October 20 / 17.08 Pontefract

17.08

Good

William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 0m 5f 3y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
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William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

Form: 071587 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Below par on last three starts, most recently over 6f here on soft ground; however, his form-figures over this C&D read 11211 (wins on good to soft-good to firm) and he could bounce back with a big run back at 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(8)

1st Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:40 Ripon

Reigning Profit

9st 12lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Maintained unbeaten Ripon record (3-3; all 5f) when seeing off Rock Of England and Mark's Choice in early July; ran respectably in Class 2 at Goodwood (5f) before toiling at Pontefract; fairly treated but effectiveness over 6f is questionable.

16/1

8th

8

(7)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

17:45 Pontefract

Reigning Profit

8st 9lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Soundly beaten over C&D (good to firm) two runs ago but prior to that he won at Ripon (5f, good), and he posted a respectable effort at Glorious Goodwood (5f, good) last time; he's won here four times; not ruled out.

16/1

11th

24

(11)

28th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Reigning Profit

8st 3lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ruth Carr

Exposed ten-time winner who was down the field in this 12 months ago when 1lb higher; won at Ripon this month (no headgear) before finishing fifth of seven 11 days ago at Pontefract (visored); a long time since he wore blinkers.

50/1

OUR TIP

Form: 067078 CD

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Won over C&D (good to firm) last August and twice went close over C&D earlier this year (good); versatile ground-wise; he's gone off the boil more recently but perhaps the first-time blinkers (replacing cheekpieces) and the return to this track will prompt a revival; on a reduced mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(6)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:55 Goodwood

Dream Composer

9st 1lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

Dual course winner who isn't too fussy about the ground; had a quiet spell for last trainer but has taken advantage of a handy mark for new yard this year, winning twice over 5f, and he looked to be still in form at Windsor (6f) 19 days ago; shouldn't be far away.

8/1

4th

13

(7)

10th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Dream Composer

8st 11lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Tony Carroll

Multiple wins include two over 5f for new yard this year, the first under Myla Coppins and the second on this track; did win once over 6f back in 2022 but it's a long time since he played a part over this trip.

16/1

5th

2

(7)

1st Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

18:22 Epsom

Dream Composer

10st 4lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

Hit the ground running for this yard, his Ripon win in April backed up by arguably unlucky fourth at Goodwood the following month; not beaten far in the Dash here next time and led on the line at Windsor (again 5f, good to firm) last Monday; 4lb penalty to overcome and his best has come at 5f, but he's still considered.

7/2

Form: 320017 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Runner-up over C&D (good) in April and won at Doncaster (5f, soft) last month after a break; not ruled out but inconsistent this year and down the field at Haydock (5f, good to soft) last time; has to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(6)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Lethal Nymph

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

His three wins for this yard include a soft-ground success at Doncaster just under a year ago; went close at Pontefract in June and the door opened again when getting up late at Newcastle (again 5f, AW) last Thursday; hasn't won off a mark this high since 2022 but it's not hard to see him going well on his first visit to Beverley.

13/2

1st

4

(11)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

20:24 Newcastle (AW)

Lethal Nymph

9st 13lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

C&D win off 1lb higher last November; retains all his ability as a 7yo and he is a major player back on Tapeta.

7/1

8th

2

(6)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Lethal Nymph

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Paul Midgley

Probably best at 5f and went down by only a head at Pontefract five weeks ago; had previously shaped well when fifth in a big field on this course; trainer has won this race three times in the last eight seasons and Johnny Burke looks a positive jockey booking.

11/2

Form: 104003

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Won 6f AW novice in June and, after an underwhelming start to his handicap career, was back on song when third of 13 at Ayr (6f, soft) three weeks ago; showed pace last time and the drop back to 5f could bear fruit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(10)

27th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Azure Zain

10st 0lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Doubled his tally at Ascot (6f) in May but has twice failed to back it up, only sixth of nine in 6f Ayr handicap last month; has a bit to prove now.

9/1

6th

5

(4)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Ayr

Azure Zain

9st 1lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Ran well over C&D last September; beat 17 rivals when landing a Class 4 handicap at Ascot (6f, good to firm) in May but he was unable to build on it at Pontefract last month; perhaps vulnerable once more.

13/2

6th

5

(3)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Pontefract

Azure Zain

9st 2lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Prevailed narrowly in big field at Ascot (6f, good to firm) on return from break, opening his turf account; rested a further six weeks since, keeping him fresh; one of two last-time winners for his yard in this field; shortlisted.

5/1

Form: 867939 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
He continues to edge down the weights and there have been a couple of bright points this year, including when third at Beverley (5f, soft) last month; however, well beaten at Hamilton (5f, soft) since and this 5yo is now 0-15 since winning his first two starts in 2022 and 2023.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(5)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

20:24 Newcastle (AW)

Changeofmind

9st 13lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Ended a losing run at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) in May; not so good since and others are more persuasive ahead of his AW debut.

16/1

6th

5

(6)

10th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 110y

Class 4

19:35 Chester

Changeofmind

9st 4lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Back to winning ways with his Class 5 win at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) in May; respectable efforts twice since but he would be more appealing on slower ground.

14/1

Form: 30-486

Last run: 45 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who reappeared with a promising fourth at Ayr (6f, good to soft) in July but hasn't built on that in two subsequent outings (6f/5f, soft/good); the hood adopted last time is left off today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(11)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 5

20:00 Ayr

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 12lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: John & Sean Quinn

7f winner on Newcastle AW in March; back on turf for the first time since last October but he's 8lb lower today and he does act on grass; however, jockey bookings suggest Highfield Viking is the stable preferred.

14/1

3rd

3

(4)

28th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:42 Southwell (AW)

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: John & Sean Quinn

Wins have been over 6f on turf and 7f on the AW (Newcastle); has been running well for a while and latest effort back at Newcastle was better than it looks.

5/1

7th

10

(10)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Record of 2-20 but his last win was over C&D last month and he was only beaten 2l behind Anthropologist here last time; remains feasibly treated on his best form and he has possibilities.

9/1

Form: 801225 D BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Won on stable debut at Haydock (5f, good) last month and went close on his next two starts (5f, soft); had to wait for a clear run when close fifth of ten at Musselburgh (5f, good) last Monday and he's firmly in calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(6)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

8st 6lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Jim Goldie

He did well after joining this yard last year and he's on a handy mark; he should get back on track sooner or later but this 10yo has failed to shine on his last three outings, over C&D on last two starts.

25/1

9th

15

(5)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

18:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

9st 0lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Jim Goldie

Veteran whose form has dipped in last two outings, latest over C&D eight days ago; doesn't look as if he's about to improve his poor strike-rate (long time between drinks).

20/1

8th

8

(11)

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

16:45 Musselburgh

Arnhem

8st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Jim Goldie

Good turf spell in the autumn included a winning yard debut at Haydock (good) and a close second over C&D (soft); has run well on AW since but looks to have his share of weight; trainer runs five and won this in 2024.

14/1

Form: 982484 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Won nursery here last October (6f, soft) on sole previous course visit and he's run some good races in defeat for his new yard this season, including on good ground and when fourth of 13 at Ayr three weeks ago (6f, soft; showed pace); each-way contender now back down in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(5)

8th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

21:00 Pontefract

Veydari

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Best form on soft ground, his only win coming over C&D in October 2024; makes her seasonal debut and would be interesting if the ground eases.

15/2

8

(5)

20th Oct 2025

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

17:08 Pontefract

Veydari

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Won nursery here last October (6f, soft) on sole previous course visit and he's run some good races in defeat for his new yard this season, including on good ground and when fourth of 13 at Ayr three weeks ago (6f, soft; showed pace); each-way contender now back down in trip.

8/1

Form: 779712 BF

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
3yo who capitalised on a reduced mark at Hamilton (6f, soft) last month and followed up there (5f, soft) seven days later; also effective elsewhere and could play another leading role if the ground is in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(1)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:15 Hamilton

Stirrup Cup

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Resumed winning ways at Carlisle (6f) and not seen to ideal effect with fifth of eight over C&D later in June; this C&D scorer can't be discounted in refitted cheekpieces after a break.

12/1

Form: 454993 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Won here (6f, good) in July and returned to form when third at Leicester (6f, good to soft) a fortnight ago; his chance shouldn't be dismissed today but he doesn't appear to be crying out for this first crack at 5f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(4)

16th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

18:45 Pontefract

The Good Biscuit

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Won at Catterick (6f, good to firm) last month and beat three rivals to follow up over this C&D (good to firm); not written off after just one lesser run but he was only sixth of eight behind Alfa Whiteburd over C&D (good to firm) 11 days ago and has to bounce back.

9/1

6th

1

(1)

5th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Pontefract

The Good Biscuit

9st 12lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Goes well here and arrives seeking a hat-trick after wins at Catterick and over C&D (readily latest; both good to firm); carries penalty but on last week's evidence that may still not stop him.

7/2

1st

4

(1)

26th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:30 Pontefract

The Good Biscuit

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Ruth Carr

Back to winning ways with a hard-fought success at Catterick (6f, good to firm) 11 days ago; goes well at Pontefract and he is a major player despite a small rise in the weights.

9/4

Form: 172073 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Four wins this year, the latest in July; inconsistent more recently but ran well when third at Newcastle (5f, AW) 11 days ago; capable of having a say if the removal of his usual cheekpieces isn't an issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(1)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

20:00 Hamilton

Kings Crown

9st 5lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Dods

Has a better strike-rate on the AW (4-26) than on turf (3-39); 4lb below his last winning mark, but has to put a modest effort at Ayr (5f, good to firm) last month behind him.

14/1

10th

1

(10)

13th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:30 Ayr

Kings Crown

10st 0lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Now 3lb lower than when winning on AW at Newcastle (5f) in January; fair form on turf last twice, latest when 2l fourth at Thirsk (5f, good); has won on fast ground; each-way chance.

6/1

4th

3

(8)

16th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:42 Thirsk

Kings Crown

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

C&D winner who got back on track with third of ten in 5f Pontefract handicap 25 days ago; in the mix again.

7/1

Form: 783379 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Ran well when third over 6f on two consecutive starts in August but he's been down the field on his last two outings (6f) and it remains to be seen whether the drop back to 5f will be a positive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(3)

12th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

18:15 Musselburgh

Cargin Bhui

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: David & Nicola Barron

In good form on the AW this year including two wins over 6f; 0-12 on turf, but has gone close on a couple of occasions and should have no problem with this sharp 7f; player.

4/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £51.80
Straight Forecast £40.34
Tricast £460.38
Trifecta £858.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Arnhem

RP RATINGS:

Stirrup Cup

POSTDATA:

King's Crown

Telegraph:

Azure Zain

The Times:

Veydari

TOPSPEED:

Cargin Bhui

Daily Mail:

Lethal Nymph

The Star:

Stirrup Cup

Daily Record:

King's Crown

THE NORTH:

Arnhem

The Guardian:

Arnhem

D Express:

Arnhem

Daily Mirror:

Arnhem

The Sun:

Arnhem