October 21 / 14.45 Pontefract

14.45

Soft

William Hill Committed To Top Prices Nursery Handicap

  • Prize money: £3663.8
  • 1m 0f 6y
  • Class 5
  • 9 runners
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William Hill Committed To Top Prices Nursery Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 0904

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 4lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Down the field on first three starts and beaten about 6l when fourth of seven on last month's nursery debut at Newmarket (1m, soft); however, today's race should take less winning and he might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(10)

20th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

19:40 Yarmouth

Charming Fellow

8st 13lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Joe Ponting

Won a Pontefract nursery for Peter Chapple-Hyam in October 2024 (1m, soft); in good form last autumn too but he has been sent off at big prices and finished down the field in three runs for his new stable this year; could prove a different proposition back on turf, especially if the going remains on the slow side, and cheekpieces return today; check betting.

33/1

6th

5

(4)

23rd Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

17:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Charming Fellow

9st 7lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Joe Ponting

In and out for Peter Chapple-Hyam and he's finished last of nine in two runs (9.4f/1m) for new yard this year; mark continues to fall but he's now 1-13 and has plenty to prove back at this trip.

33/1

9th

3

(7)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:40 Kempton (AW)

Charming Fellow

9st 9lb

J: Charlie Tucker

T: Joe Ponting

In and out for Peter Chapple-Hyam and he ran poorly on final start for that yard in October; changed hands for 3,500gns after that and he was tailed off on recent stable debut at Wolverhampton (9.4f); record is now 1-12 and he has plenty to prove; cheekpieces worn last twice are removed.

20/1

OUR TIP

7/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 238147 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Disappointing at Southwell (1m) last time but that was her AW debut; running well in nurseries last month, winning at Thirsk (1m, good) then keeping on for fourth at Thirsk (7f, good); could bounce back with a big run if conditions suit (unraced on slow ground).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(6)

5th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 4

16:33 Beverley

Cymbidium

8st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Well handicapped on her best 2yo form but she's finished down the field in four runs this season, including when last of four at Hamilton (1m3f, good) last week; cheekpieces are now added and she needs to raise her game back in trip.

10/1

3

(3)

26th Jun 2025

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 5

20:15 Hamilton

Cymbidium

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Of interest on her 2yo best but has failed to make a significant impact in handicaps this year, including seventh of nine over the extended 1m here last week; it remains to be seen whether this longer distance helps.

6/1

7th

3

(9)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

17:20 Hamilton

Cymbidium

9st 8lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: David O’Meara

Of interest on her 2yo best and her second run this year was better than her reappearance; still has time to do better; stable also run Obito.

9/2

6/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 608724

Last run: 36 days

W: 8st 12lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Improved form in these blinkers at Musselburgh the last twice (1m, good), finishing a head second then fourth of five in a blanket finish; her useful dam was at her best on slow ground and she's on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(7)

5th Nov 2024

Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 5

12:50 Redcar

Aye Up Lass

9st 7lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Placed over 1m at both Musselburgh (good) and, most recently, Pontefract (soft), both in blinkers; still early days and she's not going to need huge improvement to pick up a race.

13/2

4th

4

(7)

5th Nov 2024

Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 5

12:50 Redcar

Aye Up Lass

9st 7lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Placed over 1m at both Musselburgh (good) and, most recently, Pontefract (soft), both in blinkers; still early days and she's not going to need huge improvement to pick up a race.

13/2

3rd

6

(4)

21st Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

14:45 Pontefract

Aye Up Lass

8st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Declan Carroll

Improved form in these blinkers at Musselburgh the last twice (1m, good), finishing a head second then fourth of five in a blanket finish; her useful dam was at her best on slow ground and she's on the shortlist.

6/1

Form: 009

Last run: 65 days

W: 8st 6lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Makes handicap debut off modest mark and gelded since last time; however, well beaten on all three runs (6f-1m) and improvement is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 62y

Class 5

14:07 Newcastle

Toby Two Scoops

10st 11lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Micky Hammond

Still to register a victory but he comes here after a good second of eight in 2m Wetherby handicap hurdle 44 days ago; he can make his presence felt again reverted to a longer trip.

7/1

2nd

5

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Wetherby

Toby Two Scoops

11st 2lb

J: Joshua Thompson

T: Micky Hammond

Pulled up here (2m3f, soft) last month when more than a possible lack of stamina was amiss; however, prior to that he was placed in his first two handicap hurdles (soft; including C&D); leading player if back on song.

7/2

12

22nd Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 154y

Class 5

13:55 Wetherby

Toby Two Scoops

10st 7lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Micky Hammond

4yo who is 0-9 on the Flat and 0-4 over hurdles but he's been showing promise in this code and kept on for third of 11 in handicap against older horses here (2m, soft) four weeks ago; stays well on the Flat and today's extra distance could be right up his street.

4/1

Form: 572

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 8lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Kept on nicely when mid-division over 7f on turf on first two starts (good/good to firm) and was suited by the step up to 1m when second at Newcastle (AW) last month; his pedigree provides hope he'll continue to improve and he's one to consider on his nursery debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(6)

24th Jul 2025

Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

16:55 Doncaster

Bentbasa

9st 5lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Fellowes

Not had the breaks this season, finding the drop to 1m against him last time (first-time cheekpieces), but ran way below market expectations on soft ground on his nursery debut last autumn, which would be a concern.

16/1

10

(14)

30th Jun 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:15 Ffos Las

Bentbasa

9st 3lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Charlie Fellowes

Six-race maiden; began this season with two perfectly respectable runs in the spring (8.6f, AW/1m2f, turf) but probably needs the new cheekpieces to generate some improvement here.

9/1

6th

4

(3)

2nd May 2025

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 5

16:25 Goodwood

Bentbasa

9st 7lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charlie Fellowes

Flopped at Pontefract (soft) on final 2yo run but, having been gelded, he was back to form when third of six in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.4f, AW) last month; needs to build on that but he did run on nicely from rear.

7/1

4/1

Form: 786372

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Soft-ground maiden winner who returned to form when runner-up in 6f nursery here (soft) a fortnight ago; she failed to settle and faded over 7f at Ayr (good) two starts ago and stamina is a concern now tackling 1m, but the forecast ground conditions are in her favour and she's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(6)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

15:08 Beverley

Larchill Lass

9st 6lb

J: Sam James

T: Michael & David Easterby

A fair 5f juvenile winner for Karl Burke but she arrives under a cloud, eighth in 5f Carlisle handicap two weeks ago; she has something to prove.

7/1

8th

7

(10)

9th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

17:45 Carlisle

Larchill Lass

9st 6lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Michael & David Easterby

Had some useful form as a 2yo but it's been tough going this time around; tailed off over 6f here when last seen in July; now wears cheekpieces for just the second time (runner-up in a seller when tried previously).

20/1

5/1

Form: 4892

Last run: 44 days

W: 8st 11lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Improved upon his first three runs (all 7f) when going close at Thirsk (1m, good) last month in first-time blinkers; continue to progress and his talented dam was a soft-ground winner; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(5)

9th Aug 2025

Good

1m 2f 100y

Class 5

15:35 Haydock

Testimonial

8st 11lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Twice runner-up in 1m handicaps but he's inconsistent and has stamina to prove over this far; blinkers, in which he's finished second and seventh, now return.

20/1

7th

9

(4)

27th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

14:25 Pontefract

Testimonial

9st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

3yo maiden; inconsistent (2727) since handicapping; not sure what to expect and he's taking on some recent winners.

14/1

7th

12

(11)

7th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Ripon

Testimonial

9st 2lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Went close in first-time blinkers on nursery debut last September (1m, good), then flopped on soft ground; back on song with good second in first-time cheekpieces on reappearance at Wetherby (1m, good to firm) last month and this 3yo is a contender if the headgear maintains its positive effect.

5/1

Form: 045262

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

2 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
He's 0-6 but ran well from the front when 3l second of four to an unexposed winner in a nursery at Yarmouth (1m2f, soft) a fortnight ago, when wearing these cheekpieces for the first time; could make a bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

(18)

1st Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 40y

14:34 Gowran Park

Flying Fortress

9st 7lb

J: Gary Carroll

T: Gavin Cromwell

Ground-versatile sort won a Ballinrobe maiden (9.5f, good) and a Listowel handicap (8.5f, heavy) last season off 1lb lower; modest effort on seasonal return at Ballinrobe (9.5f, gd-yld) but sharper for that and can't be discounted with yard in form.

14/1

5th

3

(1)

8th May 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 1f 133y

18:52 Ballinrobe

Flying Fortress

9st 9lb

J: Robert Whearty

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won C&D maiden on this card last year on debut for the Cromwell yard and later added Listowel win on heavy; goes well fresh so has to be respected given his record here.

7/2

7

(9)

4th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

15:27 Curragh

Flying Fortress

9st 7lb

J: Keithen Kennedy

T: Gavin Cromwell

3yo has won twice this season, including on latest at Listowel (8.5f, heavy) off 4lb lower (Quatre Bras 0.75l behind); ground conditions fine and should go well again if proving as effective on this track.

9/2

9th
5 (7)
Greek Gift

10/1

Form: 531246

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 13lb

2 yo Filly

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Below par the last twice but in good form in nurseries in August, including a win at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) and good second at Carlisle (7f, soft); capable of having a say if getting back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

(17)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

17:45 Dundalk (AW)

Greek Gift

9st 3lb

J: Darragh O’Sullivan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Two-time winner on turf for Karl Burke; always in rear on debut for this yard at the Curragh this month; hood goes on now but best watched until she finds her form again.

66/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £15.60
Straight Forecast £14.10
Tricast £87.63
Trifecta £90.90

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Larchill Lass

NEWMARKET:

Bentbasa

Telegraph:

Testimonial

Daily Record:

Flying Fortress

RP RATINGS:

Cymbidium

The Star:

Charming Fellow

SPOTLIGHT:

Aye Up Lass

The Guardian:

Bentbasa

Daily Mirror:

Testimonial

POSTDATA:

Larchill Lass

The Times:

Larchill Lass

Daily Mail:

Larchill Lass

D Express:

Larchill Lass

The Sun:

Larchill Lass