Horse Racing Tips: Two handicappers will act on soft for Thirsk 47/1 double

• Tough conditions again for Thirsk opener

• Clansman should be spot on after Chelmsford

• The Gay Blade could make the running

• Serial Winners Fund: Rachael heads into final stretch at Aintree

Thirsk - 14:45: Back Clansman

We're still searching for any form of decent ground for the start of the Flat season with Thirsk today set for soft conditions and possibly going heavy with rain forecast for the day.

While today's card lacks the rich brocades, hopefully Clansman can break through the mud in conditions he should appreciate.

He did win on his first start last season at Doncaster over 1m4f on soft, and proved his staying power by winning at Ayr later in the season over 1m7f - again in soft. He won off 65 on the west coast of Scotland and he's just 4lb higher.

The 6yo ran a nice race on his return at Chelmsford last time, and while it was an incident packed race, he picked up some prize money in second. He rarely runs on the All-Weather so that proved he's in good shape.

Ground conditions are crucial for this horse.

Thirsk - 15:15: Back The Gay Blade

Iain Jardine's The Gay Blade returns to turf today after his spell on the All-Weather, and like Clansman, he's another who will certainly act in the prevailing conditions.

He has spent the cold months running from 5f, 6f and 7f and one of those successes was a wide margin win at Newcastle in January - scoring by 6L.

I think he's best when dominating and making the running, especially as he has plenty of form over 7f, so a good test at 6f will suit him today.

Now read Tony Calvin's latest Antepost column ahead of the Grand National on Saturday