September 25 / 17.38 Pontefract

17.38

Soft

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  • Prize money: £5234
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 4
  • 14 runners
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Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £16.80
  • Place: £8.70

Form: 844359 CD

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Both wins came in C&D nurseries (good/good to soft) within ten days in 2023; has become a tad frustrating and never figured at Chester (5.5f, officially soft but probably heavy) on Saturday; 2lb lower in future.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(1)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

15:40 Catterick

Keep Warm

9st 3lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Awarded the Pontefract handicap last month in which Valentine Catcher passed the post first; not so good in either run since, the latest at Doncaster on Saturday, and others appeal more.

12/1

8

(1)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

15:40 Catterick

Keep Warm

9st 3lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Awarded the Pontefract handicap last month in which Valentine Catcher passed the post first; not so good in either run since, the latest at Doncaster on Saturday, and others appeal more.

12/1

7th

13

(9)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:00 Doncaster

Keep Warm

9st 5lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

All three wins over 6f at Pontefract on good and good to soft, most recently when awarded a race last month, but he was never involved in a higher grade there since and recent 7f attempts suggest others will have the legs of him late on.

20/1

33/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 5-0000 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Won a Nottingham handicap (6f, good to firm; also acts on soft) last August but has struggled to beat a rival in four starts this year; well handicapped if first-time cheekpieces prove the answer; heed any market signals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 5

14:35 Doncaster

Valentine Catcher

9st 2lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Soundly beaten at Redcar (7f, good) a fortnight ago, so his losing run continues, but he was in good heart previously and kept on well when making the frame at Ayr (7f, good to firm) and Carlisle (7f, good); this first crack at 1m is worth a go and he's not ruled out each-way.

33/1

9th

2

(12)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

14:15 Redcar

Valentine Catcher

9st 8lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Course winner (6f) who has been running well in defeat lately having fallen down the weights, as when third of nine at Carlisle (7f, good) three weeks ago; losing run now up to 16, though.

8/1

3rd

3

(7)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 195y

Class 6

16:45 Carlisle

Valentine Catcher

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Still 3lb lower than when second of eight at Pontefract (6f, good) last month, but losing run up to 15 and he does seem best at shorter.

6/1

13/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 121149 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Instant impact for new connections, winning three of first four (good and soft) before finishing very close fourth in Racing League handicap (also 6f, AW; Havana Rum second, Miss Hathaway third, Fierce behind) last month; below that at Doncaster a fortnight ago but could well bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(4)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

16:15 Haydock

City Captain

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Harriet Bethell

Did well for Harriet Bethell last season and his two runs this year have been encouraging, second of 13 to an unexposed one at Thirsk three weeks ago; mark left unchanged; big player.

3/1

2nd

10

(12)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:23 Thirsk

City Captain

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Harriet Bethell

The winner of four of his eight starts last year (6f, good or slower); perhaps needed the run on his return to action at Newcastle last month, running respectably in the smaller stands' side group; the more rain to fall the better for him.

7/1

7/2

Form: 222412 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Won C&D handicap (good) last term; in good form this summer and took it up a notch when winning fifteen-runner handicap at Ripon (good to firm) by over 3l in August; massive run from widest stall when unlucky second in Southwell Racing League handicap (also 6f, AW) four weeks ago; can miss the break but has form on slow ground and commands utmost respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Havana Rum

9st 7lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Ended 2025 in good form on AW; some solid efforts back on turf this year without suggesting he had much in hand of his mark; minor money perhaps his best hope.

14/1

3rd

5

(5)

1st Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

18:22 Epsom

Havana Rum

9st 10lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Back to his best last year and his reappearance second of 13 at Pontefract (5f) in April sent his mark to new heights; hasn't matched that in three starts since but last time's fifth of ten from the widest stall at Chester (6f, also good to soft; not clear run) suggests this mark isn't beyond him; in the picture.

10/1

5th

7

(10)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

13:35 Chester

Havana Rum

8st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

His year started well when bustling up Saturday's Epsom "Dash" winner at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) in April but his two runs last month didn't come close and he has the widest stall.

20/1

9/1

Form: 701237 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Won C&D novice in April and landed first handicap success when scoring at Nottingham (also good) in July; big run when close third in Racing League handicap (also 6f, AW; Havana Rum second, City Captain fourth, Fierce behind) two starts ago wasn't backed up last time, however; has run well on good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(11)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Miss Hathaway

9st 4lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Ran well to finish second of ten at Southwell (6f, Tapeta) 15 days ago; only 1lb higher, but she does have a bit to prove back over 5f for the first time since her debut.

9/1

6th

6

(4)

13th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 3

15:52 Musselburgh

Miss Hathaway

8st 12lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Best form at 6f, including a couple of good-ground wins this term, latest in July; mostly creditable efforts since; perhaps not crying out for this return to 7f but the sharp scenario is a plus.

8/1

8/1

Form: 404804

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Failed to progress for William Haggas and sold for 12,000gns in July; low-key stable debut when down the field at York (7f, good; 40-1) later that month but much more like it when back to 6f and fourth of 12 at Ripon (good to firm) one month ago; very early days for this yard and could build on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(1)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

20:15 Nottingham

Cairdeas

9st 3lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Paul Midgley

Reappeared with a good second at Doncaster (6f, good to soft) last month but he's not easy to predict and was a well-held fifth at Ripon last time; that took his record to 1-16 and others are more convincing.

9/1

5th

8

(9)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Cairdeas

9st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Paul Midgley

Ex William Haggas; no win since his juvenile days, but has twice ran well over this C&D, including when fourth (from 4lb higher) last August; no match for stablemate Novello Lad at Doncaster (6f, good to soft; 25-1) recently but that comeback run ought to have him spot on for this.

11/2

2nd

12

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

18:38 Doncaster

Cairdeas

8st 7lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Paul Midgley

Regressed for William Haggas before sold last summer; the handicapper is easing off so he should be easy enough to place in due course but he's done a lot of his racing over 7f and now returns from an absence; Novello Lad looks his trainer's best shout.

16/1

20/1

Form: 249650 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Three wins over 5f-6f as a juvenile; gelded and it was a respectable first run back when sixth of 18 at York (6f, good) in June; hasn't built on that in two subsequent starts, however, and a visor goes on now; ground query if it stays on the slow side too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(4)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:17 Newmarket (July)

Yes Im Mali

10st 1lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Beat his 17 rivals at Thirsk (6f, good) in April, his second run for David O'Meara, and there have been a couple of good second-place finishes since, including over C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago; a bold show is on the cards.

11/4

2nd

4

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Newmarket (July)

Yes Im Mali

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won at Thirsk (6f, good) in April on second stable start and second of 20 at York (6f, good) in May, before respectable fifth of 14 at Thirsk (6f, good); uncharacteristically below par at York three weeks ago but not written off in view of his previous exploits.

6/1

16/1

Form: 625007 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Three turf wins, the latest when scoring on seasonal return at Thirsk (6f, good; first-time visor) in April; hasn't matched that in ten starts since but he won't mind how the ground's riding and has finally dipped below that last winning mark; returning cheekpieces might also give him a boost; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

(13)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Wreck It Ryley

9st 6lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Alan Brown

The handicapper has been in command since his runaway win at Leicester (6f, good) in April; today's return to sprinting is in his favour but he's likely to be vulnerable at this level.

40/1

9th

10

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 3

13:55 York

Wreck It Ryley

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Alan Brown

Raced exclusively at shorter, gaining most wins over 6f; looks likely to be outstayed and outclassed upped in trip/grade.

66/1

8th

4

(3)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

14:50 Musselburgh

Wreck It Ryley

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Alan Brown

Kept trying when third at Doncaster last time (6f) but was beaten over 3l and he's not looked well handicapped since scoring by 6l in April; he's also only 1-16 over 7f.

10/1

Form: 761454 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Off the mark for this yard when scoring over C&D (good) in July and was beaten less than 1l back here next time; flopped at Hamilton (also 6f, good to firm) 16 days later but bounced back when fourth of 15 at Thirsk (7f, good) earlier this month; acts on soft and widest stall could be a blessing in disguise if slow conditions hold sway.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(2)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

15:40 Catterick

The Good Biscuit

9st 12lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

C&D winner off this mark on soft ground (also won on good to firm) last autumn; his recent efforts have been no more than respectable but he's nicely handicapped back at venue which suits.

6/1

4th

4

(5)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Pontefract

The Good Biscuit

9st 3lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Form at Pontefract features two wins last term and a close second during a consistent spell this spring; however, finished almost 6l behind Rock Opera here last time and has work to do to reverse those placings.

13/2

4th

3

(5)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

The Good Biscuit

9st 8lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Ruth Carr

Below par last time but consistent otherwise of late and may well rebound, especially back at Pontefract; form here features two wins in 2025 and a close second this spring.

6/1

10th
7 (11)
Ocean Treaty

16/1

Form: 030706

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Ex-French; won conditions race last September; best run this term when third in Saint-Cloud handicap (good to soft) in June; market wasn't expecting much but she ran better than the margin when beaten 10l on her yard debut at Sandown (also 7f, soft) a fortnight ago; drop back to 6f could be the right move; watch the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

4

(1)

25th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ocean Treaty

9st 12lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: James Owen

7f winner in France who turned in best effort for the yard when third at Southwell returned to 7f last time, denied room at a crucial stage; interesting runner.

6/1

3rd

3

(6)

7th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Ocean Treaty

9st 10lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

Ex-French, won conditions race last September; has shown little in two runs for current yard but down another 2lb on AW debut and she should find her level at some point; cannot dismiss.

10/1

10th

7

(11)

25th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:38 Pontefract

Ocean Treaty

9st 8lb

J: Sam James

T: James Owen

Ex-French; won conditions race last September; best run this term when third in Saint-Cloud handicap (good to soft) in June; market wasn't expecting much but she ran better than the margin when beaten 10l on her yard debut at Sandown (also 7f, soft) a fortnight ago; drop back to 6f could be the right move; watch the betting.

16/1

11th
4 (1)
Fierce

12/1

Form: 441810 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Can get it wrong at the start but mainly been running well for new yard this season, coming from the rear to win C&D handicap (good) in June and again in Wolverhampton claimer in August; couldn't land a blow in Racing League handicap (also 6f, AW; Havana Rum second, Miss Hathaway third) last time, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(13)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:03 Newcastle (AW)

Fierce

9st 3lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Placed in all three runs this year, racing wide when third of nine at Beverley (5f, good) ten days ago; trainer, who also saddles Tiriac, has won the last two runnings of this race.

7/1

3rd

3

(7)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:00 Beverley

Fierce

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Paul Midgley

Came good twice last summer and he's knocking at the door again, doing his best work late on when second at Carlisle (5f, good) four weeks ago; one of the likelier candidates.

9/2

2nd

6

(7)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Carlisle

Fierce

9st 2lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Paul Midgley

Placed in AW contest on reappearance and has a fighting chance provided he builds on that effort; still well treated on his two wins (handicap/claimer) last summer.

10/1

12/1

Form: 130339 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Three AW wins (6f); 0-10 on turf but two good placed efforts over 7f at Doncaster in July; disappointed last time, however, and now drops back to 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(7)

26th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

11:45 Doncaster

Beale Street

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

Has done all his winning on Newcastle AW; however, finished a good second over C&D most recently and is due to go back up 1lb in future; holds a fighting chance in his attempt to go one better.

9/2

2nd

9

(4)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

16:05 Doncaster

Beale Street

9st 4lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

Five-time AW winner, the latest (May) his first over 7f; still seeking a first turf success but his two best runs on the grass came over C&D last summer; not discounted.

10/1

13th

22

(9)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Beale Street

9st 1lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Bryan Smart

Last of 20 over 6f last May on his only race here, before finishing on the heels of the leaders twice over 7f at Doncaster; 0-11 on turf and not the most consistent but he won at Newcastle on two of his last three AW starts and the latest was over 7f; 6lb lower today and needs a close look.

12/1

Form: 435294 D BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Won soft-ground novice a year ago and kept to 6f subsequently; followed up in AW handicap six weeks later but no wins in eight starts since, despite frequently being prominent in the market; shade underwhelming when fourth at Kempton (AW) in first-time cheekpieces three weeks ago; handicapper looks in charge but maybe potential soft ground will help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(7)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Scarboroughwarning

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Won twice last autumn and latest was over C&D; 0-10 since that last success but she's been placed twice over C&D and didn't get any luck when favourite here (fifth of nine) last Monday; could be a big factor if she gets the breaks this time and she's in the mix off a dangerous mark; blinkers removed.

11/4

4th

1

(7)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Scarboroughwarning

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Won twice last autumn and latest was over C&D; 0-10 since that last success but she's been placed twice over C&D and didn't get any luck when favourite here (fifth of nine) last Monday; could be a big factor if she gets the breaks this time and she's in the mix off a dangerous mark; blinkers removed.

11/4

1

(1)

20th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Scarboroughwarning

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

C&D winner last October; 0-8 this year but there have been some good runs along the way, including over C&D in July; well beaten on turf last time but can do better now dropped into a Class 5 with blinkers tried.

3/1

OUR TIP

Form: 603182 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Won maiden over C&D (soft) last October; made all for easy win at Lingfield (6f) in July and it was a good effort dropped down to 5f when second at Yarmouth (also good to soft) last Tuesday; respected from same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(3)

20th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:33 Pontefract

Loving Apprentice

8st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Ed Dunlop

Won her maiden over C&D a year ago and added a Lingfield handicap this July, by some 5l off 9lb lower; has shown she can deal with this mark and could bounce back from a quiet run now tried in blinkers.

9/1

14th

1

(5)

25th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:38 Pontefract

Loving Apprentice

9st 12lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ed Dunlop

Won maiden over C&D (soft) last October; made all for easy win at Lingfield (6f) in July and it was a good effort dropped down to 5f when second at Yarmouth (also good to soft) last Tuesday; respected from same mark.

6/1

2nd

3

(7)

16th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 42y

Class 4

17:30 Yarmouth

Loving Apprentice

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ed Dunlop

Has run at 6f and 7f, two wins coming over the former trip on soft and good to soft; beaten a long way under a penalty in AW Racing League race in July but she'd come clear from a favourable draw at Lingfield previously; doesn't lack for pace and interesting on first 5f run.

7/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £550.10
Straight Forecast £342.23
Tricast £1078.56
Trifecta £1485.00

Selections

POSTDATA:

Loving Apprentice

SPOTLIGHT:

Havana Rum

Telegraph:

City Captain

TOPSPEED:

Yes I'm Mali

D Express:

Cairdeas

RP RATINGS:

The Good Biscuit

NEWMARKET:

Loving Apprentice

The Times:

Loving Apprentice

The Guardian:

Loving Apprentice

Daily Mirror:

Loving Apprentice

The Star:

City Captain

Daily Mail:

Havana Rum

Daily Record:

Havana Rum