Magical should have something up his sleeve

Magical Effect’s latest effort deserves upgrading 3.25 Thirsk

Despite his sole win coming at 8-13 in a maiden two starts ago, Magical Effect is an improving, lightly raced sprinter who arguably progressed again when third over this course and distance eight days ago.

On that occasion, Ruth Carr’s gelding charged home, emerging much the best of those who raced towards the stands’ rail. Unfortunaltely for his backers, the main action had developed in the centre of the track. Still, at least it proved he handles soft ground well, which could be crucial if the rain arrives early enough, and he can race off the same mark. It was also his second successive good effort at the track.

If the ground does ease they are likely to shun the stands’ rail, so his midfield draw is likely to prove advantageous.

Normandy Barriere is going the right way and likes Ascot 4.10

Bar a midsummer blip, Nigel Tinkler’s gelding has been steadily progressive and, while not the only one on the up in this ultra-competitive affair, he also goes well at this track, which is a big plus.

In fact, if you rule out those two unplaced efforts (there was clearly something amiss when he was beaten 44 lengths at Doncaster and he was then unsuited being held up well off the pace here), he has yet to finish out of the frame since entering handicap company at the beginning of last season. That is some record.

He soon left behind that ninth place here in July when runner-up under a more positive ride over 7f at the track, confirming his liking for the venue, where he scored over this shorter trip last season. He stepped up again back in trip at Haydock last time, quickening smartly and winning in the manner of a horse who was much better than his mark.

A 7lb rise for that two-length win was justified, although Tinkler has addressed it by giving the leg-up to improving 7lb claimer Lewis Edmunds, who is 3-8 for the yard, the last two wins coming in the last ten days. Hopefully the rain holds off, because the faster the ground the better his chance.

Don’t rule out a return to form from Swaheen if the rain arrives in time 5.00 Thirsk

If the weather forecast is correct, rain should hit Thirsk early this afternoon and increase in intensity.

One runner who would definitely be on the radar if conditions ease is Swaheen. Julie Camacho’s gelding went off the boil in midsummer on decent surfaces after starting the season okay on soft ground.

Although he has won on fast ground, subsequent efforts suggest he is better suited by plenty of cut, notably when coming from last to first to win a £31,000 contest at York last October. Interestingly, that was the last time he was ridden by a claiming jockey, so it could be significant Camacho has booked Josh Doyle to remove 5lb. The hood he wore there is removed, but it wasn’t having the same effect and it isn’t a concern given he has twice won without headgear.

Swaheen also needs time between races, so the fact he returns from a six-week break should be viewed positively.