Thirsk preview: Atreus weighted to open account

Atreus caught the eye last time out, and looks decent value to notch a first career success in the 7f handicap on this evening’s card at Thirsk (20.00).

The Mick Easterby trained gelding is yet to get his head in front in 15 starts, but has been placed on numerous occasions.

Atreus ran very well back in May when beating just a head at Musselburgh off a mark of 59, and was also far from disgraced next time up at Hamilton when fifth of 13 off 64.

The three-year-old then failed to shine in his next three starts, but there was much more to like about his latest effort when third at Catterick.

Atreus seemed ill at ease on the tight turns, but kept on nicely to be nearest at the finish after getting outpaced at a crucial stage.

It was an effort which suggested Atreus could be ready to cash-in on a career low mark of 57, and the return to a more galloping track looks sure to suit.

In the 5f handicap (19.00), the well-treated Clouds Rest is a very interesting contender now dropped back to the minimum trip.

The filly hails from the in-form yard of Richard Fahey, and was last successful at Beverley 12 months ago when bolting up by four lengths off a mark of 79.

Clouds Rest went on to finish a fair third at Carlisle off a revised mark of 85, but her form then tailed off after she was raised another 3lb to 88.

The three-year-old has also failed to trouble the judge in four starts this season, but has shaped better than the bare result suggests in her last two outings over 6f.

In the last of those at Wetherby, Clouds Rest showed plenty of early dash to lead until being headed inside the final furlong and weakening to finish a four length fifth of eight to Handsome Dude.

The handicapper has since dropped the daughter of Showcasing another 3lb to 79, the same as when last successful, and that gives Clouds Rest every chance from a handicapping perspective now dropped back to the minimum trip over which she has notched all three of her career successes.

Selections:
17.30: Oliver’s Gold
18.00: Laughton
18.30: Dark Confidant
19.00: Clouds Rest (NB)
19.30: Outlaw Torn
20.00: Atreus (NAP)
20.30: Tuco