Thirsk 1:35 Result

The Monkey King is on a progressive 6-3-1 form curve for a powerful Ralph Beckett yard, winning last time out and clearly still ascending as a lightly-raced 2yo stepping up in trip - the form figures show improvement each run rather than fading. He carries a fair 133lbs off OR72, and Beckett's juveniles typically progress well fresh into nurseries. Love Tanya (322) is the most obvious market threat with solid recent placed efforts and a win last time, well drawn in stall 1, but her figures suggest she's just holding a level rather than improving, and Beasley/Bethell is a lesser strike-rate combo at this course than Beckett's juvenile hit rate nationally. Empire Rising's 04441 shows a big level-up last time but the Amo/Clover team can be exposed at this class and the gelding hasn't strung together true class form beyond the one win. Coco Nova (43) is lightly raced and interesting but unproven winning, while Akaraka's 787 figures don't inspire and a 40-day break adds uncertainty. Or Another and Prince Kameo both have modest recent form figures (34734, 48051) that look held together rather than progressive, and Prince Kameo in particular seems to found a level. Sou'wester and Northern Viola are both fully exposed at a lower level with modest marks and long layoffs, unlikely to trouble the principals. The Monkey King's trajectory, yard, and fair weight make him the most solid win case, and price should still offer some value given he's not the market's most obvious pick compared to the in-form Love Tanya or steadily-progressing Empire Rising.