Pontefract Races & Results All Racing UK & International Horse Racing Speed Ratings & Tips for 2024-09-26

There were 286 Races on across 34 meetings. There was 8 races at Belmont At The Big A first race 18:05, 10 races at Canterbury Park first race 01:10, 9 races at Chantilly first race 12:11, 3 races at Charles Town first race 00:00, 7 races at Churchill Downs first race 22:00, 7 races at Delaware Park first race 17:30, 12 races at Funabashi first race 06:40, 8 races at Geelong first race 04:30, 7 races at Goulburn first race 04:35, 8 races at Hawkesbury first race 04:15, 9 races at Hawthorne first race 20:10, 18 races at Hipo Chile first race 16:45, 9 races at Horseshoe Indianapolis first race 19:10, 8 races at Ipswich first race 03:47, 10 races at Kasamatsu first race 03:50, 8 races at Laval first race 15:35, 7 races at Listowel first race 14:20, 9 races at Louisiana Downs first race 19:45, 8 races at Marseille-borely first race 10:51, 12 races at Mombetsu first race 06:30 Monbetsu, 5 races at Mountaineer first race 01:15, 7 races at Newmarket first race 13:35, 7 races at Northam first race 06:55, 8 races at Perth first race 13:20, 7 races at Pontefract first race 14:00, 8 races at Presque Isle Downs first race 20:00, 2 races at Remington Park first race 00:30, 12 races at Saga first race 06:25, 12 races at Sonoda first race 02:40, 9 races at Southwell first race 16:25, 9 races at Taif first race 14:05, 8 races at Thistledown first race 17:50, 8 races at Vaal first race 11:25, 7 races at Woodbine first race 21:50, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner. TomForm.com uses a custom rating system for each runner.

Race 1: 14:00 Pontefract Season Finale On 21st October Apprentice Handicap (0-60) (6) 4yo+ GB 5f 3y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(8) The Princes Poet	6	Harry Burns	Ian McInnes	His mark continues to fall but for good reason and he's hard to fancy on the evidence of his last two runs.
(10) Pink Stripes	4	William Pyle	Lisa Williamson	Third at Wolverhampton (5f, AW) in July but well beaten on her three runs since and now 0-29; blinkers go on; best to look elsewhere.
(2) Refuge	7	Lewis Chalkley	Michael & David Easterby	Won at Beverley (5f) in July and is just 2lb higher today; however, he hasn't shone on his three starts since and needs to raise his game.
(5) Mrs Trump	4	Mark Winn	Paul Midgley	Disappointing at Carlisle (6f, soft) a fortnight ago but a good season otherwise and made it three wins for the year (5f/6f, soft/good to firm) at Redcar last month; can play leading role if leaving latest start behind.
3rd (6) Opal Storm	4	Aiden Brookes	Brian Rothwell	Solid campaign for new yard this season, winning at Beverley (5f, good to firm) last month, and she's also effective on soft going; perhaps unsuited by Catterick last time and could have a big say today.
(7) Latin Five	7	Andrew Breslin	Paul Midgley	Placed twice in a row on turf this summer (5f, soft/good) and didn't run badly at Newcastle (5f, AW) last time; he's on the shortlist.
4th (9) Variety Island	5	Rhys Elliott	Simon Whitaker	He has a 2-38 strike-rate and needs to produce more than he's managed the last twice (albeit kicked at the start most recently); however, he's run well over C&D this summer on his two visits to Pontefract (good to firm) and is also effective on soft ground; could be a contender.
(1) Papa Don't Preach	5	Andrea Pinna	Kevin Frost	Has 2-31 strike-rate but he was a fair third at Windsor (5f, good) last Monday and has another career-low mark this afternoon; effective on soft ground early in career; might not be far away.
2nd (3) Alafdhal	6	Grace McEntee	Phil McEntee	Had been struggling on turf prior to his good second at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) last Saturday; back on grass today but he won over C&D (soft) in April and rain would aid his cause; could go well.
1st (4) Holbache	6	Tom Kiely-Marshall	Julie Camacho	Down the field more often than not this year (including the last twice) but he won over C&D (good to firm) in July on his sole visit to Pontefract and is worth a second look now back here; versatile ground-wise.

His two visits to Pontefract this season have yielded good performances and he shouldn't mind what the ground does, so VARIETY ISLAND earns the vote ahead of the consistent Opal Storm, with Latin Five next on the list. Alafdhal and Mrs Trump are others to consider.[Ben Hutton]

Race 2: 14:35 Pontefract Northern Commercials Used Commercial Vehicles EBF Maiden Stakes (No More Than 3 Runs) (GBB Race) GB 6f

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
9th (6) What What What	2	Billy Garritty	Michael & David Easterby	Finished last of seven, soundly beaten, in 7f maiden at Musselburgh for an inauspicious debut; best to look elsewhere.
3rd (5) Space Raider	2	William Pyle	Craig Lidster	Down the field in northern sprints four months apart; handicaps more suitable shortly.
8th (2) Golden Harmony	2	Faye McManoman	Nigel Tinkler	Never landed a blow in 6f contest on soft ground at Carlisle, having been friendless in the betting; likely one for handicaps later on.
10th (12) Samujana	2	Adam Farragher	William Haggas	Represents major stable but has a couple of duck eggs next to her name (always behind); likely to be more interesting in handicaps shortly.
11th (10) Nippasso	2	Lewis Chalkley	Michael & David Easterby	Showed some promise with her midfield effort in 7f contest on soft ground at Leicester, belying her 200-1 odds; however, didn't shape as if she's crying out for this drop in trip.
5th (1) Ey Up He's A Star	2	David Nolan	Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood	Sogann half-brother to a few winners for his connections but none scored on debut; best watched unless the market suggests otherwise.
(13) Tabby	2	Marco Ghiani	Denis Quinn	Both starts on AW, better effort when fifth at Chelmsford (dropped to 6f) latest; recorded a modest RPR and needs to show further progress.
6th (3) Mwafaq	2	Oisin Orr	Richard Fahey	Mehmas half-brother to three winners, notably Raven's Lady (6f-7.5f including 2yo/Group 2); dam unraced half-sister to 1m1f Group 1 winner Best Of The Bests; interesting newcomer.
2nd (7) Ann Terry	2	Jason Hart	John & Sean Quinn	One of the main form contenders judged on debut effort, namely third at Ayr (6f, good); however, needs to rebound, having been disappointing in both subsequent runs.
4th (8) Berning Hot	2	David Egan	Richard Hannon	Belied her 66-1 odds with fourth-place finish in maiden at the Doncaster St Leger meeting (7f, good) two weeks ago, improving on debut effort while shaping as if this return to 6f will suit; possibilities.
7th (4) Panenka	2	David Probert	Clive Cox	Has failed to see out his races at Newbury and Newmarket, finishing out of the frame, both over 6f; may become a stronger finisher in due course but others are preferred.
(11) Rock Diva	2	Kevin Stott	Ollie Sangster	Promising third in 7f AW maiden at Wolverhampton last month; subsequently withdrawn at Chester due to soft ground; granted a suitable surface, she looks open to progress; shortlisted.
1st (9) Dark Rosa	2	Pat Cosgrave	George Boughey	Thrice-raced filly who has steadily progressive RPRs; clear second, behind a promising colt who is now 2-2, at Chester (6f, heavy; collared near the finish) most recently; represents last year's winning yard and holds leading claims.

A steadily improving filly who holds a leading chance on bare figures, DARK ROSA looks the strongest option. Berning Hot, who may take another step forward, is second choice ahead of Rock Diva who is open to progress granted suitable ground. Market confidence behind interesting newcomer Mwafaq should be heeded.[Steve Boow]

Race 3: 15:10 Pontefract Simon Scrope Dalby Screw-Driver Handicap (0-95) (3) 3yo+ GB 1m 2f 5y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(10) Whathappensinvegas	3	David Egan	Ian Williams	Had 1m2f/1m3f wins on good in May/June but more miss than hit since, well held in the mud at Ascot (1m4f) 19 days ago; others arrive with more pressing claims.
(9) Educate	3	Harry Burns	Patrick Morris	Quite useful form in five outings for the Gosden stable, culminating in a 1m2f Newmarket handicap third on good ground in June; sold for 32,000gns in July and gelded; possibly best watched on first run for new connections.
4th (6) Baryshnikov	8	Connor Beasley	David & Nicola Barron	Won at Redcar (1m2f, soft; acts on good to firm) in May; below that level since but he's returned to that last winning mark and has a shout if back to form after a three-month break; often starts slowly.
3rd (1) Killybegs Warrior	4	Oisin Orr	Charlie Johnston	Poor effort at the York Ebor meeting last time but he hadn't run too badly at Glorious Goodwood or Windsor (Racing League) prior to that; goes without the cheekpieces he's worn on his last three outings, now dipping into a Class 3 handicap for the first time since a Newmarket nursery win in August 2022.
1st (3) Loyal Touch	4	Archie Young	Charlie Johnston	Won at Chester (extended 1m2f, soft) in June off 3lb higher than today; has failed to reach that level since but better signs lately, meeting trouble on a few occasions when beaten only just over 2l into sixth back at Chester 12 days ago; has won under Archie Young; might be worth chancing.
(5) Dambuster	3	P J McDonald	Andrew Balding	Carries his head high; progressive when winning two of his first three starts but his handicap exploits since have been a little underwhelming, including in this headgear the last twice; being dropped 3lb can only help but others are more persuasive.
(4) Hosanna Power	4	David Probert	Sir Michael Stoute	Opened his account in Newbury handicap (1m2f, good) on seasonal debut; respectable 4l third to the reopposing Loyal Touch at Chester (extended 1m2f, soft) next time and a wide trip provides a possible excuse for a poor run at Chelmsford in July; given time since and a good record fresh provides hope that he'll stage a revival.
(7) Lightening Company	6	Andrew Mullen	Ben Haslam	C&D winner last year who ran another good race over C&D when second on soft in April; below par at York in May but has won over hurdles since; his four Flat wins have come on good to soft/soft, so any rain would be in his favour.
(8) Overture	3	Luke Morris	Sir Mark Prescott Bt	Had a reduced lead towards the finish over an extended 1m3f at Yarmouth last week but that was largely as a result of Morris taking things easy; rain-softened ground would be an unknown (she's raced only good/good to firm on turf) but a 6lb penalty is unlikely to prevent this improving filly from making a bold bid for five in a row.
2nd (2) Mr Monaco	3	Hector Crouch	Ralph Beckett	Third in a Class 2 at the Newmarket July meeting before 4l winner from the front at Sandown (both 1m2f, good) in August; creditable fourth of 12 in 1m4f York Ebor meeting handicap (good to firm) last time and has to be a player back in slightly calmer waters; showed promise on soft last year.

The progressive Overture has an obvious chance but going softer than good would be an unknown (rain is forecast for Thursday) and this is also a rise in grade, so it might be worth opposing her with LOYAL TOUCH. Charlie Johnston's charge has dipped to 3lb below the mark he defied on soft at Chester in June and left the impression he'd have been involved in the finish with more luck in running back at Chester last time. Mr Monaco is the other one for the shortlist. [Andrew Sheret]

Race 4: 15:45 Pontefract FBS Chartered Accountants Restricted Novice Stakes (Bands B-D, No More Than 3 Runs) (GBB Race) GB 1m 6y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(6) Golden Crossing	2	Ben Robinson	Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero	No obvious short-term promise when down the field on recent 7f Newcastle AW debut.
(12) Fastnet Jenkins	2	Oisin McSweeney	Grant Tuer	Down the field in two outings over 6f in recent weeks; needs marked improvement for the 2f longer trip.
(10) Precious Spartan	2	Faye McManoman	Nigel Tinkler	This gelded son of Magna Grecia is a half-brother to five winners but might be more one for further down the line.
(13) Late Star	2	Adam Farragher	Philip McBride	Zoustar filly who was tailed off on her 7f Newmarket debut 47 days ago.
(9) Cangofar	2	Duran Fentiman	Tim Easterby	20,000euros son of Almanzor; brother to connections' 1m winner Candonomore (1m; RPR 82); stable is not a regular source of first-time-out winners.
(11) Trojan Soldier	2	Jack Garritty	Jedd O'Keeffe	10,000gns yearling; half-brother to the useful Ampeson (6f/7f winner; RPR 96); gelded ahead of debut; the betting should guide to expectations.
(1) Draupnir	2	Billy Garritty	Michael & David Easterby	40-1, well held in the strong Convivial maiden at York (7f, good to firm) on debut five weeks ago; this a good deal easier but he could still be considered only if backed.
(7) Hi Ya Mal	2	P J McDonald	Andrew Balding	In good hands but slowly away and always behind on 1m Kempton debut (AW; 11-1) three weeks ago; can only be watched after that.
(5) Calibos	2	Oisin Orr	Richard Fahey	Both starts at 6f, stepping up on debut when third at Chester (6f, heavy) 13 days ago, albeit well held and showing modest form; will need to find a fair bit of improvement for the 2f longer trip.
(2) Family Knight	2	Finley Marsh	Richard Hughes	Gelded son of Mohaather who cost 40,000gns as a yearling and is a half-brother to six winners, notably Walton Street (1m2f-1m4f winner, including Canadian Grade 1; RPR 119); dam 5f-1m2f winner (including Group 2); bred to have a future and needs checking out in the betting for an in-form stable which had a first-time-out winner in a similar race at Bath recently.
(3) Hot Dancer	2	Connor Beasley	Charlie Johnston	Fair form when runner-up at Chester (7.5f, good to soft) and Thirsk (1m, good) last month; should go close at the least here.
(8) Kirkdale	2	Callum Rodriguez	Edward Bethell	Has shown a fair level of ability in two outings over 7f this month, latterly finishing second at Musselburgh (good); hasn't shaped as if he's crying out for a stiff 1m but it's likely his best days are ahead of him.

There's little to separate HOT DANCER and Kirkdale on RPRs but they are preferred in that order. Richard Hughes had a first-time-out 2yo winner over this trip at Bath recently, so a market move for his newcomer Family Knight would bring him into the reckoning. [Andrew Sheret]

Race 5: 16:20 Pontefract Always Trying Racing Syndicate Handicap (0-68) (5) 3yo+ GB 1m 4f 5y

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(4) Whatacracker	4	Jack Garritty	Mark Walford	Sole win came at Carlisle (1m3f, good to soft) last July; best effort since when fair fourth over C&D (good) in May on penultimate start and he's 5lb lower today, which should give him a chance; hooded all starts this term but not today.
(5) Upepo	4	Marco Ghiani	Tony Carroll	Three wins (1m4f/1m5f) on Lingfield AW, last two in January; off 114 days before penultimate start; none of his turf form matches up to this mark.
(8) Yippee	3	Connor Beasley	Charlie Johnston	Won a maiden handicap here (1m2f, good) in May; that's his only win from 12 races and his record since is not persuasive, including in a C&D race.
(10) Melon	3	Ben Robinson	Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero	All his three races were in the mud (1m4f, 1m2f and 1m1f) this April-June; needs to better that form but this is his handicap debut after 101 days off and he's brother to a German 12.5f/1m3f winner; needs a market check.
(6) Molinari	7	David Nolan	Martin Todhunter	2023 and 2024 record on soft going is poor (placed on it previously) and he was back to some form when second at Pontefract (1m2f, good to firm) last Thursday on his move away from soft; has plenty of 1m4f form but, again, has not shone over it in the last two campaigns.
(2) Turner Girl	5	P J McDonald	Ed Dunlop	Stays well; cheekpieces and visor both got a positive response initially, including the win at Doncaster (1m2f, soft) in April; first-time blinkers received a more muted reaction on latest outing but she still holds each-way claims.
(7) Ghost Story	3	David Egan	John Butler	25-1 when winning by a neck in six-runner novice at Nottingham (1m2f, good to soft) in July; similar form when third of seven at Kempton (1m4f, AW) on handicap debut four weeks ago; needs to build on that but these are early days and she's one to consider.
(11) Elforleather	3	George Bass	Jack Channon	Two near-misses this summer (good/soft) before winning last month at Ffos Las (1m4f, heavy) and Windsor (11.4f, soft); he needs to bounce back, however, from a poor show at Hamilton (1m5f, heavy) three weeks ago.
(9) Something	3	Finley Marsh	Jedd O'Keeffe	Absent over two months before his handicap debut at Hamilton (1m5f, heavy) early in September when he raced freely off the pace and never figured as co-favourite; there was promise, running on, in his previous two races this term and similar when cheekpieces were enlisted at Sandown (1m2f) last week, so he looks worth a crack at 1m4f and is not yet dismissed.
(3) Sectarius	4	Callum Rodriguez	Edward Bethell	Placed in 7f maidens on first two starts last season but his three appearances since have not gone well; same owner but has left Pat Murphy in Ireland; given an extra half mile but he's not bred for it.
(1) Clever Relation	4	Jason Hart	Hughie Morrison	Won on debut at Windsor (1m2f, soft) last April and, after four disappointing runs, returned to form with close third at Nottingham (1m6f, good) in May; last month's win at Goodwood (1m3f, good to soft) came in a seller and he'll need to better that form.

This looks an open race, without strong claims. Molinari, for instance, put up the most positive last-time-out performance but over the wrong trip (1m2f) and ground (good to firm). Turner Girl (second choice), Something and Elforleather are worth a mention but, on just his fourth start, perhaps this will be decided by improvement from the Nottingham turf winner GHOST STORY.[Richard Austen]

Race 6: 16:53 Pontefract Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap (0-78) (4) 2yo GB 6f

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(1) Siegen	2	David Egan	Richard Hannon	Won Sandown novice (5f, good) in June and respectable fourth in Windsor novice (6f, soft) last time; however, he didn't shine in his two nurseries and isn't obviously well treated.
(3) Shazani	2	Connor Beasley	Charlie Johnston	Inconsistent and his two standout performances have come at Hamilton, namely a maiden win in June (6f, good) and a nursery near-miss two starts ago (6f, heavy); however, he's not ruled out on his first visit here.
(5) Ecology	2	Kevin Stott	Ollie Sangster	Second on debut at Haydock (6f, good) in July; backward steps the next twice and needs to get back on track, but she could be on a handy opening mark if first-time blinkers help her tap back into her initial promise.
(2) Georgecandoit	2	Jack Garritty	Jedd O'Keeffe	Consistent on first four runs (5f, good to soft-good to firm) and fair third on nursery debut at Hamilton (6f, heavy) three weeks ago after 77-day break; no match for the first two last time but may have more to offer.
(8) Ruby's Profit	2	Gina Mangan	Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole	Handed some tough tasks since winning on debut at Kempton (5f, AW) in May and didn't run badly on nursery debut at Yarmouth (6f, good to firm) last Thursday, but she needs to find something extra today.
(4) Top Juggler	2	Jason Hart	John & Sean Quinn	Built upon promise of first two runs (6f, good to soft/AW) to win at Hamilton (6f, soft) last month; that latest form hasn't worked out but he has a useful pedigree and is open to further improvement on nursery debut.
(7) Sir Palamedes	2	Callum Rodriguez	Charlie Fellowes	Runner-up at York (6f, good to soft) in July in his sole nursery and bounced back from his tough Super Sprint assignment to win a Ffos Las maiden (6f, heavy) four weeks ago; he's 5lb higher than at York but it's a mark that looks very realistic and he's high on the list.
(6) Up The Pace	2	David Probert	Edward Smyth-Osbourne	Hints of promise among first three starts (including on good/good to firm) and improved form to win when joint-favourite on recent nursery debut at Salisbury (7f, good to soft); did it readily and a 5lb rise may not be enough to stop him today.

Ffos Las maiden winner Sir Palamedes is a tempting option back in a handicap but preference is for UP THE PACE, who won with something to spare on his recent nursery debut at Salisbury. It will be no surprise if Ecology returns to form and poses a big threat, while fellow nursery newcomer Top Juggler is another who could run well.[Ben Hutton]

Race 7: 17:23 Pontefract Donate To New Beginnings horses At www.nbhorses.org.uk Handicap (0-80) (4) 3yo+ GB 6f

Info	OR	Days since last run	Age	Jockey
(11) Glendown	4	Duran Fentiman	Tim Easterby	Scored at this course (off just 1lb lower) in August but is no certainty to repeat that form, having proved far from consistent this term; not solid, for all that he returns to Pontefract.
(4) Origintrail	5	Ben Robinson	Ben Haslam	Fitted with tongue-tie/cheekpieces at Ripon the last twice, respectable second on penultimate outing and hindered by a slow start latest; place possibilities in the retained headgear, granted a cleaner break.
(5) Reigning Profit	5	Jason Hart	Ruth Carr	Has done all his winning over 5f, most recently at Hamilton in August; well below form when making a belated return to 6f last time; not the percentage call.
(9) Midnite Runner	3	Connor Beasley	Michael Dods	Raced mainly on good/firmer; novice win last September; inconsistent this season but had an excuse (irregular heartbeat) last time; has each-way hopes on his C&D effort in July.
(6) Infinity Blue	3	Oisin McSweeney	Julie Camacho	Opened his account at Newmarket (6f, good) in early August but has failed to build on that success in his two subsequent outings; chance depends on how well he responds to added eyeshield.
(2) Thursday's Child	3	Billy Garritty	Micky Hammond	Twice finished last in June but bounced back with close second at Carlisle in August and has possibilities provided she remains in form; returns to the scene of her spring novice win (6f, soft).
(10) Onemorenomore	4	Ethan Jones	Philip McBride	Well suited by soft/good to soft; both wins at Doncaster; respectable third there last time and he's now 2lb lower; close second over C&D last October on sole Pontefract run; in the mix.
(7) Broken Spear	8	Dougie Costello	Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood	Suited by ground softer than good; fourth in his three turf races (all on soft) this term, displaying consistency without reaching the peak form on which he's well treated; 8lb below last winning mark.
(1) Wen Moon	4	Andrew Mullen	Ben Haslam	Suited by good/softer; best to forgive last two efforts; respectable record at Pontefract includes a win off this mark in 2023 and three placed efforts off higher marks in 2024; interesting back here.
(3) The Good Biscuit	3	David Probert	Jack Channon	Recorded seller/novice wins as a 2yo; close second (off 2lb lower) in two of his three handicaps attempts this term, latest at Ripon (6f, soft) in May; threatening to win a race of this nature.
(8) Fiscal Policy	5	Aidan Keeley	Ruth Carr	More to prove on softer than good; game to win apprentice event over C&D (good to firm) last week, taking record for new yard to 2-4; upped further in grade but has a fighting chance off the same mark (avoids a penalty); 3lb higher in future.

Off an attractive mark returned to Pontefract, WEN MOON (nap) is particularly interesting. Origintrail, for the same connections, may complete the forecast granted a good start. Slow ground would present a question mark for Fiscal Policy, who otherwise has a major chance. A few others also have possibilities.[Steve Boow]