Thirsk 5:00 Result

Kosometsuke sets the standard on official ratings (OR 82, top-weight) and his recent form figures (4-1584) show he's been running well, with the "1" indicating a recent win and consistent placings otherwise. Dods is a shrewd, in-form northern trainer with a strong strike rate at Thirsk, and Beasley riding suggests stable confidence. A 7f trip on good-to-soft looks ideal given his pedigree (Kodiac/Poet's Voice line handles cut in the ground fine) and his draw in stall 2 is workable at Thirsk where low-to-middle draws often prove tactically sound. His main rivals - Misunderstood and Andesite - are both 2lb behind on the ratings and have been racing in weaker grade with less consistent recent form (677452, 322057) rather than the more progressive profile Kosometsuke offers. Native Instinct is interesting on a rating basis but is 6lb worse off and unproven at this level of company. Overall Kosometsuke looks the best blend of proven ability, fitness, and conditions suitability, and represents fair value near the top of the market given his rating edge and course/trainer form.