October 03 / 14.30 Pontefract

14.30

Soft

Leslie Burton (Fisher) Handicap

  • Prize money: £8316
  • 1m 0f 6y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
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Leslie Burton (Fisher) Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.00
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 2-3575

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Hasn't progressed at all from an encouraging third on his reappearance at York in May but he's well handicapped on that and his 2yo form; one to note in the betting having undergone wind surgery and his highest RPR came on good to soft (unraced on softer).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(8)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 5

16:48 Pontefract

The Cookstown Cafu

9st 4lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Fionn McSharry

Campaigned only over 7f-1m; justified favouritism at Newcastle (AW) on seasonal debut, registering a first win since joining current yard; back up 5lb but remains well treated on peak form and he's 2-3 at Pontefract; should remain competitive, provided he stays the new trip.

5/1

1st

1

(10)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

The Cookstown Cafu

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Fionn McSharry

Way down the weights now but hasn't won since October 2024 (C&D) and had a quiet end to last season.

14/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 310334 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
C&D winner in June on good to firm and bar Ascot later that month she has continued to run well, showing that soft ground holds no fears when a close fourth at Thirsk latterly; on a high mark but she can deal with it; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(6)

28th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

16:30 Doncaster

My Silent Song

9st 11lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ed Dunlop

Dual Pontefract winner (1m, good to firm) who finished last of 12 on her Southwell reappearance (1m, AW) this month; needs the longer trip and application of a hood to make a difference and she could probably do without any more rain.

33/1

12th

4

(12)

6th Apr 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

18:30 Southwell (AW)

My Silent Song

9st 8lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Dunlop

took keen hold

12/1

9th

9

(1)

19th Oct 2022

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Newmarket

My Silent Song

9st 3lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Ed Dunlop

took keen hold, prominent, pushed along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out (jockey said filly ran too free)

10/1

7/2

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 803211 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
It took a while but he's progressing well now after back-to-back wins in 1m handicaps at Redcar (good to firm) and Thirsk (good), for which he was a short-priced favourite both times; didn't have a great deal in hand last time from a horse who is now 2-18, so he'll need more off this 4lb higher mark and the ground is an unknown.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(1)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

15:04 Leicester

Ravenglass

9st 7lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Adrian Wintle

His form can be up and down and he failed to shine at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) last time; however, prior to that he was a promising fourth on his reappearance there (7f, AW), and he won off this mark at Chepstow (7f, good) last May; capable if bouncing back to form.

12/1

7th

8

(7)

8th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ravenglass

9st 3lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Adrian Wintle

Dual course winner (7f/8.6f) who was returning from six months off when beaten 2l into fourth of eight behind Bad Habits over here 17 days ago; could fare better in returning blinkers this time.

10/1

4th

1

(5)

21st Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ravenglass

9st 9lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Adrian Wintle

Two course wins, including when running on well over this trip (Class 6 classified; 9-4 favourite) last March; now rated 1lb lower than when fourth over C&D (25-1) last October; market should guide on seasonal return.

4/1

Form: 41-371

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
2yo winner and off the mark this season with a battling performance at Carlisle (7f, good to soft); perhaps helped by coming stands' side but no knocking his will to win and he may improve again for going 1m; up 5lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(10)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

Emperor Caradoc

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Still on career-high mark but latest effort (when bidding for 6f double) suggests he remains in form, and his Pontefract record is largely consistent; solid contender.

6/1

3rd

1

(6)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:25 Leicester

Emperor Caradoc

9st 11lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Has won on a range of surfaces but two 6f wins in 2025 came on good to firm and he was racing on that surface for the first time since when winning at Thirsk last week; back up 3lb and has another good run in him.

3/1

1st

6

(1)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Emperor Caradoc

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Two 6f wins on fast ground last season; made a pleasing return to action at Newcastle (6f) in March and raced away from the main action when well held back on turf at Doncaster (5f, good to soft) since; not discounted.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 562124 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who has been holding her own for most of the season and latest RPR of 83 at Ayr was her best yet; goes on soft ground and will give her running, but suspicion that she'll again get picked off late on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(3)

21st Sep 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:35 Ayr

Dungar Glory

10st 0lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

All turf wins, including two fillies' handicaps this year, on good ground but she has form on soft; close third in similar event at Ripon most recently; likely player if taking well to added visor.

6/1

3rd

1

(5)

5th Sep 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Ripon

Dungar Glory

9st 13lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Her three handicap wins have all come from the front, including twice round here; back in form last Tuesday (9.7f; again didn't lead) but there's not much wiggle room off this mark and an easy 1m on quicker ground is a bare minimum now.

10/1

5th

1

(9)

29th Aug 2023

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

14:15 Ripon

Dungar Glory

10st 1lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

prominent, challenging 2f out, no extra final 110yds

8/1

14/1

Form: 102725 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 8st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Won from off the pace over C&D (good to soft) in April; good and bad since then and if even on her game she's probably vulnerable off this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(3)

19th Jun 2024

Soft

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

20:05 Ripon

Do I Dream

10st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ben Haslam

dwelt start, in rear

13/2

4th

6

(11)

24th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

18:15 Pontefract

Do I Dream

8st 13lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: Ben Haslam

in rear

7/2

4th

6

(11)

24th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

18:15 Pontefract

Do I Dream

8st 13lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: Ben Haslam

in rear

7/2

Form: 144462 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
He wasn't the only one to race wide when going close over slightly shorter at Chester nine days ago when rain had got into the ground (good to soft); a 3lb rise for that is not ideal but it was at least a welcome return to form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(2)

17th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

20:15 Beverley

Devasboy

9st 7lb

J: Frederick Larson

T: Michael Appleby

On a long losing run; good third over 7f at Chepstow (good) a month ago but hasn't run quite as well on his two outings since.

13/2

5th

2

(4)

27th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:10 Leicester

Devasboy

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Michael Appleby

On a lengthy losing sequence but he arrives in decent nick, a close fifth of eight in 1m Brighton handicap six days ago; one to consider.

9/2

5th

2

(4)

27th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:10 Leicester

Devasboy

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Michael Appleby

On a lengthy losing sequence but he arrives in decent nick, a close fifth of eight in 1m Brighton handicap six days ago; one to consider.

9/2

20/1

Form: 372247

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Feasible that he could reverse August's Redcar placings with Ravenglass on these terms but he'll need to bounce back from a couple of below-par runs; the ground is a further concern.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(5)

6th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Wetherby

Red Astaire

9st 6lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

in touch with leaders, pushed along up the centre over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, keeping on inside final furlong, disputed lead final 110yds, led towards finish

5/2

2nd

2

(4)

29th May 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

13:45 Redcar

Red Astaire

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

12-race maiden, runner-up twice last August (1m and 7f; here on first occasion); soft ground and 1m2f/1m4f may well make the heavy defeats in his two starts this season forgivable; could be a lot more interesting today, although connections also now reach for headgear first time.

12/1

11th

12

(13)

29th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 5

19:15 Doncaster

Red Astaire

8st 13lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Tim Easterby

prominent

33/1

50/1

Form: 106 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Confined to Tapeta so far; shock winner of a 1m novice at Newcastle in February but went missing until August and she's returned to heavy defeats; now has much to prove, tackling turf for the first time and with headgear tried.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(4)

20th Jul 2023

Soft

1m 3f 15y

Class 6

16:55 Hamilton

Hezmie

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Chris Fairhurst

Lightly raced 4yo whose mark continues to fall but she's been beaten a long way on her three starts this year and has plenty to prove.

25/1

8th

9

(7)

12th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

1m 4f 5y

Class 3

19:00 Pontefract

Hezmie

8st 4lb

J: Paula Muir

T: Chris Fairhurst

Far from consistent since her 50-1 debut success; down the field in both runs this season; now takes a step up in grade; opposed.

33/1

8th

4

(1)

3rd Jun 2023

Good

1m 6f 115y

Class 5

14:15 Doncaster

Hezmie

9st 8lb

J: Paula Muir

T: Chris Fairhurst

Down the field at Wetherby on reappearance, but didn't run badly and she's now 3lb lower than when a fair fourth of nine at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) on her final run last year; could improve for last time and is not discounted.

12/1

33/1

Form: 956-05

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Hasn't progressed from his 2yo success for another yard; well held in both runs for this one and has to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(3)

23rd Jun 2023

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

14:20 Redcar

Like A Lion

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Third in a 1m selling handicap here last month but beaten about 6l, and remains that bit more compelling at the 7f of his two career successes, the latest on Tapeta before Christmas; down to a new career-low mark.

16/1

5th

7

(3)

1st Jun 2023

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:20 Ripon

Like A Lion

9st 2lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

He's 2lb lower than when winning at Newcastle (7f, AW) last December and didn't run badly when third of seven in selling handicap at Redcar (1m) last time; however, he needs something extra here and is untested beyond 1m.

14/1

3rd

1

(1)

4th May 2023

Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

14:55 Redcar

Like A Lion

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Largely below par on the AW this winter and again returned to turf in a change of headgear when sixth in 7f Catterick handicap eight days ago; handily weighted now so he can't be totally dismissed.

3/1

3/1

Form: 1-8522 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
All the better for returning to 1m and her latest Epsom conqueror has been improving for a while; the ground was heavy there so these conditions won't faze her; up 2lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(6)

3rd Oct 2022

Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

14:30 Pontefract

Improvise

9st 4lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Michael Bell

dwelt start, took keen hold, hung right and in rear throughout (jockey said filly hung right throughout)

3/1

2nd

4

(2)

8th Sep 2022

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 5

16:35 Epsom

Improvise

9st 7lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Michael Bell

pressed leader, led halfway, briefly headed and shaken up 2f out, drifted left inside final furlong, kept on but headed final strides, just caught

7/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £78.40
Straight Forecast £58.16
Tricast £533.39
Trifecta £614.40

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Improvise

SPOTLIGHT:

The Cookstown Cafu

The Guardian:

Emperor Caradoc

POSTDATA:

Do I Dream

The Times:

My Silent Song

Daily Mail:

Emperor Caradoc

Telegraph:

Improvise

Daily Mirror:

Improvise

The Sun:

Improvise

The Star:

Improvise

Daily Record:

Improvise

RP Ratings:

The Cookstown Cafu

TOPSPEED:

The Cookstown Cafu

Daily Express:

The Cookstown Cafu