Thirsk racing tips: Emeralds Pride targets fifth straight win, Albegone no forlorn each-way hope

17:30 Thirsk Races Wednesday 3rd July Book Now Handicap  (5 furlongs)

There’s plenty among this 15-strong field who will fancy their chances of being in the mix, not least the four market leaders, who are all covered by barely a single betting point at the time of writing.

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Of those, Paul Midgley’s Herakles crowned three top-three finishes with a cosy win over this distance at Ripon 19 days ago and is expected to go well again, despite a five-pound penalty.

Also incurring the wrath of the handicapper is Emeralds Pride, who has quite literally never looked back since having cheekpieces applied halfway through his 2023 campaign.

Having come close with no cigar with a couple of early season runner-up spots, the introduction of headgear prompted a hat-trick of successes, the last two of which both saw her edge home in the final strides by a short head and a nose respectively.

Suggested best bet: Emerald’s Pride in the 17:30 at Thirsk

Michael Dods’ five-year-old mare emerged from an eight-month winter break six weeks ago, and immediately hit the ground running at Beverley, running on strongly to see off eight rivals for a fourth straight success.

We probably should not expect to see Emeralds Pride at the forefront in the early stages, because usual jockey Connor Beasley has become adept at producing his mount late, and she is likely to finish strongly again here despite being nudged up four pounds.

• Tip advised by FlyingBoltOriginalOne on Tipstrr

With four places up for grabs, there’s no shortage of each-way value deeper in the betting, with the likes of Ghathanfar and the top-weighted Moulin Booj both looking capable of outrunning their odds, while Travel Candy looks very interesting on her season debut after winning three of her last six outings in 2023.

Just getting our each-way nod, however, is Tim Easterby’s experienced gelding, Albegone, who has seven career wins under his belt, three of which came during a productive six-race purple patch at the back end of last season.

Each-way punt: Albegone each-way in the 17:30 at Thirsk

The six-year-old was back on the winning trail at the second attempt this term, keeping on strongly to see off five rivals with a length to spare at Catterick in late May.

He was last seen at that same venue 16 days ago, this time having to settle for the runner-up spot, with another eight rivals seen off with some aplomb.

The winner in that 0-85 handicap was rated higher anything Albegone will face in this 0-78 affair, and a similar performance should put him back in the mix here, especially now reunited with David Allan, who missed that last outing but has been in the saddle for all of his last six wins.

• Tip advised by Big Priced Winners on Tipstrr

 

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