Wednesday’s flat racing action at Thirsk (4 July 2025) offers some intriguing Class 5 and Class 6 handicaps over sprint and intermediate trips. We’ve carefully selected three races that fit the tactical and statistical criteria we’ve been tracking all season. From early pace to recent form and draw impact, here are our best betting tips for today’s Thirsk card – all backed by solid analysis and recent track patterns.
🏇 7f Weatherbys ePassport Handicap (Div I) – Class 5 – Thirsk – 3:33
Going: Good to Firm | Stalls: Inside | Age: 4yo+ | Distance: 7f (7f218y)
🔍 Race Breakdown
A Class 5 handicap with experienced types, pace options, and a few horses dropping in the weights. With the ground expected to ride fast and the stalls on the inside, early speed and tactical positioning should prove crucial.
⭐ Main Selection: Highfield Viking (6/1 best price) 1pt e/w
This CD winner ticks several boxes today. He ran better than the result at Ripon last time when racing wide, and now returns to a track where he’s shown effectiveness. He drops 1lb in the ratings, keeps Jason Hart on board (who knows him well), and is drawn in stall 2 — perfect for a prominent run on quick ground. The yard’s recent form adds confidence.
📌 Conditions look spot on: CD winner, inside draw, fast ground and race fitness. This looks like the right opening to strike back.
💡 Solid Alternative: Arantes Nascimento
Very consistent and holding his form well. Has early speed and Tom Marquand booked. Drawn in 8 could be tricky on the rail but not out of it if he breaks well.
🏇 7f Weatherbys ePassport Handicap (Div II) – Class 5 – Thirsk – 4:03
Going: Good to Firm | Stalls: Inside | Age: 4yo+ | Distance: 7f (7f218y)
🔍 Race Breakdown
This second division of the 7f Class 5 contest has more exposed profiles, but there’s potential value in horses returning to favourable conditions. With fast ground and the inside stalls again in play, look for CD form and race fitness.
⭐ Main Selection: Leap Day (10/3 best price) 1.5pt win
He’s yet to win in 2024 but has run solid races in similar company, including over course and distance. Tim Easterby’s horses are starting to find rhythm, and David Allan takes over from apprentice hands. Leap Day is drawn well in stall 8 to sit handy behind the pace, and he brings the best last-time-out RPR (85) of the field.
📌 Solid numbers, form in context, and a positive jockey booking. Looks primed for a breakthrough.
💡 Solid Alternative: Langholm
Down to an OR of 51, this old warrior ran a sneaky good race over CD last time and could outrun his odds again. Well drawn and back at his favourite track.
🏇 6f Power Plastics Ltd Handicap – Class 6 – Thirsk – 5:48
Going: Good to Firm | Stalls: Centre | Age: 3yo+ | Distance: 6f
🔍 Race Breakdown
A typical Class 6 sprint puzzle with several exposed runners and some revived profiles. Tactics and stall position could play a role, but recent CD winners and jockey bookings are worth noting.
⭐ Main Selection: Calafrio (7/2 best price) 1.5pt win
Ran well over CD two starts back and now gets the services of Oisin Murphy for the first time. From stall 6, he can sit in midfield and pounce late, and his mark of 54 is workable given past efforts. The recent form ties in well with Lady Of The Garr and other rivals here.
📌 Unexposed in this company, top jockey booked, and figures suggest improvement still possible.
💡 Solid Alternative: Quercus
Veteran sprinter who’s run with credit off higher marks. Back in a Class 6 with a good draw, he could be dangerous if tracking the pace early.
🧐 Looking ahead to Saturday…
If you’re enjoying our daily selections, don’t miss our full runner-by-runner preview of the 2025 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown – one of the summer’s biggest middle-distance clashes. We’ve broken down every contender’s profile, assessed their winning chances ⭐ and delivered two standout betting picks. 👉 Read the Coral-Eclipse 2025 Preview
Leave a Reply