June 23 / 15.00 Pontefract

15.00

Good

Pontefract Castle Fillies’ Stakes (Listed Race)

  • Prize money: £28010
  • 1m 4f 5y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
RTV
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Pontefract Castle Fillies’ Stakes (Listed Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

11/10 (Won)

  • Win: £2.00
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 1224-3 D BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Campaigned at 1m6f-2m since August 2022; respectable third at York on seasonal debut when bidding for a second success in the Bronte Cup (Group 3); has Group 2 form too; leading player provided she's as effective back down in distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(1)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:00 Goodwood

River Of Stars

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Won by a nose when dropped to Listed grade at Pontefract (1m4f, good to firm; evens) on latest outing; has otherwise spent the last two years at 1m6f-2m, including a Group 3 win last May before two Group 2 seconds, including with a remote view of Sumo Sam in this race; place contender again.

12/1

1st

7

(8)

23rd Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 1

15:00 Pontefract

River Of Stars

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Ralph Beckett

Campaigned at 1m6f-2m since August 2022; respectable third at York on seasonal debut when bidding for a second success in the Bronte Cup (Group 3); has Group 2 form too; leading player provided she's as effective back down in distance.

11/10

3rd

6

(6)

25th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:20 York

River Of Stars

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

prominent, took keen hold early, pushed along and outpaced 4f out, ridden 2f out, went third and stayed on from over 1f out

9/4

OUR TIP

12/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 245-60

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Losing spell goes back to her 2yo win; respectable third in this race last year but has a question mark over current form; comfortably held in both outings this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(9)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Newmarket (July)

Ching Shih

9st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: David Simcock

held up in rear

14/1

11th

1

(2)

20th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

18:35 Newmarket (July)

Ching Shih

9st 6lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: David Simcock

Losing spell goes back to her 2yo win but she couldn't have gone much closer to putting that right in Listed race at Pontefract (1m4f, good to firm) four weeks ago, going down by a nose (reopposing Divina Grace was third); claims if in similar form but she does have a bit of an in-and-out profile.

12/1

2nd

3

(10)

23rd Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 1

15:00 Pontefract

Ching Shih

9st 2lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: David Simcock

Losing spell goes back to her 2yo win; respectable third in this race last year but has a question mark over current form; comfortably held in both outings this term.

12/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 112-34 D BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Ties in with Vera Verto and Ayyab on Newmarket/Goodwood handicap form; didn't live up to market expectations at Haydock two weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(3)

31st May 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:15 York

Divina Grace

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Took her form to a new level with a game success in Newbury Group 3 on stable/seasonal debut; not so good front-running in a four-runner Group 2 at Newmarket (also 1m4f on good) three weeks later; player if reverting to the Newbury form but her three attempts at this sort of trip (summer 2023) were not as good as that year's runs at 1m4f.

5/1

6th

1

(3)

31st May 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:15 York

Divina Grace

9st 5lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Took her form to a new level with a game success in Newbury Group 3 on stable/seasonal debut; not so good front-running in a four-runner Group 2 at Newmarket (also 1m4f on good) three weeks later; player if reverting to the Newbury form but her three attempts at this sort of trip (summer 2023) were not as good as that year's runs at 1m4f.

5/1

3rd

4

(2)

2nd May 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

16:05 Newmarket

Divina Grace

9st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Useful for Rae Guest; took her form to a new level with a game success in Newbury Group 3 on stable/seasonal debut, taking record to 6-21; faces a stiffer task in this grade but may rate higher still and she's the sole C&D winner in the field; very hard to dismiss.

6/1

20/1

Form: /294-5 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
33-1 fourth in this contest last year; absent until well held at Goodwood two weeks ago; may be back in better form with that reappearance effort under her belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

10

(5)

23rd Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 1

15:00 Pontefract

Three Priests

9st 2lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Roger Varian

33-1 fourth in this contest last year; absent until well held at Goodwood two weeks ago; may be back in better form with that reappearance effort under her belt.

20/1

5th

5

(5)

9th Jun 2024

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

17:05 Goodwood

Three Priests

8st 12lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Sole win from nine starts was Bath novice in 2022; best form came in a Listed race last June when last seen but that Pontefract fourth (1m4f) leaves her with major improvement to find; trainer won this in 2015, 2016, 2022 and 2023 but seems to have a much stronger chance with Aimeric this time.

25/1

5th
8 (4)
Scenic

9/1

Form: 722-16 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Took advantage of a good opportunity at Kempton (AW) on reappearance, then ran well on difficult terms in Haydock Group 3 (again 1m4f); placed in Listed grade last summer; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(2)

5th Jul 2025

Good

1m 3f 175y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Scenic

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: Ed Walker

Progressive last year, with Listed win at York's Ebor meeting (1m4f, good to firm), and after reappearing with a Listed second at Goodwood (1m4f, good) she went one better in the Group 3 Bronte Cup at York (1m6f, good); vulnerable if Estrange is at the top of her game but she's the stand-out danger.

3/1

1st

5

(5)

31st May 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:15 York

Scenic

9st 2lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ed Walker

Peak performance when impressive winner of Listed race at the York Ebor meeting (1m4f, good to firm) last August but she ran respectably in 14.5f Group 2 next time and when second in a 1m4f Listed race (ahead of Sueno and Allonsy) on reappearance; one of the top contenders on form.

3/1

1st

5

(5)

31st May 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:15 York

Scenic

9st 2lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ed Walker

Peak performance when impressive winner of Listed race at the York Ebor meeting (1m4f, good to firm) last August but she ran respectably in 14.5f Group 2 next time and when second in a 1m4f Listed race (ahead of Sueno and Allonsy) on reappearance; one of the top contenders on form.

3/1

6th
2 (2)
Ayyab

16/1

Form: 17-231 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Held on narrowly in Gooodwood handicap (1m4f, good) last month; faces a tougher assignment at this level but she is steadily progressive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(6)

4th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 1

14:20 Kempton (AW)

Ayyab

9st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: S Woods

held up in rear, some headway 2f out, went modest fourth over 1f out, kept on

25/1

4th

3

(6)

4th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 1

14:20 Kempton (AW)

Ayyab

9st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: S Woods

held up in rear, some headway 2f out, went modest fourth over 1f out, kept on

25/1

10th

2

(4)

5th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket

Ayyab

9st 4lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: S Woods

Won at Goodwood (1m4f) in May and has run creditably on three of her four starts since; apparently no ground worries and she has place claims.

10/1

Form: 518-41

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Solid performance in Haydock handicap (1m2f, soft) last month on second start for new stable, beating Doha who gave the form a big boost when winning at Royal Ascot on Wednesday; has won on good to firm; may be capable of further progress, provided she stays this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(1)

23rd Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 1

15:00 Pontefract

Never Ending

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Solid performance in Haydock handicap (1m2f, soft) last month on second start for new stable, beating Doha who gave the form a big boost when winning at Royal Ascot on Wednesday; has won on good to firm; may be capable of further progress, provided she stays this new trip.

10/1

1st

2

(7)

24th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

16:55 Haydock

Never Ending

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Ran seven times (in these colours) for the Gosdens, winning twice (1m/1m2f, good to firm/soft); soundly beaten fourth of six on stable and seasonal debut at Redcar (1m2f, soft) three weeks ago but may have needed the run and is not ruled out in a first-time tongue-tie.

13/2

1st

2

(7)

24th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

16:55 Haydock

Never Ending

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Ran seven times (in these colours) for the Gosdens, winning twice (1m/1m2f, good to firm/soft); soundly beaten fourth of six on stable and seasonal debut at Redcar (1m2f, soft) three weeks ago but may have needed the run and is not ruled out in a first-time tongue-tie.

13/2

25/1

Form: 088-84

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Useful handicapper at 1m-1m2f; suited by ground softer than good; unconvincing record at Listed level; enough to prove back at 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(8)

30th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 3

15:35 Hamilton

Zarabanda

9st 11lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Course winner who comes here in good form, fourth of nine in 1m2f Chester handicap 16 days ago; she ought to be thereabouts eased 1lb.

9/2

4th

4

(3)

14th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

16:05 Chester

Zarabanda

9st 7lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: David O’Meara

Useful mare who won three times on soft ground last year; often highly tried this year but creditable fourth back in a handicap at Haydock (1m2f, good to soft) last week; reasons to think she'll run well but Stressfree is still the more appealing of the yard's pair.

9/1

4th

1

(1)

5th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 42y

Class 3

16:50 Haydock

Zarabanda

10st 1lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Mixed form in Listed races on last three starts but she was a creditable fourth at York two runs ago (1m2f, good to firm) and she's won three of her eight handicaps (all on soft); interesting now back in a handicap.

12/1

7/1

Form: 1128-8 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Sole runner on the card for her respected Irish trainer; showed useful form in British races last October, winning at Newmarket (1m4f handicap) then second at Bath (1m6f Listed); interesting with Navan reappearance under her belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(11)

13th Oct 2024

Yielding

2m 0f 23y

16:00 Naas

Vera Verto

9st 0lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

started quickly, led narrowly, prominent after 2f, lost position but in touch with leaders after 3f

12/1

5th

8

(6)

14th Sep 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 196y

Class 2

14:40 Chester

Vera Verto

8st 7lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: Gavin Cromwell

Three 1m5f/1m4f handicap wins when making most last year; easily her most competitive show this term when never-nearer second at Killarney (extended 1m6f, yielding to soft) last time; that's the furthest she's been on the Flat and gives hope for this longer trip; acts on heavy; one to consider.

11/2

2nd

4

(13)

23rd Aug 2024

Good

1m 6f 80y

19:12 Killarney

Vera Verto

9st 2lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

midfield early, towards rear when pushed along briefly before halfway

10/1

Form: 333-66

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Placed three times in Listed grade; outstayed in 1m6f Group 3 at York (behind River Of Stars) most recently, though wasn't disgraced on the figures; each-way possibilities back down in trip/class.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(11)

23rd Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 1

15:00 Pontefract

Ermesinde

9st 2lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Placed three times in Listed grade; outstayed in 1m6f Group 3 at York (behind River Of Stars) most recently, though wasn't disgraced on the figures; each-way possibilities back down in trip/class.

11/2

6th

1

(9)

25th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:20 York

Ermesinde

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

led, headed 2f out, weakened inside final furlong

33/1

6th

1

(9)

25th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:20 York

Ermesinde

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

led, headed 2f out, weakened inside final furlong

33/1

Form: 421139

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Consistent handicapper until form dipped sharply in the Goodwood race won by Ayyab; stiff task at the weights, upped to Listed grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(7)

23rd Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 1

15:00 Pontefract

Avon Light

9st 2lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Consistent handicapper until form dipped sharply in the Goodwood race won by Ayyab; stiff task at the weights, upped to Listed grade.

33/1

9th

7

(8)

24th May 2024

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 3

15:00 Goodwood

Avon Light

9st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Maiden prior to finding the winning thread on AW in February/April, then ran creditably at Ascot (1m2f, good) in hat-trick attempt; remains in form and gives the impression she's worth a crack at 1m4f.

10/1

9th

7

(8)

24th May 2024

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 3

15:00 Goodwood

Avon Light

9st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Maiden prior to finding the winning thread on AW in February/April, then ran creditably at Ascot (1m2f, good) in hat-trick attempt; remains in form and gives the impression she's worth a crack at 1m4f.

10/1

Non-runners

Sea Of Roses

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £44.70
Straight Forecast £51.32
Trifecta £260.70

Selections

RP RATINGS:

River Of Stars

D Express:

Sea Of Roses

The Times:

Ayyab

NEWMARKET:

Three Priests

SPOTLIGHT:

Vera Verto

Daily Mirror:

Sea Of Roses

TOPSPEED:

River Of Stars

POSTDATA:

River Of Stars

Telegraph:

River Of Stars

Daily Mail:

River Of Stars

The Sun:

River Of Stars

The Star:

River Of Stars

Daily Record:

River Of Stars