April 07 / 15.57 Pontefract

15.57

Good To Soft

Ponte Premiership New For 2026 Handicap

  • Prize money: £14431.2
  • 0m 5f 3y
  • Class 2
  • 13 runners
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Ponte Premiership New For 2026 Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.50
  • Place: £2.40

Form: 126-13 D BF

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Low-mileage 4yo who was a turf scorer in Ireland; couple of good performances on AW for shrewd new connections, justifying favouritism at Chelmsford (5f) then third at Wolverhampton (6f; winner franked the form on Good Friday); remains open to further progress, provided he takes to added cheekpieces; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

14

(20)

6th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Arklow Lad

8st 13lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

2-4 since joining Mick Appleby, notably a Class 2 handicap win at Pontefract (5f, good to soft; cheekpieces first time) in April; solid run at York three weeks ago and one for whom rain would be no concern.

10/1

5th

15

(14)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:20 York

Arklow Lad

8st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

Lightly raced 4yo who won on stable debut at Chelmsford (5f, AW) in February before good third at Wolverhampton (6f, AW), and he was back on the scoresheet in first-time cheekpieces (retained) at Pontefract (5f, good to soft) last month; could continue to progress for his new connections; chance.

11/1

25/1

  • Place: £6.30

Form: 44136- C

Last run: 98 days

W: 8st 4lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Successful on AW in most recent 5f attempt and is far less exposed at this trip than 6f; however, he's rather in the deep end at this level returned to turf; yet to win above Class 4.
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

20/1

  • Place: £3.70

Form: 60700- D

Last run: 199 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Losing spell goes back to his Palace House success two years ago; inconsistent last term for new yard and was well behind new stablemate Purosangue in the Ayr Gold Cup on final outing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

(3)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

19:28 Newcastle (AW)

Seven Questions

9st 3lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Robert Cowell

Capitalised on his drop in the weights when coming from off the pace to win at Goodwood (5f, good) last month; disappointed back at Goodwood (6f, soft) 19 days ago; stable has stronger claims elsewhere.

10/1

7th

2

(8)

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

13:50 Goodwood

Seven Questions

9st 9lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Robert Cowell

Ended a two-year barren spell when getting up late in a 5f handicap here 16 days; 3lb higher mark to deal with but he has a Group 3 win on his record and conditions won't faze him; respected.

5/2

1st

5

(3)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

17:27 Goodwood

Seven Questions

9st 7lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Robert Cowell

Acts on any ground; on a losing spell that goes back to Group 3 success two years ago but is on a very attractive mark and his Class 2 form this term includes a couple of respectable efforts; this combination of a drop in grade and assistance of Jamie Spencer (up for first time; regular jockey for the owner) may be the time to catch him.

7/2

6/1

Form: 06640- D

Last run: 185 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Capable of useful form for Andrew Balding; close fourth when favourite for last year's Ayr Gold Cup; hasn't won since 2023 but looks interesting off current mark in this field on debut for new yard; remains with same owner; drops back to 5f for first time since good second (joint-best effort) in Sandown Group 3 in July 2024.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(5)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

19:28 Newcastle (AW)

Purosangue

9st 10lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Robert Cowell

He hasn't won since a Listed success at York (6f, soft) in October 2023; in the meantime he has often attracted support, favourite in the 2024 Stewards' Cup and last season's Ayr Gold Cup; two perfectly creditable efforts for Robert Cowell this year and he showed promise in one Tapeta run last spring; not discounted for a trainer who runs four.

6/1

4th

4

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Purosangue

9st 4lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Made late headway from the rear over 5f at Pontefract on stable/seasonal debut; interesting back up in trip, despite still being on a long losing spell; remains attractively treated on plenty of form.

8/1

4th

3

(8)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

15:57 Pontefract

Purosangue

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Robert Cowell

Capable of useful form for Andrew Balding; close fourth when favourite for last year's Ayr Gold Cup; hasn't won since 2023 but looks interesting off current mark in this field on debut for new yard; remains with same owner; drops back to 5f for first time since good second (joint-best effort) in Sandown Group 3 in July 2024.

6/1

8/1

Form: 2644-5 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Listed winner for his previous yards; ran respectably in 5f AW handicap at Southwell on stable/seasonal debut; capable of being involved, albeit has an inferior strike-rate on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(4)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 3

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Kylian

9st 9lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Robert Cowell

His form has taken a downturn but he's dropped down the weights and there was some promise in his eighth of 14 at Newcastle (5f, Tapeta) last week in reapplied blinkers (retained), when not beaten far despite being denied a clear run; drops in grade here and could have a part to play.

11/4

8th

4

(2)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

19:28 Newcastle (AW)

Kylian

9st 9lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Robert Cowell

Six AW runs have yielded four wins, a second and a close fifth (stable debut after a six-month break and off a 7lb higher mark than today's); has blown hot and cold on turf since April but the blinkers worn for his last four wins now return (has raced exclusively in cheekpieces since joining Robert Cowell) and he should make a bold bid to maintain an unbeaten C&D record.

16/1

15th

4

(2)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 3y

Class 2

17:55 Epsom

Kylian

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Robert Cowell

Form has dipped in last two starts, taking record for current yard to 0-5; doesn't look as if he's about to prevail in this warm affair.

18/1

14/1

Form: 1383-2 D BF

Last run: 84 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Respectable second over C&D in most recent turf attempt and on AW when last seen, both Class 4; no certainty to go one better, having failed to score in this higher grade since 2022.
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

6/1

Form: 675-18 CD BF

Last run: 46 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Return to 6f backfired last time when bidding to take his AW record to 3-3; only 2-18 on turf but enters calculations in this assignment, having gained one of the wins off 3lb higher over C&D (good).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(1)

17th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

19:07 Pontefract

Vantheman

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Took this prize in 2024; back in fine form of late since fitted with blinkers, scoring at Hamilton (5f) in May and in the frame in big-field 5f handicaps at Thirsk and Newcastle since; ought to be thereabouts.

5/1

4th

12

(12)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

19:28 Newcastle (AW)

Vantheman

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Prominent racer; two wins this season, one of them C&D (2-2 here); back near his best when a close third of 17 at Thirsk last month but this is a stronger race.

10/1

3rd

1

(13)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:45 Thirsk

Vantheman

9st 12lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

None too consistent but he surged back to form with a win at Hamilton (5f, good; made all) two weeks ago; that was only his second go in blinkers and he's again of interest off 4lb higher.

8/1

Form: 878-57 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Beaten only 2l, despite traffic issues, in both AW runs this year; record of 4-6 over C&D features two wins in the month of April; 4lb out of the weights back up in grade but Tom Kiely-Marshall takes off a handy 5lb; clear possibilities back here.
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

20/1

Form: 6114-0 CD

Last run: 60 days

W: 9st 2lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
In great form on soft ground last autumn but was punished by the assessor for a Listed effort that possibly flatters her; never figured in AW event two months ago; current mark seems difficult.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(6)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:02 Beverley

Elegant Erin

10st 0lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Paul Midgley

Five wins and a second from nine attempts over C&D; ended 2025 in flying form and returned off a brutal mark as a consequence; handicapper relenting now and her third at Nottingham 13 days ago was a step back in the right direction; this should be run to suit and she's a strong contender.

5/1

3rd

1

(2)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 4

19:45 Nottingham

Elegant Erin

10st 4lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Paul Midgley

Eight-time turf winner including on fast and soft ground; ended last season with a good fourth in a Listed race at Ascot (5f) but she's been out of sorts in her four runs this year; on dangerous mark but she needs to get back on track.

10/1

6th

3

(5)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

14:30 Doncaster

Elegant Erin

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Acts on good to firm and soft; ten-time winner but her last four turf wins have been at Beverley and she's been out of sorts in three runs this year; has something to prove and she needs a big turnaround.

12/1

Form: 80515- C

Last run: 119 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Ended his 2025 campaign with a success and creditable effort over 5f at Newcastle (AW); remains unexposed at this distance; sole attempt at Pontefract resulted in a reappearance win (6f, good) last April; respected back here on seasonal debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(1)

7th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:18 Pontefract

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Bounced back from some lesser efforts when making all and scoring comfortably from a subsequent winner at Ripon (6f, good) 19 days ago; the visor may have helped and although similar tactics may not be so easy in this field, he doesn't have to lead; much respected from 6lb higher.

11/8

1st

4

(7)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:25 Ripon

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 2lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Won three times last year (5f/6f, good/good to firm/AW), the third when wearing cheekpieces for the first time; disappointing this season, last time unseating his rider at the start in first-time visor which is retained.

9/1

4

(12)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Dark Cloud Rising

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Had a solid 2025, winning three times (5f/6f), but hasn't finished in the first eight this year; dropping in the weights but needs to turn a corner; perhaps a change of headgear will help.

25/1

8/1

Form: 53-711 D

Last run: 45 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Had a long spell in Hong Kong; gradually back in business since returning to Britain and gained 5f AW wins the last twice; still attractively treated, considering he was a dual Group scorer on turf as a 2yo.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 15y

Class 3

16:00 Chester

Atomic Force

10st 2lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Edward Bethell

Won twice on AW in early part of this year and kept on well from the rear for creditable third in quite valuable C&D (good) contest last month; also suited by good to soft ground and has the early speed to race much closer to the pace from his favourable draw if that's the plan.

11/2

3rd

4

(6)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Atomic Force

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Edward Bethell

Successful in last two AW attempts but wasn't in anything like the same form returned to turf last time (effective in this sphere in the past); remains on career-high mark and can be opposed kept to grass.

16/1

11th

4

(12)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

15:57 Pontefract

Atomic Force

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Edward Bethell

Had a long spell in Hong Kong; gradually back in business since returning to Britain and gained 5f AW wins the last twice; still attractively treated, considering he was a dual Group scorer on turf as a 2yo.

8/1

Form: 22920-

Last run: 164 days

W: 8st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
One of the oldest contenders in this field and has done his winning over 6f/7f, mostly on ground softer than good; could well be tapped for toe in this belated first attempt at the minimum trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

10

(7)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:50 York

Wobwobwob

9st 7lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Losing run stretches back over two years; best effort this year when fifth of eight over 7f at Goodwood (soft) on Sunday, but he'll need more if he's to exploit his reduced mark.

20/1

5th

5

(7)

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Goodwood

Wobwobwob

9st 2lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Losing run stretches back over two years and neither start this year suggests he is ready to exploit his lowly mark; the prospect of slow ground does pique interest though.

14/1

9th

6

(1)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Wobwobwob

9st 5lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

Six-time winner, notably the 2023 Ayr Silver Cup, but two years have passed since the last victory; retained ability in a mixed 2025 campaign and he should be sharper with a run under his belt; drying ground won't be in his favour here though.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 61-788 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Not solid on form shown in UAE and Britain this year but is very useful on his day, being a turf Listed and AW Group 3 scorer last term, as well as close second in the Epsom "Dash".
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(8)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Goodwood

Spartan Arrow

9st 5lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Enjoyed an excellent 2025 when a four-time scorer, including in 5f Group 3 at Dundalk in October; yet to fire this term and failed to beat a rival in 5f Pontefract handicap last month; tried in a change of headgear here.

10/1

13th

2

(1)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 2

15:57 Pontefract

Spartan Arrow

9st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Not solid on form shown in UAE and Britain this year but is very useful on his day, being a turf Listed and AW Group 3 scorer last term, as well as close second in the Epsom "Dash".

9/1

8th

2

(11)

21st Mar 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 2

16:38 Southwell (AW)

Spartan Arrow

9st 7lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

Four wins in 2025, notably a Group 3 at Dundalk in October; struggled in two runs in the Middle East this year and he is 4lb higher than when second in last summer's Dash at Epsom, his most recent run in a handicap.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £162.90
Straight Forecast £195.32
Tricast £1772.94
Trifecta £5312.60

Selections

The Times:

Arklow Lad

SPOTLIGHT:

Purosangue

POSTDATA:

Atomic Force

RP RATINGS:

Dark Cloud Rising

D Express:

Seven Questions

Telegraph:

Arklow Lad

The Guardian:

Arklow Lad

Daily Mail:

Arklow Lad

The Sun:

Arklow Lad

Daily Record:

Arklow Lad

TOPSPEED:

Purosangue

The Star:

Purosangue

Daily Mirror:

Atomic Force