3.15pm Thirsk Tips & Betting Preview 21/08/2017

A field of 12 go to post in this Class 4 handicap raced over an extended 1m. See our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: This is a decent Class 4 handicap and the vote goes to BRIYOUNI. He’s 2lbs lower than his last start and the drop in grade and retention of the cheekpieces can see him improve and get the better of this mark for a yard that are flying at present. Off Art would be of real interest if significant market support arrived having slipped quite rapidly down the weights of late.

1 DESTROYER – Has done well for this yard since May, notching up two placed efforts and a win and he races off a fair mark of 81 here. He won a Class 4 handicap at Pontefract by a short head last month and he was somewhat disappointing next time out. He could bounce back to form today in conditions that will suit so he commands respect with James Sullivan back in the saddle.

2 MON BEAU VISAGE – Looked as though he was in command last time out at Beverley, yet he faded in the closing stages to finish third of eight. He’s been left on the same mark, which certainly remains fair, but it was disappointing not to see him put that race to bed and this is certainly harder today. There may be value in opposing him in this and others are preferred.

3 WORLDS HIS OYSTER – Ran well last time out to finish third of ten, beaten 2 1/4 lengths by a well handicapped sort. He is 2lbs below his last winning mark and is once again well handicapped today, although he generally needs things to fall perfectly to get his head in front. He is slightly vulnerable for win purposes but he should give a good account and run well.

4 SOVEREIGN BOUNTY – Should be competitive in this based on recent efforts, but his form is slightly inconsistent which makes him hard to predict. His last success came off a 4lb lower mark last August which illustrates his tricky nature, although that may simply be down to his higher weight. He should run well but he’s vulnerable in this and others provide safer alternatives.

5 BRIYOUNI – Remains 3lbs higher than his last win, however that came at this track over a furlong shorter. He’s ground versatile and the cheekpieces remain on today following their application two starts ago. He’s down another 2lbs here, but he could be well treated today and he commands respect in this. The drop in grade will suit though and the yard have hit top form lately. Respected.

6 DIFFERENT JOURNEY – Lightly raced four-year-old making just his fourth career start today. He raced once for Saeed bin Suroor before switching to Mick Easterby’s stable and he makes his handicap debut off what should be a reasonable mark of 73. He’s been given some time off the track since his last run and market support would make him of significant interest in this.

7 SIDEWINDER – Completed a double at Haydock earlier this season and he’s been comfortably held since in Class 4 handicaps. He’s down a pound following the latest of those runs which leaves him just 2lbs higher than his last winning mark and which would give him a chance in this. Richard Kingscote is back in the saddle which is a major positive and market support would make him of interest off what could be a decent mark back on faster ground.

8 OFF ART – Tim Easterby’s yard has been going well of late, but he’s unlikely to better his record with this runner today. He seeks his first win since 2013 and he’s been well held in all four starts this season, including at Beverley last time out. He’s dropped another 2lbs following that run and he’s likely to pop up at some point, although more is needed to convince that he’s up to winning off marks in this region.

9 WHITKIRK – Has been raised 5lbs for a Class 6 Nottingham handicap success last time out over an extended mile. He won in convincing style that day, drawing clear by 2 1/2 lengths to score and he’s worth a go in Class 4 company today. Life is obviously going to be harder for him but he looks to be going the right way and he’s been given a decent bit of time off the track since his last start.

10 CELTIC ARTISAN – Arrives here in no sort of form following some heavy defeats in weaker handicaps than this. He’s been dropped 2lbs for his latest effort which leaves him below his last winning mark, but that came in weaker company than this and others make much greater appeal today.

11 VAULTED – Richard Fahey’s three-year-old is well treated against her older rivals on these terms, but she’s already run ten times to date and isn’t the most progressive of sorts. She was beaten six lengths over C&D in these conditions last time out and she’s stepped up in grade today. This trip and track does suit her, however she needs to do more and there may be value in opposing her today.

12 SHEARIAN – Thoroughly exposed handicapper who arrives here on the back of a poor run at Beverley in a weaker race than this. He’s now 3lbs lower than his last winning mark, although that came on the Fibresand at Southwell and he needs things to fall perfectly for him. He will be better suited to weaker races than this down the line.