April 08 / 14.02 Pontefract

14.02

Good To Soft

Thank You Richard Hammill Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £3780
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 9 runners
RTV
View Course
Thank You Richard Hammill Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Sunny

10/11 (Won)

  • Win: £1.59
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 1-

Last run: 260 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Cost 150,000gns at the breeze-ups last May and was the 5-4 favourite when a comfortable winner of a four-runner maiden on debut at Ayr (5f, good) last July; absent since and carries penalty but could be very promising.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(8)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Warrior

9st 6lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Won his first two starts and he was a close second on his handicap debut last June (6f, good to firm); struggled thereafter, albeit pitched into a Group 1 at Royal Ascot; gelded during his 132-day absence; could still have some potential and switching to AW shouldn't be a problem.

12/1

4

(3)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Strong Warrior

9st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Richard Fahey

Short-priced favourite when winning an Ayr maiden on his debut and a Pontefract novice on his 3yo return; solid effort on his handicap debut at Windsor in June but found the Commonwealth Cup too hot to handle 18 days later; no improvement for 7f at Ascot three weeks ago; tongue tie now reached for; risky but Richard Fahey won this with a 3yo in 2023.

8/1

13

(6)

6th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:40 Ascot

Strong Warrior

9st 3lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Richard Fahey

All four runs on good or quicker ground; relinquished unbeaten record when second on handicap debut at Windsor before flying too high in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot; this is a big drop down from that and he remains unexposed.

9/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 21-

Last run: 176 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on debut at Sandown (5f, soft) last September then went one better by a nose at Wolverhampton (5f, AW); gelded since; his pedigree provides optimism he's capable of better still; respected under a penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(4)

29th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:58 Pontefract

Veblen Good

9st 11lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: David O’Meara

AW winner (5f) for Karl Burke as a 2yo; ran well over C&D on last season's reappearance and his fourth in a big field at York on his handicap debut came off a 3lb higher mark; two subsequent efforts are excusable (Listed company and then 7f on slow ground); sold for 32,000gns in October; unexposed as a sprinter and now drops in class; stable also runs Sixtygeesbaby.

8/1

11

(11)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Ascot

Veblen Good

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Speedily bred 3yo who has fairly useful form over sprint trips on home soil; came up short in French Listed event most recently; not certain to see out this stiff 7f.

12/1

4th

10

(8)

14th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:35 York

Veblen Good

8st 12lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

5f AW win by a nose at Wolverhampton last October and his second of eight at Pontefract (6f, good) on return in April represented improvement; every chance he'll take another step forward on this handicap debut.

12/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 23- BF

Last run: 297 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Went very close at 125-1 on debut at Haydock (6f, good) last June and third in hot maiden at York (6f, good to soft) nine days later; absent since (gelded in interim); major player if reproducing that promise on return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(5)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

U Sure Do

9st 8lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

All 12 runs have been on turf and he won twice at Catterick (6f/7f, good) last season; 6lb higher than for his last success but he reappeared with a creditable fourth of 13 at Thirsk last month; should benefit from that run and he's in the mix on this drop back in trip; tongue-tie added.

6/1

4th

3

(13)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:23 Thirsk

U Sure Do

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Ended 2025 in a rich vein of form, winning a Catterick handicap (7f, good) before a narrow defeat at Musselburgh (7f, soft) when last seen 164 days ago; another 2lb higher on his reappearance so he will need to be cherry ripe for this return to action.

12/1

5

(6)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

12:50 Catterick

U Sure Do

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Like Yaaser he was well held at York last Friday, but his previous second to a progressive type at Ayr (7f, soft) looks pretty solid form; sole win came on good ground here; no surprise if he bounces back.

9/1

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
1,000gns foal, £8,000 yearling; seventh foal; Mayson half-brother to four winners notably Groupie (6f/7f; RPR 86); dam 5f winner (72); makes debut in a useful race and he may be best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(11)

21st May 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

21:00 Southwell (AW)

Big Apple Jack

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

0-10, but made a promising return from 181 days off when second of seven at Nottingham (6f, good) last month; each-way claims if as effective on AW debut.

8/1

2nd

7

(2)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 6

15:20 Nottingham

Big Apple Jack

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Nine-race maiden in his first season last year, best form when making the frame twice over 6f; having been absent for six months, the market signals may offer further guidance.

8/1

6

(6)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:20 Redcar

Big Apple Jack

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

3yo maiden who has frame possibilities on bits of form; chance of winning depends on how well he responds to cheekpieces (replacing the visor worn last time).

12/1

25/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fifth foal; Twilight Son half-brother to winners Canaria Queen (5f/5.5f; RPR 74) and Canaria Prince (5f; 64); dam tough 5f/6f winner (98); trainer has done well with the family but he may be one for further down the line.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

(9)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:12 Ayr

Canaria Sun

8st 10lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Still seeking his first win (0-9); one of two to race on the far side when third at Redcar (6f, good; 5-1) a fortnight ago; should find a winning opportunity eventually but there are at least a couple of others who make more appeal here.

8/1

3rd

8

(2)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

17:15 Redcar

Canaria Sun

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

From a family the stable has enjoyed success with and he ran on to take a never-dangerous fourth (of 17) on his Thirsk return 19 days ago; has time to do better but he didn't look overly enthusiastic at Thirsk.

4/1

4th

16

(14)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:40 Thirsk

Canaria Sun

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Poor maiden who beat one in 5f Pontefract handicap when last seen out in October; needs to hit the ground running after six months off.

20/1

50/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Third foal; Mayson brother to winners Amaysmont (6f-8.6f; RPR 91) and Majeur (Italian 6f/7f); he'll need to be useful if he's to make a winning debut in today's company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(3)

17th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

16:18 Beverley

William Marshal

9st 2lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Sara Ender

Big prices and well beaten all starts for two different yards; first-time headgear will need to make a huge difference.

66/1

11th

9

(4)

8th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:10 Newcastle (AW)

William Marshal

9st 2lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Sara Ender

Yet to make the frame from five starts, latest when last of ten on stable debut at Thirsk (1m, good; 100-1) ten days ago; others preferred.

50/1

10

(7)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 6

14:05 Thirsk

William Marshal

10st 2lb

J: Miss Stephanie Dorey

T: Sara Ender

Modest form at best in four outings for Kevin Frost, including tailed off on 1m handicap debut in June; stable has enjoyed success with new recruits under both codes this summer but can still only watch.

40/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fourth foal; Land Force half-brother to 6f 2yo winner Hougoumont (RPR 78); dam 5f winner (84); makes debut in a good race; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(1)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Passchendaele

8st 10lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Six-race maiden who appeared to improve on his turf efforts when beaten less than 2l into sixth of ten over C&D (first-time cheekpieces; 50-1) in September, but it remains to be seen how reliable the form is.

12/1

8

(4)

25th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Passchendaele

8st 13lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Has beaten at total one rival in his five turf starts; combination of first-time headgear and new surface needs to prompt major improvement.

25/1

12

(9)

30th Jul 2025

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:35 Redcar

Passchendaele

8st 13lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Has beaten only one rival home in his four starts, including on handicap debut at Ripon (1m, soft) 11 days ago; drops back to 6f.

33/1

Form: 55-

Last run: 172 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
From a family connections have done well with and he showed some ability last autumn on his first two starts (6f, good to soft/soft), but he'll probably be of greater interest when handicapping after this run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(11)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

14:57 Redcar

Ey Up Hes A Star

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Only win was off a 2lb lower mark at Newcastle last September; creditable third at Thirsk last month (7f, good) but bit disappointing last time at Doncaster (7f, good to firm).

6/1

8th

16

(17)

24th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

14:15 Doncaster

Ey Up Hes A Star

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Won at Newcastle (AW) in September and it was a close third at Thirsk (also 7f, good) on his return to turf a fortnight ago; drawn on the wing but can travel smoothly and should be in the thick of it off the same mark.

9/2

3rd

2

(15)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:35 Thirsk

Ey Up Hes A Star

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Might be better on the AW but shaped encouragingly after a break at Newcastle last month (7f) and he's not had many chances on grass; draw no help.

7/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
33,000euros yearling; third foal; Sands Of Mali half-sister to 5f 2yo winner Love Wars (RPR 84); dam 6f 2yo winner (83), half-sister to two useful sprinters; faces no easy task against males on debut but trainer has won two of the last three runnings, including with a 9-1 newcomer in 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(2)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

15:00 Carlisle

Call Me Betty

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Michael Dods

Two AW wins at 7f and she ran respectably over that trip in turf handicaps late last summer but was too far below her best in November and on her reappearance last month to make much appeal today.

14/1

14th

1

(8)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Call Me Betty

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Two 7f wins on Tapeta last year including a dominant display in a C&D handicap in November; flopped here in her final run in 2025 but she's had a break since and it wouldn't be a surprise if she found more progress as a 4yo; needs a close look on her return.

9/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £3.50
Straight Forecast £3.39
Trifecta £5.30

Selections

TOPSPEED:

U Sure Do

SPOTLIGHT:

Strong Warrior

Daily Record:

Veblen Good

The Times:

Strong Warrior

Telegraph:

Strong Warrior

The Guardian:

Strong Warrior

The Sun:

Strong Warrior

POSTDATA:

U Sure Do

Daily Mail:

U Sure Do

D Express:

U Sure Do

Daily Mirror:

U Sure Do

The Star:

U Sure Do