September 25 / 17.05 Pontefract

17.05

Soft

Racing TV Handicap

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 1m 4f 5y
  • Class 5
  • 9 runners
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Racing TV Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: 824376

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Placed in both starts over C&D, close second in June followed by a third in July (also good); not at his best in two AW starts over further since but they were Racing League events and he's dropped 3lb below that C&D mark; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(1)

14th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 6

15:48 Beverley

Kitsune Power

9st 8lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Hasn't won for more than two years, but sound effort when length second over C&D in May (good to firm); each-way chance.

8/1

10th

2

(1)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

17:10 Newcastle (AW)

Kitsune Power

11st 1lb

J: Mr Thomas Easterby

T: Tim Easterby

No win since June 2024 off 15lb higher and he's never made much of an impact in his five AW races; he's still shown more than enough on turf this season to be considered, however.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 220221

Last run: 8 days

W: 10st 1lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Only suffered a couple of blips during a good run of form since February and it was a career best when making all to score comfortably at Beverley (1m2f, soft) last Wednesday; due up 6lb so this penalty doesn't equate to being well in but he's still the obvious starting point.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

22nd Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:30 Ludlow

Sonic Pioneer

11st 1lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Martin Keighley

Dual Flat winner whose form in juvenile hurdles includes an emphatic success at Kempton (2m, good) and two non-completions (pulled up both times) in Grade 2 races; drops back in class after a break but he has a bit to prove and probably needs to kick on again to make a major impact.

5/1

7

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

12:40 Cheltenham

Sonic Pioneer

11st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Martin Keighley

Progressed well at an ordinary level for previous Flat yard and looked a jumper with a future when rattling home by 14l at Kempton in November (good; Flat winner on soft); only 5-2 for the Grade 2 at Chepstow over Christmas won by Tenter Le Tout and hard to believe he gave his true running; retains potential but probably vulnerable for win purposes even if back on song.

25/1

Form: 1253-6 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Took a 14lb hit for winning a couple of classifieds in 2023 and won his first handicap in convincing fashion on his 2024 reappearance at Chelmsford (2m, AW); came back from a 469-day absence with a big defeat back there (1m6f) a fortnight ago and only market support would make him of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(9)

25th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

17:05 Pontefract

Greek Giant

9st 13lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ed Dunlop

Took a 14lb hit for winning a couple of classifieds in 2023 and won his first handicap in convincing fashion on his 2024 reappearance at Chelmsford (2m, AW); came back from a 469-day absence with a big defeat back there (1m6f) a fortnight ago and only market support would make him of interest.

16/1

1

(5)

11th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Greek Giant

10st 2lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Ed Dunlop

Course winner over 2m on 2024 reappearance and placed on his two other AW starts last year; not seen for 469 days but evidently capable when fresh.

11/2

3rd

1

(4)

30th May 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

14:20 Lingfield (AW)

Greek Giant

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ed Dunlop

midfield

6/1

Form: 4-5359 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Maiden; good effort when close third at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) in June but below that on her next two starts, including when under the care of Kevin Philippart De Foy and beating one home at Wolverhampton (9.5f, AW) three weeks ago; backed into favouritism that day so interesting to see if her supporters return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(1)

12th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

17:30 Dundalk (AW)

Tequila

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: Robson De Aguiar

Showed enough to suggest she could win a race when trained in Britain; below best when last seen at Pontefract in September; has joined yard that can ready one and has run well on the AW before, so monitor the market.

5/1

4

(5)

25th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

17:05 Pontefract

Tequila

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Maiden; good effort when close third at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) in June but below that on her next two starts, including when under the care of Kevin Philippart De Foy and beating one home at Wolverhampton (9.5f, AW) three weeks ago; backed into favouritism that day so interesting to see if her supporters return.

10/1

3

(8)

2nd Sep 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

18:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Tequila

9st 10lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Maiden; creditable third over 7f here last October and put in another good effort when close third at Newmarket (1m2f, good to firm) in June; below par last time at Windsor (final start under the care of Raphael Freire) but could bounce back.

10/1

Form: -35843

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Unexposed after just three handicaps and he followed a rallying fourth at Epsom in July (1m4f) with a good third at Windsor (11.5f, also good) when things didn't pan out ideally 17 days ago; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(5)

23rd Oct 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:32 Nottingham

Vulcan Way

9st 3lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Harry Eustace

Seven-race maiden but he has shown promise at up to 1m4f on good ground; longer trip and slower ground the unknowns this time.

4/1

5

(4)

25th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

17:05 Pontefract

Vulcan Way

9st 7lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Eustace

Unexposed after just three handicaps and he followed a rallying fourth at Epsom in July (1m4f) with a good third at Windsor (11.5f, also good) when things didn't pan out ideally 17 days ago; on the shortlist.

4/1

14

(3)

8th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 3f 99y

Class 5

15:32 Windsor

Vulcan Way

9st 4lb

J: George Wood

T: Harry Eustace

Five-race maiden; ran well in Epsom handicap (1m4f, good; rallying fourth) most recently and that form has worked out nicely; very interesting dropped 1lb.

10/1

Form: 230053 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Five wins but last success was over one year ago; gradually slipping down the weights and his third at Leicester (1m4f, good to firm) last time was his best effort since June; acts on most surfaces and a form case can be made.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(4)

5th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Haliphon

9st 6lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

0-17 on AW but he returned to form with a staying-on third here (1m6f) last month; now drops back in trip but he's 1lb lower than last time and has possibilities if this sets up for his closing style; visor reapplied.

9/2

3rd

2

(7)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Haliphon

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

On losing run and 0-16 on AW, unable to justify favouritism at Chelmsford 12 days ago; another 2lb lower today and too much ability to discount.

9/2

Form: /0-940

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish maiden; mark in freefall but yet to get competitive in three starts for this yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(9)

20th Oct 2025

Good

2m 1f 24y

Class 6

13:55 Bath

Solar Saving

11st 2lb

J: Mr Paul Hainey

T: John Berry

Ex-Irish maiden who has been beaten 9l or more in four handicaps (1m2f-1m4f) for current yard; mark is tumbling but he has lots to prove on this big step up in trip.

12/1

7

(8)

25th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

17:05 Pontefract

Solar Saving

9st 6lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: John Berry

Ex-Irish maiden; mark in freefall but yet to get competitive in three starts for this yard.

50/1

11

(15)

8th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 3f 99y

Class 5

15:32 Windsor

Solar Saving

9st 6lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: John Berry

Ex-Irish maiden who has failed to back up debut promise; couple of modest efforts for new stable; needs to raise his game.

25/1

Form: 2-6793

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Well beaten since a promising debut second (7f, soft) last October until he burst back to life in first-time blinkers when third at Carlisle (1m1f, good) at the start of this month; shaped like a step up in trip could unlock more that day and he's dangerous if the headgear works a second time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(6)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

16:27 Pontefract

Very Muddy Waters

9st 2lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Eight-race maiden; didn't run badly when sixth at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) last November but has fitness to prove after five-month break and was well beaten over C&D on only previous 1m4f attempt.

25/1

5

(4)

1st Nov 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Very Muddy Waters

9st 11lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Good third with blinkers added in a Carlisle handicap (1m1f, good) in September but he's finished tailed off in both subsequent runs; record is now 0-7 and he needs a major revival with headgear removed.

33/1

5

(4)

1st Nov 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

15:35 Newcastle (AW)

Very Muddy Waters

9st 11lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Good third with blinkers added in a Carlisle handicap (1m1f, good) in September but he's finished tailed off in both subsequent runs; record is now 0-7 and he needs a major revival with headgear removed.

33/1

Form: 5-6400

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
1-18; respectable effort when fourth in first-time blinkers at Carlisle (1m3f, good to soft) in May but was beaten 12l, when things didn't go his way, in amateur riders' handicap at Newcastle (AW) next time; weakened a long way from home on his return at Doncaster 11 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(5)

9th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

Solar Bentley

9st 7lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

0-9 on AW; reportedly benefited from removal of blinkers with narrow win at Pontefract (1m4f; front pair clear) a fortnight ago but underwhelmed over 1m2f (also good to soft) at Redcar on Saturday; step back up to this trip should help.

5/1

7

(1)

4th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 1y

Class 5

14:11 Redcar

Solar Bentley

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Brian Ellison

Reportedly benefited from removal of blinkers when returning to form with narrow win at Pontefract (1m4f, good to soft; front pair clear) nine days ago; recent 4lb rise is manageable and the forecast overnight rain will be very much in his favour.

9/2

9

(7)

25th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

17:05 Pontefract

Solar Bentley

9st 4lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

1-18; respectable effort when fourth in first-time blinkers at Carlisle (1m3f, good to soft) in May but was beaten 12l, when things didn't go his way, in amateur riders' handicap at Newcastle (AW) next time; weakened a long way from home on his return at Doncaster 11 days ago.

16/1

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Sonic Pioneer

TOPSPEED:

Very Muddy Waters

SPOTLIGHT:

Kitsune Power

Telegraph:

Vulcan Way

D Express:

Haliphon

Daily Mail:

Sonic Pioneer

Daily Mirror:

Sonic Pioneer

The Sun:

Sonic Pioneer

Daily Record:

Sonic Pioneer

The Star:

Vulcan Way

The Times:

Very Muddy Waters

The Guardian:

Very Muddy Waters

RP RATINGS:

Kitsune Power

POSTDATA:

Kitsune Power