RACE PREVIEWS & TIPS (FRIDAY)

15:30 Thirsk A small, but competitive field line up at Thirsk for this stayers handicap over 2m. Marcus Tregoning’s Noble Behest could not have been anymore impressive when accounting for some nice types to land his first ever win at Chelmsford last time out. The Sir Percy gelding is still completely unexposed at the trip given that was his first time tackling the 2m and only fifth career visit to a racecourse. He comfortably put Sir Mark Prescott’s Oxford Blu to the sword that day who has since came out and won to frank the form, so Noble Behest gets the confident nod to follow up. The consistent Stormin Tom looks the main danger for the Tim Easterby yard, but may struggle to follow up a narrow margin win last time out. NOBLE BEHEST (WIN)

15:55 Sandown A fascinating class 3 handicap to be run over the 1m trip looks set to be contested by some of the biggest names in racing. The William Haggas yard are once again going great guns this season and their once raced unbeaten gelding Robin Weathers makes his handicap bow and is totally unexposed here for this one. There was a lot to like about his debut win despite the narrow margin and with more progress likely he can go close here today, but preference is instead for a more experience rival. John Gosden’s juggernaut yard continues to go from strength to strength and he lines up here with Frankel filly Icespire and this represents her easiest task to date since her debut maiden win at Salisbury last October. The combination of Goodwood’s undulating track and the step up to 10f were her undoing last time out in Listed company, but the return to handicap company over a mile can see her regain the winning thread on route to bigger and better things. ICESPIRE (WIN) – NAP