June 25 / 17.45 Pontefract

17.45

Good

Sky Bet Sunday Series Middle-Distance Handicap

  • Prize money: £16492.8
  • 1m 4f 5y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
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Sky Bet Sunday Series Middle-Distance Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

13/2 (Won)

Form: 326-21

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Won once in 2021, once in 2022 and scored again when last seen at Hamilton (1m3f) six weeks ago launching a late challenge; up 5lb on the strength of that career-best form and this return to a longer trip should be fine; unraced on good to firm; has a shout if the ground is suitable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(3)

16th Jul 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

20:20 Leopardstown

Derry Lad

9st 1lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Latest of four wins was over 1m4f three years ago, but he's on a good mark nowadays and came home well when around 3l fifth to Killyclogher Rose at Naas (1m3f); she's a lot less exposed though, and he might struggle to turn around that form.

6/1

5th

2

(8)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 194y

19:10 Naas

Derry Lad

9st 12lb

J: Jessica O’Gorman

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

The last of his four wins came three years ago; not a bad fifth at Leopardstown last time in a higher grade than this; needs more but shouldn't be far away.

14/1

10/1

Form: 155-23

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Can make the running; inconsistent last season but won twice; career-best form placed at Pontefract (his only visit here) and Redcar in his two runs this term; made all over Windsor's 11.4f last term but below form (raced freely) on sole attempt at 1m4f; a player if he stays this time.
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

Form: 452124 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Snapped a losing sequence when easily winning at Thirsk (1m4f, good to firm) this month; beaten a head in three-runner race nine days later and fair fourth of 19 in amateurs' race at York three days after that; one of many in-form contenders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(1)

7th Sep 2023

Good

1m 3f 140y

Class 5

14:00 Haydock

Bollin Margaret

11st 4lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

Form has been in and out this season, but she made it three wins for the campaign (1m4f/1m2f) when landing an apprentice handicap at Ripon last Tuesday and she escapes a penalty today; has to be in calculations.

7/2

1st

8

(5)

29th Aug 2023

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

14:15 Ripon

Bollin Margaret

9st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

took keen hold, prominent, switched right over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on well final 110yds, always doing enough

14/1

7th

11

(4)

17th Aug 2023

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:30 Windsor

Bollin Margaret

8st 7lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

midfield

18/1

Form: 644-16 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Ridden by Harry Davies this season, with improved form to win at Newmarket (good) on first occasion; might have been placed at Epsom (again 1m2f; good to firm) 16 days later but for being checked just inside the final 1f; needs to find a bit more but he's lightly raced, progressive and will stay 1m4f; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(7)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

16:37 Chester

Fox Journey

9st 9lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Two good runs for new stable this season, the latter a third of 17 at York (1m4f, good) last month; should be fine back at 2m and can cope with ground slower than good; high on the list.

6/1

3rd

9

(8)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Fox Journey

9st 3lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

No win since May 2024 when trained by Sir Michael Stoute (below form last year for Kevin Ryan) but second of 14 off almost a career-low mark at Musselburgh (1m4f, good; under Zak Wheatley) one month ago was easily his most competitive show since; back up 2lb and needs to build on that revival.

13/2

2nd

5

(4)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Fox Journey

9st 6lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

No win since May 2024 when trained by Sir Michael Stoute; below form last year for Kevin Ryan, followed by a 22,000gns sale in October; he's 23lb below his peak mark but the tide needs to turn.

25/1

10/1

Form: 238-53 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won twice last May and has run mostly with credit since, including when third of nine at Goodwood (1m4f, first run on good to firm) on latest start; needs to find a bit extra, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(6)

6th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

17:05 Kempton (AW)

Haseefah

10st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Won two 1m4f handicaps on turf for this yard last May; the handicapper has been in command this season but this represents a drop in class and she can't be ruled out.

8/1

5th

4

(4)

27th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:50 Goodwood

Haseefah

9st 6lb

J: George Bass

T: Alan King

Has gained all Flat wins at up to 1m4f, including here; failed to convince with stamina over 1m6f at Newmarket (good) last month; still has something to prove at this trip.

12/1

7th

3

(8)

19th Aug 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:45 Newmarket (July)

Haseefah

9st 4lb

J: George Bass

T: Alan King

Handicapper caught up after her two 1m4f wins in May 2022 but she continues to run with credit; not proven beyond 1m4f but it now looks worth a go and there are probably no ground worries for her; one of many with place claims.

14/1

OUR TIP

8/1

Form: 53-413 D BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Often slow starter but still won nicely at Hamilton (1m5f) in May and close up at Newmarket (1m6f) and Beverley (2m) on starts either side; this is a shorter trip but he showed his form at 1m2f-2m last season, so proved unusually versatile, which also applies to the ground; still looks on a good mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

(15)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

19:05 Hamilton

Geremia

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Two wins last year (good to soft/soft; including here) and he took a six-runner C&D handicap (good) in May; however, slow starts can be an issue and he was well beaten at Thirsk last time; the cheekpieces had no positive impact on sole previous use in 2021; others are more compelling.

33/1

15th

2

(14)

16th Jun 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:15 Thirsk

Geremia

9st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Three-time winner at up to 1m5f, on good or slower; latest success came at Hamilton (1m4f, good), on his penultimate start; finished over 3l ahead of Hope You Can Run when sixth back at Hamilton latest; more needed.

9/1

6th

8

(4)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:40 Hamilton

Geremia

9st 1lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Left Jim Goldie before penultimate start; two wins from four races at Hamilton, including when he mowed down Capital Theory from the back in six-runner race (1m4f) 16 days ago; back up 4lb (peak mark was 2lb higher still) and stays further than this; another telling late challenge could be on its way.

8/1

8/1

Form: 3-5314 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Four wins from five starts at Pontefract, the latest of those wins this May by a nose; lost his unbeaten record here when fourth of eight (again C&D) 13 days ago but it was a respectable show; well capable of having a say but he might not be as well handicapped as one or two of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(4)

9th Aug 2023

Good To Soft

2m 1f 27y

Class 4

15:50 Pontefract

Carrigillihy

10st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Comes alive at Pontefract and was gaining his fifth course win from seven goes when gamely scoring over 1m4f in June; not disgraced at Haydock last time; stays 2m and will probably see out this slightly longer distance; seems equally effective on good to firm and good to soft; solid contender.

100/30

5th

6

(7)

21st Jul 2023

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Haydock

Carrigillihy

9st 0lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Tim Easterby

Took Pontefract record to 5-7 (4-6 over 1m4f) ten days ago, as with the other wins gained on quicker ground than awaits here; penalty which obliges him to race off his highest ever mark is more of a concern.

6/1

14/1

Form: -40168 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent but won in clearcut style at Musselburgh three starts ago and is just 2lb higher today; player if he's back to that form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

14

26th Oct 2024

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:20 Kelso

Fairmac

10st 13lb

J: Jack Power

T: Lucinda Russell

Six-time Flat winner at up to 1m4f; underwent breathing operation before going hurdling for current yard and has now had another, having underperformed in handicap on this course in September; new headgear combination today.

16/1

8th

2

18th Sep 2024

Good

2m 2f 25y

Class 5

18:05 Kelso

Fairmac

11st 11lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Won five Flat races at up to 1m4f for the Johnstons (latest win for Anthony Charlton was on snow); had wind surgery before running two creditable races over hurdles this summer, last time finishing third in a maiden at Perth (2m, good; pulled quite hard); interesting on handicap debut.

4/1

3rd

4

17th Aug 2024

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 4

15:55 Perth

Fairmac

11st 4lb

J: Derek Fox

T: Lucinda Russell

Multiple Flat winner at up to 12.5f (stays 1m6f; RPR 90); not without support when 15-2 on his hurdling debut at Cartmel (2m1f, soft; first-time tongue-tie) last month, when unable to get in a serious blow; no surprise if he shows improvement.

6/1

13/2

Form: 2114-7 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Last summer brought two 1m4f wins; needs to resume improvement following a lesser show four weeks ago but it wouldn't be a surprise, as that was her reappearance and a stiff 1m4f is likely to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(7)

20th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

1m 3f 104y

Class 4

16:55 Yarmouth

Tamilla

10st 2lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Turf (soft) and AW winner last summer who is back on her last winning mark and shaped as though coming to hand at Bath last time; the forecast ground here should suit better and leading claims.

2/1

4th

2

(1)

6th Sep 2023

Good

1m 3f 137y

Class 4

16:00 Bath

Tamilla

10st 2lb

J: G Cheyne

T: William Haggas

Won back-to-back 1m4f events last year, including a handicap off this mark; her third at Ascot in July was in line with those efforts and latest run there was too bad to be true; very capable of going well.

11/2

7th

6

(1)

28th Jul 2023

Good

1m 7f 209y

Class 3

14:25 Ascot

Tamilla

9st 11lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

2022 campaign included 1m4f wins in a soft-ground maiden and AW handicap, followed by a close fourth when tried over 1m6f; latest start was more like it again, when making most for a respectable fourth of eight at this track (1m4f); going back up in trip looks in order but 2m is something new.

8/1

14/1

Form: -12420

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Can make the running; won on handicap debut at Wolverhampton (9.4f, AW) in January; clear best of his four starts since when twice runner-up; needs to bounce back and resume improvement after a heavy defeat four weeks ago, which was at Chester but he'd proved himself at that track the time before.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Demilion

11st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Alexandra Dunn

Some useful Flat form in 2023 and his hurdle mark continues to fall, but tailed off/pulled up the last twice and needs to turn things around.

20/1

9

30th Jan 2025

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

14:25 Wincanton

Demilion

11st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Alexandra Dunn

Some useful Flat form in 2023 and his hurdle mark continues to fall, but tailed off/pulled up the last twice and needs to turn things around.

20/1

5

13th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 5

15:38 Exeter

Demilion

11st 3lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Alexandra Dunn

Not beaten far when fifth from off the pace over C&D two runs back and it was over 2m when never counting at Chepstow; this race looks more suitable.

33/1

Form: -41223 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Has taken his form to a new level this season, winning in commanding fashion at Beverley and bang there in his other four races, all at about 1m4f and on varied ground; should be seriously involved again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

16:05 Carlisle

Two Brothers

12st 5lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Michael & David Easterby

Finished strongly to force a dead heat with Ryebridge over C&D (good to soft) on his handicap hurdle debut 13 days ago; wore cheekpieces on that occasion but they are now replaced by the visor he wore regularly during his Flat career; retains handicapping scope on his useful form in that sphere.

4/1

1st

1

22nd Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 61y

Class 4

14:15 Carlisle

Two Brothers

12st 0lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Michael & David Easterby

Has made the frame in two races at Wetherby (2m) since switched to this code; opening hurdles mark is very attractive judged on best Flat form; possibilities.

100/30

5th

1

(2)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 13y

Class 4

14:10 Catterick

Two Brothers

10st 2lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

3lb lower than when winning at York (1m2f, soft) a year ago and very likely to have his optimum conditions, but a leap of faith is required following two poor efforts since returning from 308 days off last month.

6/1

Non-runners

Two Brothers

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £122.56
Tricast £1610.49

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Fox Journey

RP RATINGS:

Haseefah

Daily Record:

Derry Lad

The Star:

Geremia

TOPSPEED:

Carrigillihy

Daily Mirror:

Two Brothers

NEWMARKET:

Fox Journey

D Express:

Fox Journey

The Sun:

Fox Journey

POSTDATA:

Haseefah

The Times:

Haseefah

Telegraph:

Haseefah