Thirsk and Worcester previews: Medina Sidonia primed for battle

The Ollie Pears trained gelding was last successful in the grade three starts back when powering clear to score easily by three lengths.

Roaring Rory has since run well to finish a head runner-up in a handicap at Wolverhampton and was also far from disgraced last time out when fifth of 12 in a handicap at Beverley.

This is a far easier assignment, so Roaring Rory has every chance of getting an uncontested lead to make all.

Thirsk selections

18.10: Ballet Concerto
18.40: Roaring Rory (NB)
19.10: Medina Sidonia (NAP)
19.40: Princess Momoka
20.10: Rocktherunway
20.40: Lozah
21.10: Bluff Crag

Kilbree Kid can kick Worcester rivals into touch

Kilbree Kid has become dangerously well-treated, so looks decent value to land the spoils in the 2m 7f handicap chase on this evening’s card at Worcester (18:30).

The Tom George trained gelding was last successful at Perth 13 months ago when winning a class 2 contest off a mark of 128, and also ran very well to be beaten just 1/2 a length when runner-up at the same off 132.

Kilbree Kid is now able to race off just 115, a career-low, and that gives the nine-year-old outstanding claims at the weights on the pick of his form.

Although Kilbree Kid was not at his best when pulled-up last time out the soft ground was against him, and he had previously shaped well to make the frame on two occasions, including when third in a class 3 contest off 117.

With underfoot conditions now back in his favour, the son of Cloudings looks a massive player in this class 4 contest off 2lb lower.

Another plus if that Kilbree Kid has a 50 per cent strike rate in the grade, having won four of his eights starts in it.

Little Pop has a big chance

In the 2m handicap hurdle (20:30), Little Pop is a fascinating contender on his belated return to action.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained eight-year-old was a bumper winner, making all to gamely land a handicap hurdle at Ffos Las last summer on quick ground following a lengthy lay-off.

Little Pop then failed to shine in his next three starts, including two runs over fences in the autumn, but has been given a break and presumably been saved for a summer campaign.

If that is the case, the gelding looks a big player in this off just 3lb higher than when last successful. Little Pop clearly goes well fresh and hails from a yard that can get one ready to go at the first time of asking.

Worcester selections

18.00: Tricky
18.30: Kilbree Kid (NAP)
19.00: Ballyknock Lad
19.30: Blake Dean
20.00: Lets Hope So
20.30: Little Pop (NB)
21.00: Devon General

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