best Topspeed figure in the line-up catches the eye, and from a middle draw he should get every chance to travel into it. At 6/1, he looks a more attractive place proposition than some shorter ones, especially with a few of these arriving badly out of sorts. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Tarlac is the win play and the percentage call in a weak race, with his recent second and top rating giving him the strongest claims. Hurstwood makes more appeal than the other mid-range prices as an each-way punt at 6/1. Tickets is the obvious danger after his latest second, while Mister Sky Blue is another with place possibilities if reproducing his better efforts.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Drish Samphire22/120/120/120/122/122/1 (Bet365)
Golden Prosperity10/111/112/112/112/112/1 (Paddy Power)
Hurstwood6/111/26/16/16/16/1 (Bet365)
Mister Sky Blue6/113/213/213/27/17/1 (William Hill)
Mrs Trump5/15/111/25/111/211/2 (Paddy Power)
Newyorkstateofmind20/122/122/122/122/122/1 (Betfair)
Tarlac9/49/49/49/49/49/4 (Bet365)
Thank The Lord28/130/133/133/133/133/1 (Paddy Power)
Tickets3/13/13/13/13/13/1 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
NewsboyTarlac

14:40 – Bob Vickery Memorial Restricted Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (Bands B, C And D) (GBB/IRE Incentive Race)

Race Details: 5f | Class 4 | Going: 8.1) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This looks a proper sprint maiden for fillies rather than a weak restricted event, with several bringing solid early-season form and a few interesting newcomers adding to the puzzle. My Maria sets the standard on bare figures after a string of placed efforts, while Inglewood appeals as the lightly raced one with more improvement in her. Time Glory has enough ability to get involved if bouncing back, and Mollisha shaped well on debut. You can also make a small case for bigger-priced fillies like Travellers Girl and Veruca Salt, but this should mainly come down to which of the principals breaks smartly and handles the speed test best over a sharp 5f. Tricky, but not impossible.

Top Selections

1. Inglewood – 7/2 with William Hill

Jockey: Ryan Sexton | Trainer: Julie Camacho | Form: 52 | Rating: 78 | Topspeed: 66

Inglewood is the one I want to be with. She improved from first run to second, and that runner-up effort already reads well enough for a race like this, especially given she gets in with just 125. A mark of 78 does not leave her with much to find against the obvious favourite types, but unlike a few of these she still looks open to a fair bit of progress. Drawn low in stall 2, she should be able to bag a handy position, which matters in these juvenile 5f contests at Thirsk. At 7/2 she makes plenty of appeal as the filly most likely to step forward again. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Travellers Girl – 9/1 with Betfair

Jockey: Oisin Orr | Trainer: Roger Fell | Form: 4335 | Rating: 78 | Topspeed: 52

Travellers Girl is not the sexy profile in the race, but she is more battle-hardened than most and her form gives her a fair each-way chance in a field of 13. She has been kept busy, has shown enough dash to sit handy, and her rating of 78 says she is not miles away from the principals. The latest fifth was not spectacular, but it did not scream regression either, and this sort of restricted maiden is the level where consistency can get rewarded. Oisin Orr is a positive booking and 9/1 feels a workable each-way price if you think one or two of the shorter ones may again find one too good. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Inglewood is the straight win play, as she looks the progressive sort with the right draw and a little less mileage than the obvious market leaders. Travellers Girl is the each-way alternative at a backable price in a 13-runner race with three places on offer. The main danger is My Maria, whose form is the best on paper, while Mollisha is another who could take a sizeable step forward from debut.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Estella Havisham13/26/113/26/115/215/2 (William Hill)
Mollisha11/26/15/15/16/16/1 (Betfair)
My Maria11/410/33/111/411/410/3 (Betfair)
Shaniko40/133/133/133/140/140/1 (Bet365)
Time Glory17/213/215/215/29/19/1 (William Hill)
Inglewood3/13/110/33/17/27/2 (William Hill)
Prosperity Angel22/112/116/114/125/125/1 (William Hill)
Takeaselfie25/130/133/128/128/133/1 (Paddy Power)
Travellers Girl13/29/113/26/113/29/1 (Betfair)
Veruca Salt12/18/19/18/114/114/1 (William Hill)
Basmaah80/166/166/150/180/180/1 (Bet365)
Dorothea Hope25/116/116/116/125/125/1 (Bet365)
Purrista25/111/114/114/125/125/1 (Bet365)

15:10 – Peter Bell Memorial Fillies’ Nursery Handicap

Race Details: 7f | Class 5 | Going: 8.1) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This has thinned out into a six-runner nursery after the non-runner, and it revolves around a couple of last-time-out winners against lightly raced fillies with more to come. Bymiddaytomorrow arrives off a breakthrough success and looks the obvious one to beat from stall 1, but she has to concede weight all round and that always makes life tougher in these juvenile handicaps. Gerry’s Darling is respected after scoring on her nursery debut and has the best mark in the field, while Love Tanya is the unexposed one after just two starts and could easily find improvement now tackling a handicap. Lower down the weights, Spirit Of Mary has been knocking on the door and makes some each-way appeal. It’s not a deep race, but it is a mildly tricky little puzzle.

Top Selections

1. Bymiddaytomorrow – 7/4 with Paddy Power

Jockey: Ashley Lewis | Trainer: Ed Walker | Form: 6581 | Rating: 74 | Topspeed: 60

Ed Walker’s filly did what a lot of these nurseries ask of you: she learned on the job, got a mark, then made it count when switched into handicap company. That latest win gives her solid momentum and, although a 7lb rise and top weight are never ideal for a 2yo filly, she still looks the one with the clearest recent piece of winning form. Stall 1 should help if she breaks cleanly, and Ashley Lewis can keep things uncomplicated from there. At 7/4 she’s no giveaway, but in a race lacking depth she is hard to oppose if building on that last run. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Spirit Of Mary – 8/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Ethan Tindall | Trainer: Ben Haslam | Form: 97433 | Rating: 71 | Topspeed: 61

Spirit Of Mary is the one at a bigger price who makes most each-way sense. She’s been beaten in her last two starts, but both recent thirds suggest she is getting the hang of things, and her Topspeed figure of 61 stacks up perfectly well in a race of this nature. The low draw is a plus, she gets in with just 114, and this doesn’t look overloaded with improvers beyond the obvious market principals. Ben Haslam’s filly may not have the sexy profile of Love Tanya, but she has more established handicap substance than some of these and 8/1 looks fair for a filly who should be staying on when it matters. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Bymiddaytomorrow is the win play because she brings the strongest last-time-out form and looks the most likely to run her race. For an each-way punt, Spirit Of Mary appeals as the solid alternative off a light weight and with recent placed efforts behind her. Love Tanya is the obvious danger if she improves for handicapping, while Gerry’s Darling commands respect after her recent win.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Bymiddaytomorrow6/413/87/413/88/57/4 (Paddy Power)
Love Tanya5/19/24/15/15/15/1 (Bet365)
Bonjour Belle16/114/112/116/116/116/1 (Bet365)
Spirit Of Mary8/17/111/215/215/28/1 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
Luke TuckerGerry’s Darling

15:40 – Ladies’ Day Saturday 5th September – Book Now Handicap

Race Details: 5f | Class 5 | Going: 8.1) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This is a tight little sprint with only six runners, but there’s nothing weak about the three at the head of the market. Military Girl, Azuinthejungle and J Street all arrive in form and all have the profile of horses capable of winning a race of this nature, so it could easily come down to who gets the cleanest break and best track position over this sharp 5f. J Street has the highest mark in the field and a handy inside draw, while Military Girl has been thriving for Michael Dods and still looks on the upgrade. Azuinthejungle is another progressive sprinter, though a wider stall asks a slightly different question. Behind them, the others look to need a fair bit more. Competitive at the top, but not an impossible puzzle.

Top Selections

1. Military Girl – 9/4 with Bet365

Jockey: Connor Beasley | Trainer: Michael Dods | Form: 4-3112 | Rating: 83 | Topspeed: 71

Military Girl makes plenty of appeal in a race where recent momentum counts for a lot. Her form figures of 4-3112 tell the story of a mare who has really clicked of late, and she was far from disgraced in defeat last time. An 83 rating leaves her level with Azuinthejungle and only a pound shy of J Street, but she still gives the impression there could be another small step forward in her. Connor Beasley is a positive booking in these northern sprints and Michael Dods knows exactly how to place this type. At 9/4, she looks the one with the right blend of current form and upside. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. J Street – 11/4 with Bet365

Jockey: Billy Garritty | Trainer: Michael & David Easterby | Form: 351414 | Rating: 84 | Topspeed: 75

J Street is hard to leave out of the argument given he’s the highest-rated runner in the field and has the best Topspeed figure on offer as well. He wasn’t at his very best when fourth last time, but that came after a productive spell and his overall profile remains very solid for this grade. Stall 1 could be a real asset if he breaks on terms, because this doesn’t look the sort of race where you want to be giving away ground early. Billy Garritty should be able to keep things simple from the rail, and at 11/4 he looks a sensible each-way punt in a small but fairly select sprint. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Military Girl gets the nod as the win play because she arrives in the best nick and still looks a progressive sort at this level. J Street is the each-way alternative, with the inside draw and his 84 mark giving him obvious place claims at the very least. Azuinthejungle is the main danger after back-to-back wins, but the draw just makes him slightly less appealing than the other two.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
J Street11/45/211/411/411/411/4 (Bet365)
Military Girl9/415/89/42/19/49/4 (Bet365)
Azuinthejungle11/411/411/411/411/411/4 (Bet365)
Qila11/117/211/18/111/111/1 (Bet365)
Glory Fighter17/28/117/28/117/217/2 (Bet365)

16:10 – William Hill, Market Place, Thirsk Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Race Details: 1m 4f | Class 3 | Going: 8.1) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This is a compact six-runner handicap but it is not lacking depth, with several of these closely matched on official figures and a couple arriving with fairly obvious claims. Master Vintner has been knocking on the door and sets the standard on recent consistency, while Sudu is the one with a bit more upside if Roger Varian has him ready after an absence. Wahdan shaped well back in third last time and looks dangerous if building on that, while Wanderlust is another who has been running creditably without quite getting his head in front. It feels a tactical little race rather than a brute-force staying test, and in that sort of contest positioning and sharpness could matter just as much as class. Tricky enough, but not impossible.

Top Selections

1. Sudu – 5/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Ray Dawson | Trainer: Roger Varian | Form: /5418- | Rating: 105 | Topspeed: 89

Sudu is the class angle in the race and, for me, the one most likely to have a bit more in hand than this mark if fully tuned up. He ended last season on a slightly disappointing note, but the earlier win in that sequence reads well enough for this level and his 105 rating demands respect in a race where not much separates the principals on paper. Varian does well with these lightly raced middle-distance types, and the fact he is still relatively unexposed at 1m4f makes him more interesting than some battle-hardened rivals. At 5/2 he is no giveaway, but he still looks the solid win play.

Bet: WIN

2. Wanderlust – 15/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Andrew Mullen | Trainer: Iain Jardine | Form: 31-443 | Rating: 102 | Topspeed: 88

Wanderlust appeals as the each-way alternative because he keeps running to a level that gives him a real shout in this smaller field, and he is not priced like a horse with such dependable recent form. His figures this season suggest he is holding his form well, and that latest third was another piece of evidence that he is competitive from this sort of mark. He does not have the sexy profile of Sudu, but he does not need to improve bundles to hit the frame, especially with only six runners and two places on offer. Available at 15/2, he looks the value each-way punt against shorter-priced rivals.

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Sudu is the straightforward win bet and the one I would want on side if he returns ready to roll after the break. For an each-way option, Wanderlust makes more appeal than the obvious shorter ones because he is reliable, fairly treated and overpriced for place purposes. Master Vintner is the main danger after back-to-back seconds, while Wahdan is not out of it if the race gets run to suit.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Master Vintner15/87/47/47/42/12/1 (William Hill)
Majestic7/113/213/213/213/27/1 (Bet365)
Wahdan9/29/25/15/19/25/1 (Paddy Power)
Sudu5/29/45/25/25/25/2 (Bet365)
Wanderlust15/211/26/16/115/215/2 (Bet365)
Golden West12/110/110/110/114/114/1 (William Hill)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
The JudgeSudu
sportinglife.comSudu
FarringdonWanderlust

16:40 – Country Music Night Here Next Friday 14th August Handicap

Race Details: 6f | Class 6 | Going: 8.1) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This looks a perfectly ordinary three-year-old sprint handicap rather than a race packed with future winners, but it is still a competitive little puzzle. Maximum Velocity, Great Profit and Real Jack head the market and all arrive with bits of form that give them a say, while Lope Y Linda and Liquid Cooled have enough on the figures to get involved from lighter weights. Great Profit has been knocking loudly on the door without getting through it, whereas Maximum Velocity shaped well enough in second last time to suggest another big run is imminent. In a race like this, tactical pace and a clean trip over Thirsk’s 6f could be decisive, and I’d much rather side with runners already proving they can cope in this grade than those still trading on promise.

Top Selections

1. Maximum Velocity – 9/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Faye McManoman | Trainer: Nigel Tinkler | Form: 201932 | Rating: 76 | Topspeed: 67

Maximum Velocity makes plenty of appeal in a race where the obvious ones all have some sort of question to answer. He arrives off the back of a solid second, and that effort fits nicely with earlier form that shows he can be very competitive in this sort of sprint handicap. His rating of 76 puts him right near the top of the pile, and that 67 topspeed figure is the best in the field, which matters in a race likely to be decided by who can travel and quicken best late on. Nigel Tinkler’s runner looks straightforward and reliable enough, and 9/2 is fair rather than flashy for one holding strong claims. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Lope Y Linda – 17/2 with Bet365

Jockey: David Allan | Trainer: Tim Easterby | Form: 201244 | Rating: 72 | Topspeed: 62

Lope Y Linda is the each-way angle in a race where plenty are closely matched but not many look bombproof. She has been running consistently well, with that sequence of 201244 suggesting she keeps turning up and giving her running, and she does so here from a handy racing weight of 124. The mark of 72 looks workable judged on her recent efforts, and David Allan is the sort of rider you want in a rough sprint around Thirsk when track position can matter. She is not wildly ahead of the assessor, but at 17/2 she looks the value against shorter-priced rivals who have been less dependable. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Maximum Velocity is the solid win play, with his recent second and the best topspeed figure in the line-up making him hard to ignore. Lope Y Linda is the each-way punt at a workable price, especially with three places on offer. Great Profit is the obvious danger after a string of near-misses, while Liquid Cooled could outrun his odds from the inside draw.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Maximum Velocity9/29/24/14/19/29/2 (Bet365)
Yellow Diamonds5/15/19/29/211/211/2 (William Hill)
Great Profit4/19/29/29/24/19/2 (Betfair)
Overbudget11/111/115/215/211/111/1 (Bet365)
Real Jack5/15/17/27/25/15/1 (Bet365)
Soul Warrior7/16/117/28/111/217/2 (Paddy Power)
Mare Of London12/114/112/112/114/114/1 (Betfair)
Hellcat18/125/118/118/125/125/1 (Betfair)
Lope Y Linda17/217/28/115/28/117/2 (Bet365)
Liquid Cooled11/111/110/110/112/112/1 (William Hill)
Agric Ranger33/128/122/120/133/133/1 (Bet365)

Thirsk Course Specialists

Horses To Note

The top course performers among today’s runners:

HorseRunsWinsWin %Place %
Mrs Trump3133.33%33.33%
Military Girl3133.33%66.67%
Glory Fighter7114.29%28.57%
Golden Prosperity9111.11%22.22%
Hurstwood900%22.22%

Jockeys To Note

The pilots with the strongest records at the course:

JockeyRidesWinsWin %Place %
Liam Wright3133.33%33.33%
Jake Dickson11327.27%36.36%
Edward Greatrex13323.08%38.46%
Conor Whiteley5120%60%
Kevin Stott2503514%34%

Trainers To Note

Yards that have done well at Thirsk:

TrainerRunnersWinsWin %Place %
Ed Walker411024.39%39.02%
Roger Varian881921.59%54.55%
Ralph Beckett24520.83%50%
Archie Watson39820.51%35.9%
K R Burke2733713.55%36.26%

Summary & Best Bets

That wraps up our Thirsk racing tips for Friday 7th August 2026. We’ve covered all 6 races with our top selections highlighted above. Use the betting strategies as a starting point, always shop around for the best odds, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

FAQ

What time does racing start at Thirsk today?

The first race at Thirsk on Friday 7th August 2026 goes off at 14:10, with 6 races scheduled in total.

What is the going at Thirsk today?

The going at Thirsk is reported as 8.1) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick).

How many races are at Thirsk today?

There are 6 races on the card at Thirsk today, running from 14:10 through to 16:40.

Gamble Responsibly ⚠️

Bet only what you can afford to lose. Set deposit limits, never chase losses, and take regular breaks. Gambling should be entertainment, not income.

Support & Resources: BeGambleAware.org · GamCare.org.uk · National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133

18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. This article contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you.