October 20 / 16.33 Pontefract

16.33

Good

Napoleons Casino Bradford Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 1m 2f 5y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
RTV
View Course
Napoleons Casino Bradford Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

1st
14 (5)
Tele Red

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 626522 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
8yo who has been beaten on his last 17 starts going back to October 2023 but he's been runner-up on his last two outings (1m, good/soft), most recently here when beaten a neck; he should be fine now back up to 1m2f and he has a strong record here; could be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(14)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

17:03 Doncaster

Tele Red

10st 1lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

In-form 8yo who recorded a 2l success at Pontefract (1m2f, soft) on Monday, ending two-year losing spell; incurs 4lb penalty but Jack Nicholls takes off useful 5lb; could well remain competitive.

4/1

1st

14

(5)

20th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 4

16:33 Pontefract

Tele Red

9st 1lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

8yo who has been beaten on his last 17 starts going back to October 2023 but he's been runner-up on his last two outings (1m, good/soft), most recently here when beaten a neck; he should be fine now back up to 1m2f and he has a strong record here; could be thereabouts.

9/1

10

(4)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

17:15 Haydock

Tele Red

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

In form and pretty consistent but he's exposed and hasn't won for almost two years; likely to give his running but vulnerable to younger legs.

12/1

33/1

  • Place: £9.90

Form: 4-8560 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
C&D winner who is dropping down the weights and won over hurdles at Cartmel in July; however, two heavy defeats have followed, most recently back on the Flat, and this 7yo needs to turn things around.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

26th Jun 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

16:58 Cartmel

Lightening Company

11st 13lb

J: Mr James Murray

T: Ben Haslam

Has been running on the Flat, winning 1m4f/1m2f handicaps before a respectable effort in a competitive race at York; capable hurdler with winning form here and James Murray takes off a useful 7lb.

6/1

8th

16

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Lightening Company

8st 10lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Form figures of 5075 at this meeting in the last four years; one win a season had previously appeared his quota but he's already exceeded that in 2026, having scored at Pontefract (1m4f/1m2f) on last two outings; that demands some respect but this race is a higher grade.

10/1

1st

2

(2)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 5

16:33 Pontefract

Lightening Company

9st 8lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Ben Haslam

Four-time Flat winner, including C&D, who has been all or nothing since scoring over hurdles at Cartmel in July; three AW no-shows followed good second over C&D (soft; 40-1) in October but market support predicted a going day when scoring here (1m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago; might not want the ground to get too quick but otherwise a key player under 2lb nudge.

5/4

13/2

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 755002 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent this year but has dropped back down the weights and was second of 13 off this mark at Ayr (1m2f, good to soft) last month; won this last year (soft) on sole previous course visit and on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(9)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 4

17:05 Carlisle

Austrian Theory

9st 6lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Not the force of old but, after a couple of modest efforts, his latest fifth of 18 at York (10.5f, good; first-time cheekpieces) was a step back in the right direction; shaped as though this stiffer test might suit on that occasion so interesting to see if the headgear works a second time for in-form yard.

16/1

5th

12

(15)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:18 York

Austrian Theory

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Not the best of strike-rates and not been in top form this year; cheekpieces now tried but has a tricky draw to overcome; well handicapped now.

20/1

7th

8

(1)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:40 Ripon

Austrian Theory

8st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

On a losing run and went backwards from C&D reappearance fifth to Spioradalta when well held at Hamilton a fortnight ago; on a career-low mark but need to see more.

14/1

Form: -07723 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Third in this last year (soft) and arrives at the top of his game, having been a clear second to Whatsgoingonmarvin at Sandown (1m2f, soft) last month and a very close third of 14 at Nottingham (1m2f, good to soft) recently; key player if his preferred slow ground prevails.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

(12)

29th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

20:15 Kempton (AW)

Tipsy Tiger

9st 1lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: William Stone

Placed a couple of times on turf last autumn but no win since September 2024 and still 2lb higher; has run with credit here, but likely he will need this after 252 days off.

12/1

5/1

Form: 213 BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Disappointing favourite in Newcastle novice (1m, AW) last time and needs to settle better now up in trip on handicap debut; however, he looked promising when easily winning Windsor novice (1m, good) earlier last month and retains considerable potential for his top yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(2)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

19:17 Ayr

Livonian

9st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Barry Murtagh

Unexposed after only six runs but has struggled on both starts for new stable this season (1m1f/7f); big leap of faith required to support him.

66/1

14th

4

(9)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

16:42 Wetherby

Livonian

9st 8lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Barry Murtagh

Odds-on 1m winner (good) at Windsor last September when with Ralph Beckett; has gone backwards in all three starts since, latest on debut for new yard; tongue-tie now tried; plenty to prove at present.

25/1

11th

3

(1)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 20y

Class 4

14:42 Ayr

Livonian

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Barry Murtagh

Won once in four for Ralph Beckett, easily at short odds at Windsor (1m, novice; good) last September; underwhelming thereafter at Newcastle (1m) and Ripon (1m2f), and moved on for a knockdown 14,000gns; low mileage but best watched on stable debut (second run in a handicap).

16/1

12/1

Form: 40705-

Last run: 457 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Three-time French winner (including Listed in 2022); mixed form in Britain last May-July and off since; on a reduced mark and a market check is advised but it's a very hefty absence to defy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(8)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Machete

11st 4lb

J: Mr Matt Brown

T: David O’Meara

Not as good as he was in France and last two runs have been well below his best; however, on too good a mark to dismiss and inmates from this yard can return to form from nowhere.

12/1

3rd

3

(6)

1st May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 4

17:53 Newcastle (AW)

Machete

9st 6lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: David O’Meara

Not as good now but remains generally consistent and is back on the mark off which he won here (1m2f) in the winter; needs to bounce back from a lesser effort over C&D when last seen six weeks ago.

6/1

Form: 232006 BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
3yo who enjoyed a solid start to the season and is 3lb lower than when runner-up at Ayr in July; however, three lesser runs have followed and hopes are pinned on the first-time visor prompting a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

11

(4)

20th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 4

16:33 Pontefract

Magellan Cloud

9st 3lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

3yo who enjoyed a solid start to the season and is 3lb lower than when runner-up at Ayr in July; however, three lesser runs have followed and hopes are pinned on the first-time visor prompting a revival.

14/1

5

(6)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 2f 1y

Class 4

16:03 Redcar

Magellan Cloud

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Won a course novice (7f, soft; only success) last November; made the first three in handicaps (1m-1m2f) on first five starts this term; down the field in a competitive race at Glorious Goodwood then finished last despite attracting good support at Haydock (1m, good) 18 days ago; question to answer after that.

5/1

7

(3)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

17:15 Haydock

Magellan Cloud

9st 5lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Made the first three in handicaps (1m-1m2f) on his first five starts this season before finishing down the field in a competitive race at Glorious Goodwood (wore cheekpieces; left off today); back in calmer waters here and no surprise if he returns to form.

15/2

Form: 34104- D

Last run: 433 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Ex-German 6yo who is an eight-time winner; market check advised on stable debut but it comes after a long absence and he may be best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(4)

15th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

13:42 Newcastle (AW)

Bavaria Iron

9st 9lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

Hasn't taken long to drop 21lb in the weights; hardly solid but he was a multiple winner in Europe in his youth and he needs a market check dipping his toe into 0-55 waters.

25/1

11th

1

(8)

24th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

16:05 Newcastle (AW)

Bavaria Iron

9st 9lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

Multiple winner at up to 1m2f in Europe; barely beaten a rival in four runs for new yard after a 433-day absence; drops into a 0-60 but with plenty to prove.

33/1

8th

9

(1)

20th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 4

16:33 Pontefract

Bavaria Iron

9st 5lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Ivan Furtado

Ex-German 6yo who is an eight-time winner; market check advised on stable debut but it comes after a long absence and he may be best watched.

33/1

20/1

Form: 626224 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Placed on four occasions at Ayr this year (1m2f/1m, good to firm-soft) and heavy ground may not have been ideal there 11 days ago; however, he's failed to shine on his two visits here and is on a long losing sequence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(5)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Ayr

Pol Roger

9st 12lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Yet to add to his two C&D wins in spring 2024 but got back in the groove with two placed runs last month, the latter in Class 4 C&D contest; ought to pose a potent threat at this lower level.

7/2

3rd

8

(8)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

19:17 Ayr

Pol Roger

8st 13lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Yet to add to his two C&D wins in spring 2024 but got back in the groove with a close second at Pontefract (1m2f, good) this month, his second run this season, and remains well handicapped on some of last year's placed form; a possible.

6/1

2nd

2

(6)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 5

16:48 Pontefract

Pol Roger

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

On a handy mark and may be back in better form with Thirsk reappearance under his belt; however, he's on two-year losing spell and record suggests he'll be more interesting when returned to Ayr.

9/1

Form: -08940 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Three wins last June-September and well handicapped on that form but he's had a patchy campaign this term and was tailed off 12 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

(8)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

15:23 Chester

Due To Henry

8st 5lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Last won at Newbury (1m2f, soft) in September 2024; patchy form in nine subsequent starts includes a fifth of seven at Windsor (11.5f, good) last month; others hold stronger claims.

10/1

5th

5

(3)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 4

19:40 Windsor

Due To Henry

9st 2lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Acts on good to firm and soft; all three wins have been on turf and he returned to form after a break with a near-miss at Haydock (10.4f) last month; up 3lb but he pulled clear of the third last time and is a big player if he can back that up.

4/1

2nd

9

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 100y

Class 4

15:10 Haydock

Due To Henry

8st 13lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Eve Johnson Houghton

Three wins, two on soft ground, as a 3yo and he is now 9lb lower than for the latest; generally struggled last year though, before and after wind surgery, and he has too much to prove for comfort.

25/1

Form: 112331 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won in July on first two handicap starts (1m5f/1m6f, good to soft/good) and continued in good form prior to returning to winning ways at Sandown (soft) last month on his first crack at 1m2f; this 3yo could have more to offer at today's trip and is firmly in calculations up 7lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(7)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

14:55 Ascot

Whatsgoingonmarvin

9st 2lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Mickey Bowen

A useful 1m5f Flat winner for Sir Mark Prescott last year; only fair form at best in four hurdle outings for this yard since, including when well-held sixth on Stratford handicap debut in that sphere four weeks ago; returns to the Flat with something to prove; first-time cheekpieces go on.

40/1

6th

9

28th Mar 2026

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 4

17:08 Stratford

Whatsgoingonmarvin

10st 11lb

J: Shane Fenelon

T: Mickey Bowen

A useful 1m5f Flat winner for Sir Mark Prescott; changed hands for 115,000gns and shaped well when runner-up in 2m Catterick juvenile hurdle in January; faced a stiff task in Haydock's Victor Ludorum last time and remains with potential now handicapping.

9/2

6th

7

14th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

12:55 Haydock

Whatsgoingonmarvin

11st 0lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

A fairly useful and three-time Flat scorer (at up to 1m6f) for Sir Mark Prescott in 2025; beat only one on his hurdling debut at Kempton but vastly improved when a clear second of nine in 2m Catterick juvenile 15 days ago; open to further progress but this demands plenty more.

25/1

12th
2 (7)
Crack Shot

7/1

Form: 054432

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Third in first-time visor (retained since) at Chester (1m2f, good to soft) last month and runner-up at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) since; solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

(7)

20th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 4

16:33 Pontefract

Crack Shot

9st 13lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: James Owen

Third in first-time visor (retained since) at Chester (1m2f, good to soft) last month and runner-up at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) since; solid claims.

7/1

5

(2)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

15:55 Newcastle (AW)

Crack Shot

9st 8lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: James Owen

All three wins at 1m and the latest was in May of last year; however, competitive in 1m/1m2f handicaps for current yard and unlucky not to be closer than 2l at Chester last time.

4/1

3rd

8

(11)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Crack Shot

9st 3lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: James Owen

His last win was 16 months ago but that was off 3lb higher at Newmarket (1m, good); held in fourth of ten on stable debut at Chelmsford (7-2) last month but he had to use up some energy to get a prominent position from a wide draw; looks worth another try at this trip and he's not ruled out on second run for James Owen; visor added.

7/1

Non-runners

Roarin Success, Spirit Lead Me

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £269.10
Straight Forecast £209.53
Tricast £544.65
Trifecta £961.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Whatsgoingonmarvin

Telegraph:

Livonian

Daily Mail:

Austrian Theory

The Guardian:

Spirit Lead Me

POSTDATA:

Crack Shot

TOPSPEED:

Pol Roger

Daily Mirror:

Tele Red

The Star:

Livonian

RP RATINGS:

Whatsgoingonmarvin

NEWMARKET:

Whatsgoingonmarvin

The Times:

Whatsgoingonmarvin

D Express:

Whatsgoingonmarvin

Daily Record:

Whatsgoingonmarvin

The Sun:

Austrian Theory