August 18 / 16.15 Pontefract

16.15

Good To Firm

Sky Bet For The Fans Handicap

  • Prize money: £10991.4
  • 1m 0f 6y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
ITV4
View Course
Sky Bet For The Fans Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 246451 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 10st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Off the mark for the season after a series of good runs when scoring over C&D last time (good to firm; first handicap win); should be competitive off 4lb higher mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(4)

5th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 2

16:30 Redcar

Zozimus

9st 9lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: David O’Meara

Won two in a row at Pontefract (1m, good to firm) in August but he's been well held in last two runs including when last of five at Newmarket (1m, soft) last week; has quite a bit to prove again and others are preferred.

9/1

5th

6

(12)

27th Sep 2024

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 3

17:20 Newmarket

Zozimus

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Consistent turf form this year includes two wins at Pontefract (1m, good to firm) in August; better than bare result (hampered) last time; however, faces a stiffer assignment back up in grade.

14/1

8th

1

(8)

31st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 4

16:55 Beverley

Zozimus

10st 0lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Two Pontefract wins this month and he turned in another solid effort when third at Redcar last week; effective over C&D and should make another bold bid.

11/2

8/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 311343 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
All five wins have been at Hamilton, including two in May this year; close third there last time (good to firm; cheekpieces on for first time); headgear retained and an each-way contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(3)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

20:52 Pontefract

Arkenstaar

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

He was gaining his first win away from Hamilton when landing a C&D handicap last October off a 2lb lower mark; promising return to action at his beloved Hamilton 19 days ago; that should have blown away any cobwebs and he rates a strong contender for a yard who could be hitting top gear judged on recent results.

9/2

3rd

4

(2)

3rd May 2026

Good

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

15:53 Hamilton

Arkenstaar

9st 7lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

One of his seven wins here came in this race two seasons ago; had the benefit of a run that year and record after this sort of break isn't overly encouraging; however, his course record is too good to ignore, he's on a competitive mark and goes on all ground.

7/2

1

(7)

14th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 53y

Class 5

16:14 Leicester

Arkenstaar

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Prevailed by a neck at Pontefract (1m, soft) last week, making it three wins from his last four starts and recording first success away from Hamilton; only 3lb higher even with another penalty; respected in current form.

4/1

7/1

  • Place: £4.30

Form: 547-52 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Hasn't won since July 2022 but sound run when 2l-second to Zozimus (4lb worse off) over C&D last time (good to firm); each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(6)

14th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

16:55 Beverley

Casilli

9st 12lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Five of her six wins have been here, the latest off 20lb higher in July 2022; mixed form this season, but chance on her C&D third in May.

6/1

2

(5)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 6

16:45 Doncaster

Casilli

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Some creditable efforts this season, including when fourth at Pontefract (1m2f, good) in June, but she was disappointing over C&D last time; bit to prove again after that and five of her six wins have come at Beverley; cheekpieces added.

8/1

3

(1)

27th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

14:50 Doncaster

Casilli

9st 5lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Some creditable efforts this season including when fourth at Pontefract (1m2f, good) last time but five of her six wins have been at Beverley and her last success was three years ago; others are more persuasive.

4/1

OUR TIP

Form: 311138 D BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Strong puller; hat-trick of wins in June/July, first over 7f at Wolverhampton, the next two over 1m at Doncaster (good/good to firm); went up 15lb but good third at Chelmsford next time (1m); wouldn't rule out
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Beylerbeyi

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Tricky to settle and is held up in rear; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 9lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year; back to near his best when eighth of 20 at Royal Ascot (2m4f) but he needs to hit a new high if he's to win this.

16/1

8th

1

(16)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Beylerbeyi

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 9lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year; not nearly so good in his two races back on turf but his recent run at Epsom (1m2f) should have teed him up nicely for this; current mark and tactical issues coming from the rear are the chief worries.

12/1

10th

5

(17)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Beylerbeyi

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Acts on good to soft, much more to prove on soft; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 10lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year, prior to tailing off at 50-1 in the Group 3 Ormonde at Chester four weeks ago; he's not on a bad mark but plenty needs to go right if one of his late rushes is to prevail in this.

33/1

Form: 322166 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Best effort so far when winning at Hamilton last month (8.5f, good; hung right); fair run over same C&D next time (not stay 1m2f latest); not out of it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(10)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:30 Doncaster

Mysteryofthesands

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tim Easterby

Second in a division of this last year (soft) and three wins this term; ran okay when fifth of 13 at Beverley last time and not ruled out.

10/1

8

(12)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:08 Beverley

Mysteryofthesands

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

A dual C&D scorer in the summer; didn't fire in 1m Haydock handicap 17 days ago but no surprise if he bounces back here.

10/1

6

(2)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

16:40 Haydock

Mysteryofthesands

9st 7lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Three wins on turf (good/soft) since May and he may well have had a fourth here last month but for meeting trouble; last week's fourth of 13 in a Racing League event at Southwell (1m) shows he's still in form; considered.

15/2

11/2

Form: 083603 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Not quite the force of old, but two good runs for this yard this term, notably when a close third after making much of the running at Redcar last week (1m, good to firm); worth considering.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(2)

2nd Oct 2024

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 4

16:05 Musselburgh

Al Marmar

9st 12lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Gemma Tutty

Placed twice over 1m since joining Gemma Tutty in the spring and probably wasn't suited by the drop to 7f when sixth in Class 4 handicap on latest outing; eased significantly in grade for this first venture beyond 1m and ought to pose a significant threat.

4/1

6th

8

(6)

7th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:10 Thirsk

Al Marmar

9st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Gemma Tutty

in rear

7/1

7th

3

(7)

18th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:15 Pontefract

Al Marmar

10st 1lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Gemma Tutty

led, edged left after 1f, headed and raced in second over 5f out, briefly led over 1f out, weakened final 110yds

11/2

25/1

Form: 786167

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Has been disappointing on softer ground since beating three subsequent winners in a Redcar handicap in good style in May (7f, good to firm), including with first-time cheekpieces last time; headgear retained and could go well now back on fast ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

(9)

18th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:15 Pontefract

Georgie Wooster

9st 3lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tim Easterby

in rear, some headway inside final furlong, never on terms

25/1

7th

8

(9)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 192y

Class 4

16:20 York

Georgie Wooster

8st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

ran without hind shoes, towards rear

14/1

Form: -06035 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Two wins last year, the second off 6lb higher over C&D in May; some fair form without winning this time, notably when 2l fifth over 7f at York last time (good to firm; ducked right at the start); interesting.
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

Form: 734617 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Off the mark on turf at Ayr last month (1m, good); not disgraced when 2.5l seventh in a competitive York handicap last time (1m, good to firm); a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(2)

11th Jul 2025

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:40 York

My Harrison George

9st 1lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Had the run of things up front when beating four rivals at Beverley (1m4f, good) and only sixth since then over 2m and 1m6f; this is probably a better trip but he's not the easiest to predict.

20/1

6

(4)

28th Jun 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 4

16:15 York

My Harrison George

8st 13lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Richard Fahey

Allowed to dictate when winning a five-runner race at Beverley (1m4f) in May; ran respectably over 1m6f the time before but weakened out of it off this 4lb higher mark over 2m on latest; back to 1m6f but others are a little more persuasive.

16/1

3

(8)

10th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 189y

Class 5

19:40 Catterick

My Harrison George

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

No problem with 1m4f but is still to totally prove his stamina over this far; was allowed to dictate when beating a small field last time and a 4lb rise puts him on a career-high mark.

7/2

Form: -10875 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 10st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Has won two of his 14 races on turf (0-11 on AW), both wins coming on seasonal reappearance, this year scoring off 3lb lower over C&D in May (good); hasn't fared as well since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(4)

22nd Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

18:55 Newcastle (AW)

Million Thanks

9st 12lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Won comfortably off 1lb higher on seasonal debut at Pontefract (1m, good) in May but largely disappointing since; safely held when third in first-time visor over C&D one week ago and needs to find extra today.

12/1

3rd

7

(5)

15th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Million Thanks

9st 7lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

pressed winner, no extra over 1f out

13/2

4th

3

(5)

2nd Oct 2024

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 4

16:05 Musselburgh

Million Thanks

9st 12lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Began season with emphatic handicap win at Pontefract (1m, good) in May but not much has gone to plan for him since and he was well beaten when returned to Pontefract in August; in calmer waters here but it still takes a leap of faith to support him.

11/2

Form: 3110-8 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Won two AW handicaps over this trip last autumn; well beaten both outings since (8l eighth of nine at Newmarket last time); bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(6)

2nd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 5

16:15 Yarmouth

Kalamunda

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Joseph Parr

Five-time AW winner over 1m and he was runner-up on turf over this C&D two weeks ago on his first start for 270 days; the winner has won again since; has major claims in the returning cheekpieces.

15/8

2nd

10

(5)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 4

16:25 Yarmouth

Kalamunda

9st 0lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Joseph Parr

Drew a blank in 2025 after a successful time of things in 2024; returns from nine months off on a dangerous mark but he is a better horse on AW.

20/1

7

(14)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

15:07 Southwell (AW)

Kalamunda

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Joseph Parr

Won his first five starts on the AW between October 2023 and October 2024 including twice over C&D; has run well on several occasions since then and just 2lb above his last winning mark, but the outside stall makes things tricky.

16/1

20/1

Form: -04217 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Followed up his good C&D second in June (good to firm) by winning a five-runner 7f handicap at Haydock (good); fair run on easier ground last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(5)

15th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:20 Thirsk

Naval Academy

8st 13lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Mark Walford

Seen only four times this year, with best run his close second of six in modest race at Carlisle (7f, good to soft) two starts ago; sports refitted tongue-tie/cheekpieces; others have more pressing claims.

14/1

6

(9)

31st Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 5

16:05 Nottingham

Naval Academy

9st 9lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Mark Walford

Ran best race this year when second at Carlisle last time (7f, good to soft); could go well, but ideally suited by some give in the ground and perhaps better at 7f.

15/2

2nd

7

(7)

30th May 2025

Good

0m 6f 195y

Class 6

16:50 Carlisle

Naval Academy

9st 2lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Mark Walford

Now 10lb lower than when winning over Haydock's 7f last July and took a step back in the right direction when fifth at Leicester (7f, good to firm) latest; he has soft-ground form if going back far enough.

6/1

Form: 75732

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Yet to win a race, but unexposed and has run well when placed in 1m handicaps at Nottingham on last two starts (good to firm); a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(9)

24th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

17:35 Southwell (AW)

Terries Royale

10st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Appleby

Half-brother to six winners including Sakhee's Return (5.8f-7f including 2yo; RPR 93), Jackpot Royale (7f-1m; 91), Be Royale (6f-8.6f including AW; 79), Queens Royale (7f AW; 75) and Must Be Royale (7f AW; 70); once-raced dam (56) out of 1m Group 3 winner; family has won plenty of races for the yard, but stable only has the occasional winning newcomer; watch market.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £48.30
Straight Forecast £49.77
Tricast £537.72
Trifecta £483.90

Selections

The Times:

Zozimus

RP RATINGS:

The Cookstown Cafu

The Sun:

Casilli

TOPSPEED:

Mysteryofthesands

SPOTLIGHT:

Georgie Wooster

POSTDATA:

My Harrison George

D Express:

The Cookstown Cafu

Telegraph:

Zozimus

Daily Mirror:

Zozimus

The Star:

Zozimus

Daily Record:

Casilli