April 24 / 15.00 Pontefract

15.00

Good

Riu Hotels And Resorts Handicap

  • Prize money: £13915.8
  • 1m 2f 5y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
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Riu Hotels And Resorts Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

11/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 15349-

Last run: 182 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
A return to form is needed on this first start of the year and his two wins have come on soft ground; however, he has shown promise on good going and he returns to action on a handy mark and with his trainer's horses running really well (yard had a double at last meeting here).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

16

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Lightening Company

8st 10lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Form figures of 5075 at this meeting in the last four years; one win a season had previously appeared his quota but he's already exceeded that in 2026, having scored at Pontefract (1m4f/1m2f) on last two outings; that demands some respect but this race is a higher grade.

10/1

1st

2

(2)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 5

16:33 Pontefract

Lightening Company

9st 8lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Ben Haslam

Four-time Flat winner, including C&D, who has been all or nothing since scoring over hurdles at Cartmel in July; three AW no-shows followed good second over C&D (soft; 40-1) in October but market support predicted a going day when scoring here (1m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago; might not want the ground to get too quick but otherwise a key player under 2lb nudge.

5/4

1st

5

(4)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

16:27 Pontefract

Lightening Company

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Now 5lb lower than when second here (1m2f, soft) last October but did not emerge from the rear division when a big-priced outsider for all three subsequent AW runs; considered only if much strong in betting today.

9/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 28155- D

Last run: 194 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent last season and soundly beaten last October when last seen, but he won twice last year (1m2f/11.4f, good to firm/good), including on his reappearance, and he returns with his good yard among the winners.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(3)

17th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 4f 99y

Class 2

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

WoottonSun

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Richard Fahey

Had been enjoying a consistent season prior to a poor one at York in August, when said to have run flat; the break could have helped but he's 9lb higher than when winning at Haydock, so will need a career best on just his second AW start.

8/1

12th

2

(10)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

WoottonSun

9st 12lb

J: Paul Hanagan

T: Richard Fahey

Going great guns this term, including with his Old Newton Cup win at Haydock (1m4f, good to firm) and going oh so close in a Shergar Cup race at Ascot 13 days ago; up another 5lb but it's hard to keep him out of the picture, bidding to end Paul Hanagan's superb riding career on a winning note.

6/1

2nd

12

(6)

12th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

WoottonSun

9st 4lb

T: Richard Fahey

Reserve; below form at this meeting last year; going great guns this season with three places prior to his win from Scampi in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock (1m4f, good to firm; probably okay on good to soft) five weeks ago; up another 5lb but needs plenty of respect.

11/1

14/1

  • Place: £6.30

Form: 1300-9 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row last spring (soft/good to soft, including C&D) and he's back down to his last winning mark; he may have needed his reappearance run at Doncaster three weeks ago but he was tailed off and last season ended with two below-par runs last July; a return to form is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

15

(13)

30th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 3

16:15 Doncaster

Baryshnikov

8st 12lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

slowly away, in rear

25/1

5/1

Form: 2163-5

Last run: 107 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Third in Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot (1m2f, good to firm) last June and sold out of Aidan O'Brien's yard for 120,000gns the following month; close fifth of 13 at Kempton (1m, AW) in January on sole run for this yard and could build on that now back up in trip; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(4)

28th Aug 2023

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:40 Epsom

Sun King

11st 7lb

J: Mr Jack Callan

T: George Boughey

midfield

16/1

7th

2

(10)

10th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 0f 14y

Class 4

17:30 Chepstow

Sun King

9st 11lb

J: Ben Curtis

T: George Boughey

Pretty consistent 4yo who was beaten under 1l when fourth (just behind United Front) in Racing League contest at Yarmouth (1m, good to soft) a fortnight ago; 1lb lower here and ought to be on the premises again.

9/2

4th

2

(6)

27th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 3y

Class 4

18:30 Yarmouth

Sun King

9st 12lb

J: Ben Curtis

T: George Boughey

1m turf winner for Aidan O'Brien last spring; four runs for new yard without progressing, fifth of ten at Chelmsford (1m2f) in a first-time headgear combination (retained) on latest seven weeks ago; drops back to 1m now; mark has edged down.

8/1

Form: 92-600 C

Last run: 66 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Horse

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Listed runner-up here (1m, good) last July and he's well handicapped on that form; however, he was below his best in Bahrain earlier this year and his losing run is now up to 24; this trip may just stretch him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(6)

14th Oct 2023

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:45 York

Maries Diamond

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

led, headed under 3f out, kept on until no extra inside final 110yds

20/1

10th

2

(4)

7th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 3

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Maries Diamond

9st 8lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Ran a cracker from the front at York in May (extended 1m2f) and he turns up here off a 7lb lower mark after some struggles in classy company; ran well in one start at this track and a more positive showing is expected in this weaker race.

14/1

Form: 67113- D

Last run: 194 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Can make the running; won two in a row last September (1m2f, good to soft) and close third at Nottingham (1m2f, soft) the following month; this lightly raced 4yo is open to further improvement and could play a leading role if today's forecast better ground isn't a problem.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(7)

28th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

15:25 Windsor

Cumulonimbus

9st 9lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Baker

Progressed into useful handicapper on turf for Charlie Fellowes in 2023, winning three times from the front (1m4f/1m2f) in cheekpieces that summer; well-beaten outsider on all three starts for new yard in 2024, however, and has not been seen since last July; cheekpieces are removed.

25/1

22

(20)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Cumulonimbus

9st 2lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: George Baker

Progressed into useful handicapper on turf for Charlie Fellowes, winning three times from the front (1m4f/1m2f) in cheekpieces in summer 2023; towards the rear on all three starts for new yard last term, in this race on second occasion, so has big questions to answer after 342 days off.

50/1

11th

6

(10)

13th Jul 2024

Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:07 Ascot

Cumulonimbus

9st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: George Baker

Progressed into useful handicapper on turf for Charlie Fellowes, winning three times from the front (1m4f/1m2f) in cheekpieces last summer; sold for 150,000gns in October; may have had excuses for both runs since (AW and Royal Ascot) and had wind surgery in between, but others are preferred.

28/1

16/1

Form: 5580-0

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Respectable efforts in Group and Listed races last spring and his reduced mark appeals on that form; however, he failed to shine subsequently and there was no revival on last month's reappearance, having been gelded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner in 2023; no joy anywhere last season (mostly at this track) but the closest he came was a neck defeat here (1m2f; 4lb higher today) on final start; not far away on AW last three starts this year and the same may be possible on today's return to turf.

16/1

4th

6

(7)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Losing run now up to 14, but his last couple of efforts have been encouraging as when second of six in a slightly stronger contest at Chelmsford (1m2f, Polytrack) last month; still on his last winning mark and holds each-way claims.

10/1

2nd

4

(5)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Drew a blank in 2025 but he ended that campaign with a good second in a big-field 10.2f handicap at York; two respectable AW runs this year but he will need to raise his game to take this.

5/1

Form: /2195- CD

Last run: 178 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Headstrong sort who has mixed the Flat and hurdling and wasn't at his best at York and Newmarket last year on his last two runs in this code; however, he posted a good second then a win over C&D (good to firm) last summer and the return to this track could be a positive; he's a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(2)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 197y

Class 6

16:50 Doncaster

Piecederesistance

9st 12lb

J: Liam Wright

T: Martin Keighley

His last win was in July 2022 but he returned to the Flat for new yard with a front-running third at Pontefract (1m2f, good; tongue-tie added) two weeks ago; that was an encouraging effort after a break and he has possibilities if he can build on that.

7/2

3rd

4

(4)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 5

16:33 Pontefract

Piecederesistance

9st 4lb

J: Sam James

T: Martin Keighley

Won in France in 2020 and scored over C&D in 2022 but has developed a rocky profile and was in poor form when last seen over hurdles in the autumn; has joined Martin Keighley (same owners) but watching brief advised on this comeback in a tongue-tie.

33/1

6

15th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:20 Wetherby

Piecederesistance

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Micky Hammond

Dropped out of contention rather tamely at Uttoxeter (2m) last week and is now 0-11 over hurdles; has quite a bit to prove on this first venture beyond about 2m1f.

16/1

OUR TIP
9th
2 (5)
Ajero

6/1

Form: 22103- BF

Last run: 197 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Talented hurdler who tackled the Flat last year and won a Glorious Goodwood handicap (1m1f, good to firm); close third there last October (1m4f, good to soft) when last seen and can be in the mix if at the top of his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

18

(16)

23rd Jun 2023

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

15:40 Ascot

Ajero

9st 3lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Kim Bailey

Switch to the Flat last year worked out well when he was second in this race on Flat handicap debut and won at Glorious Goodwood (1m1f, again on good to firm; 5lb higher today) next time; well held on both starts this year but latest was nevertheless a step back in the right direction; not dismissed.

16/1

11th

6

(2)

17th May 2023

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

13:50 York

Ajero

9st 5lb

J: David Egan

T: Kim Bailey

Switching to the Flat last year worked out very well, notably when winning at Glorious Goodwood (1m1f) but he also ran well in two 1m4f handicaps; however, well beaten on reappearance despite starting second favourite.

18/1

9th

2

(5)

24th Apr 2023

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Pontefract

Ajero

9st 8lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Kim Bailey

Talented hurdler who tackled the Flat last year and won a Glorious Goodwood handicap (1m1f, good to firm); close third there last October (1m4f, good to soft) when last seen and can be in the mix if at the top of his game.

6/1

16/1

Form: 57188- D

Last run: 219 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent last season and well beaten on final two runs; however, she won twice last year (1m/1m2f, good/good to firm) and returns from a break with her stable in fine form; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

13:55 Wetherby

Reel Rosie

11st 5lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Jennie Candlish

On a reduced mark and she took a step back in the right direction at Sedgefield in November in this headgear combination, but she was still soundly beaten in third and needs to build on that effort today.

20/1

9th

3

30th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 5

15:37 Sedgefield

Reel Rosie

11st 13lb

J: William Shanahan

T: Jennie Candlish

Not firing on all cylinders this year but her respectable fifth at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) 19 days ago was a step back in the right direction and it's worth remembering that her only hurdle win was gained over this C&D.

11/2

2

11th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

18:35 Uttoxeter

Reel Rosie

12st 0lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

Out of form on the Flat/over hurdles in the spring and, following a three-month break, fell in early stages of a recent chase; should cope if there's rain about but needs to get career back on track.

12/1

10/1

Form: 430/1-

Last run: 317 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
This is his first run since last June but back then this ex-French 6yo was returning from a 219-day absence when winning on his stable debut at York (1m4f, good); interesting contender, especially if well backed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 102y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Zealandia

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

16lb below his last winning mark, but losing run now up to 15; might get more of a pace to run at than when fifth of nine over C&D last time, but others have more to recommend them; stable also runs Simiyann.

11/4

5th

9

(9)

28th Aug 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Zealandia

8st 3lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Ian Williams

Handicapper has been relenting and he showed a lot more with third of 14 in a Racing League handicap at Newcastle (about 2m, Tapeta; 25-1) one week ago; a repeat of that puts him bang there; 2lb well in.

11/2

7

(3)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Zealandia

9st 6lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Ian Williams

Has got himself well handicapped for good reason and his recent thirds were none too threatening; doubts remain; another tweak on the headgear front.

20/1

16/1

Form: 0639-0

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Has dropped to a mark 10lb lower than when a solid sixth of 18 at Glorious Goodwood (1m2f, good) last July, and he didn't run badly at Kempton (1m3f, AW) a fortnight ago when back on the Flat; however, he failed to threaten in tenth of 13 and others are more compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

(2)

15th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Kenzai Warrior

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Roger Teal

Useful on his day but has a disappointing strike-rate and is far from solid judged on 2023 form (Flat/hurdles); others preferred.

20/1

Form: -14111 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on soft ground last September on sole turf start; however, he's thrived for his new yard on AW since last December, winning seven times (1m/1m2f), and he's a major player if transferring that form to grass.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

14

(12)

11th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Zealot

8st 8lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

All eight wins have been on the AW and he's been coming up short in weaker handicaps than this on turf.

12/1

2nd

1

(1)

25th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 1f 11y

Class 4

17:50 Goodwood

Zealot

9st 9lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

dwelt start, took keen hold, raced in second, led narrowly going best 2f out, headed over 1f out, no match for winner

7/2

Non-runners

Zealot

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £51.50
Straight Forecast £53.14
Tricast £1143.30
Trifecta £1143.90

Selections

RP Ratings:

Cumulonimbus

The Times:

Sun King

WEST COUNTRY:

Ajero

POSTDATA:

Zealot

SPOTLIGHT:

Piecederesistance

TOPSPEED:

Zealandia

NEWMARKET:

Cumulonimbus

Daily Mirror:

Cumulonimbus

The Sun:

Cumulonimbus

Telegraph:

Sun King

Daily Mail:

Sun King

Daily Record:

Sun King

The Guardian:

Zealot

D Express:

Ajero

The Star:

Ajero