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Thirsk Racing Tips & Predictions - Tuesday 16th June 2026

Thirsk Racing Tips & Predictions - Tuesday 16th June 2026

Our Thirsk racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Tuesday 16th June 2026. The action gets underway at 14:15 and runs through to 17:20, with going reported as 7.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick).

A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Kings Merchant boasts a 40% strike rate from 5 runs at the track, George Downing has been in fine form here with 3 wins from 14 rides, Ed Walker’s yard sends out runners with a 22.86% 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 Guardian10220%50%
Matt PolleyIpswich Star10220%30%
Chris WrightLiverpool Echo11218.18%36.36%
FortunatusSheffield Star10110%50%
Sunday ExpressSunday Express1119.09%27.27%

14:15 – British EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (GBB/GBBPlus Race)

Race Details: 1m 4f | Class 3 | Going: 7.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This looks a neat little novice rather than a deep one, with the market understandably centred on three fillies who have already shown useful promise. Hello Friend, Hapiness and Talitha Rouge all hit the frame on debut and bring the best ratings into the race, so this should be decided by which of them improves most for the step up to 1m4f. Talitha Rouge has the highest mark and best Topspeed figure, while Hapiness shaped as though this extra yardage would suit. Hello Friend is respected on pure form, but the lack of a Topspeed figure leaves a small question compared to the other two. Counter Intuitive could improve from two runs, but Galistra looks badly up against it. In a five-runner race, there is nowhere to hide and class should tell.

Top Selections

1. Talitha Rouge – 7/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Mark Winn | Trainer: David O’Meara | Form: 3 | Rating: 88 | Topspeed: 79

Talitha Rouge is the one that makes most appeal because she sets the standard on the figures and did enough on debut to suggest there is more to come now she goes up to this trip. An opening third does not always tell the full story with a staying filly, and her rating of 88 alongside a Topspeed of 79 gives her a solid edge in a race where there is not much room for excuses. O’Meara’s fillies can come forward plenty for a first outing and this 1m4f test on decent ground looks a sensible move. At 7/2 with Bet365, she looks the value against shorter-priced rivals. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

Betting Strategy

Keep it simple in a five-runner race: Talitha Rouge is the win bet and the only play. She appeals as the value alternative to the two shorter-priced fillies, especially with the best rating and Topspeed already on the board. Hapiness is the obvious danger if she improves for the extra distance, while Hello Friend also has strong claims in what is essentially a three-cornered fight.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Counter Intuitive4/110/310/310/34/14/1 (Bet365)
Galistra125/1110/1110/1100/1125/1125/1 (Bet365)
Hapiness13/86/46/46/48/513/8 (Bet365)
Hello Friend9/411/511/52/19/49/4 (Bet365)
Talitha Rouge7/27/27/27/27/27/2 (Bet365)

14:50 – PD Hook Gallop Handicap

Race Details: 5f | Class 5 | Going: 7.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This looks a proper little sprint handicap for the grade rather than a weak Class 5, with several of these arriving off consistent efforts and not much between them on the figures. Golden Havana has been knocking on the door and gets in off just 123, while U Turn brings the best topspeed number and the look of a colt who can do better again as a 3yo. Simba’s Pride is another with solid recent form, and Dragon Spin is weighted to be competitive if bouncing back from a lesser effort. The concern with a few of the market principals is that they’ve had chances, so this may come down to who gets the cleanest run and handles a likely brisk early tempo best. Tricky enough, but not impossible to unpick.

Top Selections

1. U Turn – 13/2 with William Hill

Jockey: David Allan | Trainer: Tim Easterby | Form: 41723- | Rating: 79 | Topspeed: 76

U Turn makes plenty of appeal on his return. He ended last season with two solid efforts, including a close third off this mark, and that Topspeed figure of 76 is the standout in the field. Tim Easterby’s sprinters around these northern tracks always command respect and David Allan is a positive booking for a race that should be run at a proper clip. He’s not thrown in, but he does look the one with the strongest mix of proven pace and scope for a bit more improvement at three. Available at 13/2, he’s the percentage call in a race where some rivals look a shade more exposed. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Golden Havana – 6/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Connor Beasley | Trainer: Michael Dods | Form: 1-7433 | Rating: 78 | Topspeed:

Golden Havana is the each-way angle because he’s been doing a lot right without quite getting his head back in front. Those recent thirds suggest he’s holding his form well, and the combination of a low draw in stall 1 and a feather weight of 123 makes him very interesting in a race of this nature. Michael Dods is typically reliable with sprinters at this level, and Connor Beasley is the sort you want on one who may need delivering late. He doesn’t have much in hand on official ratings, but he’s consistent, well treated at the weights and 6/1 looks perfectly fair for a horse with very solid place claims. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

U Turn is the win play at 13/2, with his stronger speed figure and the promise of further progress making him hard to ignore. Golden Havana is the sensible each-way punt at 6/1 given his consistency, low draw and light weight. Simba’s Pride and Dragon Spin are obvious dangers if the race falls their way, while Bravo Hotel isn’t without place possibilities either.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Bravo Hotel9/115/28/18/19/19/1 (Bet365)
U Turn6/111/26/16/113/213/2 (William Hill)
Ice Cold Alex7/17/113/215/213/215/2 (Sky Bet)
Riffa Spirit15/213/26/113/215/215/2 (Bet365)
Dragon Spin13/213/26/113/27/17/1 (William Hill)
Golden Havana6/19/24/14/111/26/1 (Bet365)

15:25 – Theakston Brewing Legends Since 1827 Handicap

Race Details: 6f | Class 5 | Going: 7.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This looks a competitive little sprint rather than a deep one, with the market understandably revolving around Frantic, who has twice finished runner-up this season and sets the standard among the three-year-olds. He’s respected, but at a short price in an 11-runner Thirsk handicap he’s hardly bombproof. Taygar arrives in similarly solid nick after a string of seconds, while Pull The Rug is weighted to get involved if building on his latest effort. Older sprinters such as Emperor Caradoc and Sugar Baby are capable on their day, though both need to bounce back. Draw and pace could matter plenty over this sharp 6f, so it feels a race where taking on the favourite at the prices makes some appeal.

Top Selections

1. Taygar – 17/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Sean Kirrane | Trainer: Michael Dods | Form: 8-8222 | Rating: 80 | Topspeed: 68

There’s no mystery about Taygar: he’s thriving, consistent and knocking loudly on the door. Four seconds from his last five starts tells you he’s holding his form well, and in a race where the favourite is short enough, that reliability counts for plenty. He’s on the same mark of 80, gets in with a workable weight, and Dods’ sprinters are always worth respecting in these northern handicaps. He may not have the sexy profile of an unexposed three-year-old, but at 17/2 with Bet365 he looks the percentage call against rivals who come with more questions than answers. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Emperor Caradoc – 9/1 with William Hill

Jockey: David Nolan | Trainer: Paul Midgley | Form: -40135 | Rating: 78 | Topspeed: 74

Emperor Caradoc is the each-way play in a race where a battle-hardened older sprinter could easily outrun a few less solid three-year-olds. He won three runs back, posted respectable efforts either side of that, and his Topspeed figure of 74 is one of the better numbers on offer here. The wide draw in 11 is not ideal, but Nolan is the sort to make a sensible fist of it and Midgley knows exactly how to place this type. At 9/1 with William Hill, he looks a fair each-way punt with enough recent form to think he can get into the first three if things fall right. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Taygar is the win bet because he brings the most dependable current form at a much healthier price than Frantic. Emperor Caradoc is the each-way alternative in a race with three places on offer and enough pace to set it up for a strong finisher. Frantic is the obvious danger, while Pull The Rug could also threaten if taking another step forward.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Emperor Caradoc8/117/217/215/29/19/1 (William Hill)
Vingegaard14/112/112/111/114/114/1 (Bet365)
Space Bear10/115/215/215/210/110/1 (Bet365)
Sugar Baby17/27/17/113/28/117/2 (Bet365)
Frantic1/111/1011/101/16/56/5 (William Hill)
Tactical Formation9/19/19/18/110/110/1 (William Hill)
Taygar17/28/18/17/17/117/2 (Bet365)
Kings Merchant20/112/112/114/118/120/1 (Bet365)
Pull The Rug9/110/110/18/18/110/1 (Betfair)
Record Day33/120/120/118/128/133/1 (Bet365)
Harlequin Bay50/133/133/133/140/150/1 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
Andrew MountFrantic
Ross ShepherdFrantic

16:02 – Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap

Race Details: 7f | Class 4 | Going: 7.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This is a proper Thirsk handicap rather than a race full of obvious answers, with a mix of exposed older sprinters stretching their class over 7f and a couple of 3yos trying to make their mark against seasoned handicappers. Zarvali heads the market after winning before a respectable sixth, while City Captain arrives with the most persuasive recent profile after a string of solid efforts in similar company. It Just Takes Time is well capable on his day and Woodstock is another with enough form to get involved, but plenty of these have become a bit hard to win with. The shape of the race suggests track position and timing will matter, and this looks more tricky than strong.

Top Selections

1. City Captain – 5/1 with Betfair

Jockey: Alistair Rawlinson | Trainer: Harriet Bethell | Form: 31-624 | Rating: 85 | Topspeed: 76

City Captain makes plenty of appeal in a race where a few arrive with questions attached. His recent figures read well enough already, but more importantly they suggest he is holding his form and operating consistently in this sort of grade. That Topspeed mark of 76 is one of the better efforts in the line-up and he doesn’t look badly treated off 85. He has been knocking on the door rather than thriving on excuses, which is usually what you want in a Thirsk handicap. At 5/1, he looks a fair win play in a race lacking a standout improver. Bet: WIN

2. Inside Story – 10/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Mark Winn | Trainer: James Tate | Form: 217-54 | Rating: 84 | Topspeed: 56

Inside Story is the each-way angle at a double-figure price, and the age allowance angle makes him interesting against older, more exposed rivals. He won as a juvenile, returns here after two fair efforts this season, and his latest fourth suggested he may be finding his feet again without everything dropping right. Drawn in stall 1, he could get a handy run if things pan out, and James Tate’s horses are often capable of stepping forward once they get a run or two under their belt. Available at 10/1, he looks the value play for those wanting a bit of insurance with four places on offer. Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

City Captain is the straight win bet because he brings the most solid, repeatable recent handicap form. Inside Story is the each-way punt at 10/1, with his 3yo profile giving him a bit more upside than many of these. Zarvali is the obvious danger near the top of the market, while It Just Takes Time also has enough recent evidence to make the frame.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Kosometsuke12/19/110/112/112/112/1 (Bet365)
It Just Takes Time11/29/29/29/211/211/2 (Bet365)
City Captain4/15/15/17/27/25/1 (Betfair)
Degale17/28/18/115/217/217/2 (Bet365)
Ormolulu9/111/112/112/112/112/1 (Paddy Power)
Woodstock13/26/16/16/113/213/2 (Bet365)
This Farh7/16/16/16/17/17/1 (Bet365)
Mr King18/118/118/118/120/120/1 (William Hill)
Gressington33/128/128/128/133/133/1 (Bet365)
Inside Story10/111/26/17/117/210/1 (Bet365)
Zarvali4/14/14/14/14/14/1 (Bet365)
Fuji Mountain28/120/120/122/125/128/1 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
The NorthCity Captain
MoorestyleMr King

16:42 – Download The QuinnBet App Handicap

Race Details: 5f | Class 5 | Going: 7.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This looks a proper sharp five-furlong handicap rather than a weak summer seller in disguise, with several arriving in form and very little margin for error. Military Girl comes here seeking the hat-trick after back-to-back wins, while Marajito also arrives on the back of a decisive success and still looks on the upgrade. Emerald Harmony has been knocking on the door in better company and brings the best Topspeed figure in the field, so he is no back number either. Spendmore Lane is admirably consistent but may find a few better treated rivals lurking around him, and the draw could make the early dash fascinating. In truth, this is competitive rather than straightforward, and a race where current momentum could be the deciding factor.

Top Selections

1. Military Girl – 7/2 with William Hill

Jockey: Connor Beasley | Trainer: Michael Dods | Form: 44-311 | Rating: 85 | Topspeed: 72

She is the obvious starting point and, to my eye, the right one. Two wins on the bounce tell their own story, but what really appeals is that she still looks like a filly going the right way rather than one who has suddenly hit her ceiling. A mark of 85 asks a stiffer question, yet this is only a Class 5 and Michael Dods knows exactly how to place his sprinters at this level. Connor Beasley is a positive booking in a race where sharp positioning matters. At 7/2 she is hardly hidden, but she is solid, progressive and hard to oppose if breaking on terms. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Emerald Harmony – 4/1 with Betfair

Jockey: David Nolan | Trainer: Paul Midgley | Form: -27303 | Rating: 85 | Topspeed: 76

For an each-way play, Emerald Harmony makes plenty of appeal because his recent form is better than it looks at a glance. That latest third suggested he is coming back to the boil, and his Topspeed figure of 76 is the best on offer here, which matters in a burn-up over the minimum trip. Paul Midgley’s runners are often worth respecting in these northern sprint handicaps, and David Nolan is a rider who tends to get the fractions right. He does not arrive with the sexy profile of a last-time-out winner, but at 4/1 he still looks a fair each-way punt in a race where he should be right in the firing line late. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Military Girl is the win play because she is progressing, arrives in form and still looks ahead of the handicapper despite the rise. Emerald Harmony is the each-way alternative, with his speed figures and solid recent efforts giving him a strong chance of making the frame. Marajito is the obvious danger after his latest win, while Spendmore Lane is another with enough consistency to get involved.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Spendmore Lane7/111/211/25/113/27/1 (Bet365)
Emerald Harmony7/24/14/17/23/14/1 (Betfair)
Le Beau Garcon15/28/18/115/217/217/2 (William Hill)
Beaumadier20/116/116/114/120/120/1 (Bet365)
Military Girl10/33/13/13/17/27/2 (William Hill)
Marajito9/27/27/210/34/19/2 (Bet365)
Pal Joey14/111/111/110/114/114/1 (Bet365)
Hover On The Wind11/110/110/19/112/112/1 (William Hill)
Khabib33/125/125/125/133/133/1 (Bet365)

17:20 – Next Meeting Wednesday 1st July – Book Now Handicap

Race Details: 5f | Class 6 | Going: 7.2) (watered) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat

This looks a proper low-grade sprint handicap where recent sharpness and track position could count for plenty. Knicks heads the market after a better effort last time, but stall 11 is no gift over Thirsk’s minimum trip and he doesn’t look bombproof at the prices. Crocus Time arrives chasing a hat-trick and is clearly thriving, while Albegone has slipped to a workable mark and comes here on the back of a solid placed run. Midnight Lir is another with a bit of appeal if building on his latest third, and Westgate Warrior isn’t out of it either. It’s not a deep race in quality terms, but it is a tricky little puzzle because several have bits of form that entitle them to a serious second look.

Top Selections

1. Crocus Time – 13/2 with William Hill

Jockey: Jack Nicholls | Trainer: Ron Barr | Form: 13-011 | Rating: 76 | Topspeed: 62

Crocus Time is the one I want on side because he’s one of the few in here arriving with obvious momentum. Those last two wins suggest he has really clicked of late, and while a 5lb rise for the latest success asks a fresh question, this is still only a Class 6 and the opposition is hardly intimidating. He’s drawn well enough in 8 to get involved if breaking on terms, and his profile is much more convincing than several shorter in the betting. At 13/2 with William Hill, he looks a fair win play in a race where current wellbeing could easily prove decisive. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Albegone – 4/1 with Bet365

Jockey: David Allan | Trainer: Tim Easterby | Form: 080523 | Rating: 73 | Topspeed: 64

Albegone is an 8-year-old, so there are no secrets with him, but he has started to look competitive again and that third last time was perfectly respectable in the context of this race. He’s now 3lb lower than Knicks, has a handy middle draw in 4, and David Allan is the sort of rider you want in a rough-and-tumble sprint like this. He doesn’t have Crocus Time’s upside, but he does have enough recent form to suggest he’ll be thereabouts if the gaps come. At 4/1 with Bet365 he’s not wildly overpriced, yet he still makes plenty of each-way sense given the race shape. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Crocus Time is the main play for win purposes, as he’s the progressive one in a race full of exposed sprinters. Albegone is the safer each-way angle, with recent placed form and a workable draw making him a solid option for the three places. Danger-wise, Knicks is the obvious threat if overcoming stall 11, while Midnight Lir has enough on his latest run to get involved.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Dc Cogent11/111/111/110/112/112/1 (William Hill)
Dandy Dinmont17/217/217/215/29/19/1 (William Hill)
Westgate Warrior7/115/215/27/115/215/2 (Betfair)
Knicks11/45/25/25/211/411/4 (Bet365)
Blue Lakota14/112/112/111/114/114/1 (Bet365)
Crocus Time6/16/16/111/213/213/2 (William Hill)
Midnight Lir7/111/211/211/213/27/1 (Bet365)
Albegone4/17/27/210/34/14/1 (Bet365)
Irish Dancer16/116/116/114/116/116/1 (Bet365)
Invincible Crown16/116/116/114/116/116/1 (Bet365)

Thirsk Course Specialists

Horses To Note

The top course performers among today’s runners:

HorseRunsWinsWin %Place %
Kings Merchant5240%40%
Sugar Baby6233.33%50%
King’s Crown6233.33%50%
It Just Takes Time8225%37.5%
Dandy Dinmont4125%50%

Jockeys To Note

The pilots with the strongest records at the course:

JockeyRidesWinsWin %Place %
George Downing14321.43%21.43%
Greg Fairley12216.67%25%
Alistair Rawlinson69913.04%24.64%
William Pyle50612%36%
David Nolan2893110.73%33.22%

Trainers To Note

Yards that have done well at Thirsk:

TrainerRunnersWinsWin %Place %
Ed Walker35822.86%42.86%
Ralph Beckett20420%45%
Harriet Bethell10220%30%
Joseph Parr11218.18%36.36%
James Tate831315.66%48.19%

Summary & Best Bets

That wraps up our Thirsk racing tips for Tuesday 16th June 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 Tuesday 16th June 2026 goes off at 14:15, with 6 races scheduled in total.

What is the going at Thirsk today?

The going at Thirsk is reported as 7.2) (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 14:15 through to 17:20.

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