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

5th

6

(6)

17th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

19:07 Pontefract

Reigning Profit

9st 1lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Gained a first win of 2026 in 5f handicap at Ripon 11 days ago; usual visor goes back on now and this four-time C&D scorer is not out of things under a 4lb penalty.

7/1

1st

3

(2)

6th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:40 Ripon

Reigning Profit

9st 11lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Ruth Carr

Markedly more exposed than Goyard but is similar in one respect, being 2-2 at Ripon; recent form is respectable enough to put him in calculations off a workable mark back at this course.

11/2

6th

7

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 3

19:30 Hamilton

Reigning Profit

9st 6lb

J: Sam James

T: Ruth Carr

Bounced back from below-par run at York with close fourth at Pontefract (5f, good) on Sunday, and his best run this season came when close second of 13 over this C&D (good) last month; not ruled out back here.

8/1

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

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

1st

5

(4)

22nd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 3

19:17 Windsor

Dream Composer

9st 9lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

In good form for his new yard, faring best of those drawn low in the Epsom Dash last time back in the trademark cheekpieces; bit unlucky at Goodwood on his previous start too and remains on a fair mark; one to consider.

6/1

7th

17

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Dream Composer

8st 11lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Carroll

Trained by James Evans when winning this race in 2024 off a 5lb higher mark (good to soft); well beaten in it last year but he arrives in good form for his new stable, winning at Ripon in April and not enjoying the cleanest run when fourth at Goodwood 15 days ago; rain won't hurt his chance and he's of obvious interest.

12/1

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

2nd

3

(10)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 4

14:35 Pontefract

Lethal Nymph

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Paul Midgley

Perhaps best over 5f nowadays and couldn't quite last home in big field over 6f at York last weekend (still ran respectably); gained last turf success off current mark; possibilities.

3/1

5th

15

(4)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Lethal Nymph

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Only eighth over C&D last time when quite well fancied but there's nothing wrong with his previous fourth here at the Dante meeting; now below his last winning mark and may well get back on track.

14/1

8th

15

(6)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Lethal Nymph

8st 11lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Paul Midgley

Runner-up in this race in 2024, and he warmed up nicely for another bid with a good fourth in a big field over C&D at the Dante meeting; should be in the thick of things once more.

12/1

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

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

1st

12

(5)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

16:40 Ascot

Azure Zain

9st 2lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Yet to win a handicap and he finished down the field on his seasonal return at Southwell in February; down in the weights but he has more to prove than many of these.

16/1

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

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

7th

6

(1)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Changeofmind

9st 4lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Left disappointing seasonal debut behind when scoring at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) last month; not discredited in big field at Thirsk soon afterwards and has the inside draw here but others look better handicapped.

10/1

8th

5

(9)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Changeofmind

9st 5lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Declan Carroll

Up in grade after winning a Class 5 at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) but had dropped to a tempting mark; wouldn't count the 6lb rise against him.

9/1

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

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

4th

6

(1)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Phoenix Of Dreams

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

Promising third when back up to 7f at Southwell last month then won over this C&D, beating Concert Boy (due to run in the 5:00) by a short head; unexposed at the trip and respected up just 2lb.

5/1

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

5th

1

(6)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 6y

Class 5

16:02 Hamilton

Stirrup Cup

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

All three wins have been over 6f on soft ground, the latest an apprentice handicap at Carlisle last week when coming from well off the pace (Pop Star fourth); unpenalised; any rain a bonus.

9/2

1st

3

(9)

8th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 182y

Class 5

14:15 Carlisle

Stirrup Cup

9st 12lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Shaped well and looked rather unlucky in two races at Thirsk in April; two attempts over this C&D (soft) comprise a second-place finish and success; likely player if bouncing back from below-par effort last time.

7/2

9th

12

(2)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Stirrup Cup

8st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Soft-ground C&D winner last autumn who's twice been unlucky in big-field Thirsk handicaps switched to cheekpieces this spring; better off with Juan Les Pins than on his comeback and enters calculations.

7/1

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

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

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

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

3rd

3

(6)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

19:22 Pontefract

Kings Crown

9st 7lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Two AW wins this winter; never in the hunt at Wetherby last month on his return to turf but he is effective over C&D and seems to handle any ground; not ruled out.

8/1

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

5th

7

(2)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Cargin Bhui

9st 3lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: David & Nicola Barron

Hold-up performer who was successful over 6f at Wolverhampton and Southwell last month; proved himself at 7f when his strong finish only just failed to reel in the thriving Goldmoyne (won three times since) back at Southwell last time; it's likely he's still on a good mark.

3/1

2nd

1

(4)

28th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

16:21 Southwell (AW)

Cargin Bhui

10st 1lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: David & Nicola Barron

Competitive coming from off the pace over 6f on all five starts this year, winning in clearcut style at Wolverhampton and Southwell on last two occasions; he's now getting close to his career-best form, with more to prove on this third attempt (first on AW) at 7f but he's been finishing well.

2/1

+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