21:00 Pontefract – Don’t Stop Me Now Handicap (Class 5, 6f, 3yo+, 0–70)

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Going: Good | Runners: 8
Pace Forecast: Strong
Draw Bias: No significant bias over this distance at current field size


Pace and Draw Angles:

This race is expected to be run at a strong gallop, with multiple pace-forcers including Golden Duke, The Good Biscuit, and Flowstate ensuring a thorough test. That setup should suit horses who can settle off the pace and come through late – notably Carlton and Co and One of Our Own, who are both well drawn to stalk the pace.


Strongest Contenders, Dangers & Interesting Outsiders:

Strongest Contenders:

  • ONE OF OUR OWN (Proven): Course-and-distance winner who landed a solid heat last time from Golden Duke. Well drawn, settles well, and finishes strongly – that’s ideal in a pace-heavy setup. Clearly thriving and looks capable of repeating.
  • CARLTON AND CO (Well-handicapped): Running better than form suggests in races not run to suit. Now gets a hot pace to chase, and her prominent run style with stalking ability is ideal. Dropping to 6f could unlock more.

Main Danger:

  • GOLDEN DUKE (Proven): Narrowly denied by One of Our Own last time but that was off a slow gallop. This stronger tempo may suit him less unless he can hold a better position early.
  • THE GOOD BISCUIT (Exposed but Competitive): Shapes well repeatedly without winning. Missed out late at Thirsk in a messy contest. Could get involved but tends to burn energy early.

Interesting Outsiders:

  • PROFITEER (Course Specialist): Reliable and effective at the track. Likely to be doing best work late and may sneak into minor money if they go hard enough up front.
  • FLETCHERS DREAM (Rebound Candidate): Blew out last time after a big win. Ground/trip okay, but needs a soft lead which he won’t get here.

Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:

  • One of Our Own: 8/10 – Ideal race shape, thriving form, C&D winner.
  • Carlton and Co: 8/10 – Dropping in trip looks ideal; well drawn and ready to strike.
  • Golden Duke: 7/10 – Game and consistent but less favoured by stronger pace.
  • The Good Biscuit: 6/10 – Regularly involved, but habitually finds one or two too good.
  • Profiteer: 6/10 – Honest course performer, chance for place only.
  • Flowstate: 5/10 – No excuses recently, but could plug on if others fade.
  • Fletchers Dream: 5/10 – Needs an easy lead which isn’t forthcoming today.
  • Golden Rainbow: 3/10 – Recent form uninspiring, hard to fancy.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.


Each-Way Angles:

Yes – 8 runners.
Each-Way Picks:

  • Carlton and Co – well drawn, well treated, and ideal race shape.
  • Profiteer – course lover with a strong late kick if the front loads collapse.

Private Tissue Estimate:

  • One of Our Own – 3/1
  • Carlton and Co – 4/1
  • Golden Duke – 9/2
  • The Good Biscuit – 5/1
  • Profiteer – 8/1
  • Flowstate – 10/1
  • Fletchers Dream – 14/1
  • Golden Rainbow – 33/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play):

This sprint should be run at a breakneck pace, ideally setting it up for a closer with tactical versatility. One of Our Own has that in spades and is in form. Carlton and Co appeals even more as a well-handicapped mare dropping to 6f for the first time this year – a possible “go day.”

Smart Play:

  • Win Bet: Carlton and Co – ready to strike with race conditions in favour.
  • Each-Way Saver: Profiteer – can pick up the pieces from rear in this setup.

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