Briefing Document: Fontwell Park and York Races – 25th September 2025

This briefing document summarises the key information, main themes, and most important ideas/facts from the provided racecards and related reports for Fontwell Park and York races on September 25th, 2025.

I. Main Themes & Key Insights

1. Trainer and Jockey Performance:

• High-Performing Trainers: Several trainers consistently show strong recent form (e.g., William Haggas 73% (41-242, 13-41), M Bowen 64% (0-1, 3-16), J Snowden 50% (18-75, 0-5), G & J Moore 100% (19-87, 1-8), Jedd O’Keeffe 75% (0-21, 2-8), Charlie Johnston 69% (3-87, 9-44)).
• Specific Trainer/Jockey Combinations to Watch:N. Mulholland and Harriet Tucker (3) for “Inspector Lynley” in the 2.12 Fontwell.
• M. Keighley and Sean Bowen for “De Temps En Temps” (before non-runner status) in the 2.42 Fontwell.
• D. Robert Bevis and Gavin Sheehan for “Unblinking” in the 3.12 Fontwell.
• J. Hanlon (IRE) and Paddy Hanlon (5) for “Pahlavi” in the 3.42 Fontwell.
• C. Longsdon and Lilly Pinchin for “Midnight Jewel” in the 4.12 Fontwell.
• J. Snowden and Gavin Sheehan for “Mirror Of Illusion” in the 4.42 Fontwell.
• W. Haggas (Cieren Fallon) frequently has strong contenders across York races, notably “Crown Office” (2.30), “Seren Star” (5.00), and “Earthwatch” (5.30).
• K.A. Ryan has multiple entries with varying form, often with Tom Eaves or Kevin Stott.

1. Market Movers & Betting Trends:

• Significant Drops in Odds (backed in by 4+ points): Several horses have seen their odds dramatically shorten, indicating strong market confidence.
• Fontwell: “Chedingtons Guest” (2.42, 17.00 to 6.50), “Teddington Lock” (4.42, 21.00 to 8.00), “Cinnodin” (2.42, 5.00 to 2.75), “Kings Reign” (2.42, 6.00 to 3.25), “Turndlightsdownlow” (2.42, 19.00 to 9.00), “Atreides” (4.12, 5.50 to 3.50), “Shantou Lucky” (2.12, 2.75 to 2.00), “Ballynaheer” (3.12, 5.50 to 3.50), “Unblinking” (3.12, 9.50 to 6.50), “Mirror Of Illusion” (4.42, 4.00 to 3.00), “Sun Joy” (3.42, 5.00 to 3.50), “Goodwin” (3.42, 2.88 to 2.38).
• York: “Canvas” (5.30, 21.00 to 8.50), “Infinite Dream” (2.30, 12.00 to 7.00), “Epidavros” (5.00, 15.00 to 7.50), “Billyb” (5.30, 9.00 to 5.50), “Rhapsody” (5.00, 11.00 to 7.50), “Zryan” (5.30, 19.00 to 12.00), “Fireblade” (3.30, 7.50 to 5.00), “Theme Park” (5.30, 12.00 to 8.50), “Vantheman” (3.00, 9.50 to 7.00), “Crown Office” (2.30, 3.75 to 3.00), “Danger Bay” (4.00, 3.50 to 2.88), “Harswell Ruby” (5.30, 15.00 to 10.00), “Rock N Roll Pinkie” (3.30, 9.50 to 7.50), “Lir Speciale” (5.30, 17.00 to 12.00), “Curious Rover” (3.00, 17.00 to 12.00), “Crestofdistinction” (4.30, 29.00 to 19.00), “Elmonjed” (4.30, 8.50 to 6.50), “Double Parked” (5.30, 10.00 to 8.00), “Zain Blue” (4.00, 12.00 to 9.00).
• This indicates a shift in perceived chances by the betting public and possibly knowledgeable insiders.

1. Non-Runners: Crucial information for adjusting predictions and understanding field size changes.

• Fontwell: “De Temps En Temps” (2.42, 9.01 AM notification, 1.80 last price), “Tamarind Bay” (2.42, Yesterday), “Mawlood” (3.12, Yesterday).
• York: “Manila Scouse” (3.00, 10.03 AM notification, 23.00 last price), “Grand Grey” (4.30, 8.47 AM), “Stormy Impact” (4.30, 8.46 AM), “Stateira” (5.00, Yesterday), “Hale End” (5.30, 9.51 AM).
• The withdrawal of “De Temps En Temps” from the 2.42 Fontwell is particularly noteworthy given its previous short odds (1.80) and strong form mentions in the spotlight.

1. Race Types and Conditions:

• Good Going: The predominant going for all races at both Fontwell and York is “GOOD,” indicating relatively fast and firm conditions.
• Handicaps Dominate: Most races are handicaps, designed to provide competitive racing by assigning weights based on past performance. This means many horses are seen as “well handicapped” and capable of improving.
• GBB Races: Several races are “GBB Race” (Great British Bonus Race), which offers additional prize money, particularly to breeders of winning British-bred horses. This highlights the focus on quality and domestic breeding.
• Conditional Jockeys’ / Apprentice Handicaps: Specific races are designated for jockeys with certain experience levels, providing opportunities for emerging talent (e.g., 2.12 Fontwell, 5.30 York).

1. Horse Form and Potential:

• “Unexposed” vs. “Consistent”: The briefings often highlight “unexposed” horses with potential for improvement (e.g., “Barrow Ranger,” “Locked Down Lad,” “Shantou Lucky,” “Air Force One,” “Atreides,” “Danger Bay,” “Seren Star,” “Earthwatch”) versus “consistent” or “well-handicapped” veterans (e.g., “Jack The Savage,” “Inspector Lynley,” “Lermoos Legend,” “Vintage Clarets,” “Artisan Dancer”).
• Equipment Changes: First-time cheekpieces, visors, or tongue-ties are frequently mentioned, suggesting trainers are trying new approaches to improve performance (e.g., “Barrow Ranger” with new cheekpieces, “Shantou Lucky” with first-time visor, “Bebside Banter” with refitted cheekpieces, “Ghost Pepper” with first-time cheekpieces, “Of Corse I Can” with first-time cheekpieces, “Chedington’s Guest” with tongue-tie on, “De Temps En Temps” with hood removed, “Ballynaheer” with refitted cheekpieces, “Lermoos Legend” with first-time tongue-tie, “Teddington Lock” with first-time hood, “Jax Belle” with cheekpieces added, “Diamond Bay” with visor added, “Terrorise” with new cheekpieces, “Tycoon” with first-time cheekpieces, “Gunship” with cheekpieces joining tongue-tie, “Theory Of Tides” trying cheekpieces/blinkers, “Obelix” with first run since wind surgery, “Rajapour” with subsequent wind op). These changes can significantly impact a horse’s race.
• Stable Debuts: Several horses are making stable debuts, meaning a new trainer is taking over. This can lead to improved performance if the new trainer identifies a better approach (e.g., “Shantou Lucky,” “He Is A Cracker,” “De Temps En Temps,” “Cinnodin”).
• Previous Course/Distance Form: Performance on the specific course and distance is a strong indicator, with many horses noted for their past success or struggles at Fontwell or York over similar distances.

II. Detailed Race-by-Race Review

Fontwell Park

Race 2.12: Southern Cranes And Access Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

• Distance: 2m 5f 164y (2m 5 1/2f)
• Key Contenders & Facts:Shantou Lucky (Owen/Howie): “makes stable debut from a very good mark” and “will be feared if strong in the betting.” Switches to a first-time visor. Spotlight’s second choice. Strong market mover (2.75 to 2.00).
• Barrow Ranger (Hanlon/Hanlon): “Unexposed Irish raider who shaped with significant promise” on handicap debut. May benefit from new cheekpieces. Spotlight’s top pick, “may still have potential.” HRB Total Odds: 4.50 (203).
• Locked Down Lad (Tickle/Pritchard): “Displayed improvement when close second on recent handicap debut” at Worcester. Respected despite a 4lb rise. HRB Total Odds: 3.00 (209).
• Bebside Banter (Comley/Mitchell): “bettered underwhelming stable debut when placed on hurdle return.” Shortlisted. HRB Total Odds: 5.00 (208).
• Inspector Lynley (Mulholland/Tucker): “back on same mark as for hard-fought success” last summer but has had a low-key return and another four-month absence. HRB Total Odds: 11.00 (193).
• Trainer Performance: J Hanlon IRE 50%, Laura Horsfall 100% (but 0-22, 0-1), D N Mulholland 50%, D Jeffreys 67%.
• HRB Ratings: Jack The Savage (213), Locked Down Lad (209), Bebside Banter (208), Barrow Ranger (203).

Race 2.42: V2 Radio Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

• Distance: 2m 3f 29y (2m 3f)
• Non-Runners: “De Temps En Temps” (pre-race favourite, 1.80 last price), “Tamarind Bay.” This significantly changes the race dynamic.
• Key Contenders & Facts (Adjusted for Non-Runners):Cinnodin (Snowden/Sheehan): Flat winner for Richard Hughes, changed hands for 27,000gns. “no surprise if he’s on the premises on this stable/hurdle debut.” Spotlight’s top pick. Strong market mover (5.00 to 2.75). HRB Total Odds: 6.50 (224).
• King’s Reign (G & J Moore/Quinn): Flat winner for Godolphin, but mixed form since. “could have a future over hurdles but is tricky to weigh up.” Strong market mover (6.00 to 3.25). HRB Total Odds: 6.50 (220).
• Turndlightsdownlow (Keighley/Wedge): “fairly encouraging rules debut” but “needs to improve.” Strong market mover (19.00 to 9.00). HRB Total Odds: 13.00 (217).
• Chedington’s Guest (Burke/Anderson): Improved in a bumper, but underwhelming hurdle runs. Back from 251-day break, tongue-tie on. Strong market mover (17.00 to 6.50). HRB Total Odds: 11.00 (183).
• Final Straw (Henderson/Williams): Represents a “top stable” and “ought to be capable of better.” HRB Total Odds: 8.00 (215).
• Trainer Performance: J Snowden 50%, G & J Moore 100%.

Race 3.12: Southern Contract Lifting Handicap Chase

• Distance: 3m 1f 210y (3m 2f)
• Non-Runner: “Mawlood.”
• Key Contenders & Facts:Blackacre (Williams/Wedge): “Struck form in new visor last month, winning twice by clear margins.” Up 8lb but “not yet fully exposed over fences.” Spotlight’s top pick, “appears to have been found a good opportunity to complete his hat-trick.” HRB Total Odds: 1.62 (258).
• Ballynaheer (Dennis/Burke): Inconsistent, but “back on same mark as for close third over fences” in April. “Could have a say in refitted cheekpieces.” Spotlight’s main threat. Strong market mover (5.50 to 3.50). HRB Total Odds: 9.00 (215).
• Unblinking (Bevis/Sheehan): “Stayed on from the rear to go close off today’s mark over C&D,” but “poor strike-rate” and “unreliable.” Strong market mover (9.50 to 6.50). HRB Total Odds: 7.00 (198).
• Lough Owel (Summersby/Carver): “quite promising chase debut when second” but “needs to improve here.” HRB Total Odds: 5.00 (194).
• Trainer Performance: D Summersby 100%, D Robert Bevis 0%, D Dennis 0%, D E Williams 30%.

Race 3.42: Bet Clever BetGoodwin Handicap Hurdle

• Distance: 2m 3f 29y (2m 3 1/2f)
• Key Contenders & Facts:Sun Joy (Pauling/Jones): “returns from his break on a tempting mark” and “didn’t run anything like as badly as his eventual 52l defeat might suggest.” Spotlight’s top pick. Strong market mover (5.00 to 3.50). HRB Total Odds: 5.50 (237).
• Pahlavi (Hanlon/Hanlon): “Battled well to lead close home at Downpatrick,” “opening his hurdling account at the 17th attempt.” “ought to be very competitive again.” HRB Total Odds: 1.91 (250).
• Stinginhisstep (Gardner/Houlihan): “Progressive 6yo who has collected two Newton Abbot wins.” Spotlight’s second choice. HRB Total Odds: 5.00 (218).
• Goodwin (Gordon/Gordon): “steep drop in grade” but dropped out tamely in Summer Hurdle. Cheekpieces tried. Strong market mover (2.88 to 2.38). HRB Total Odds: 6.50 (239).
• Trainer Performance: J Hanlon IRE 50%, C Gordon 0% (but 2-1-3 in this race type, last 14 days), B Pauling 0%.

Race 4.12: RJS Waste Management UK Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

• Distance: 2m 3f 104y (2m 3 1/2f)
• Key Contenders & Facts:Atreides (Mulholland/O’Farrell): “significant positives can be drawn from last month’s chasing debut” and “on a good mark now.” Spotlight’s top pick (NAP). Strong market mover (5.50 to 3.50). HRB Total Odds: 9.00 (208).
• Big Jimbo (G & J Moore/Mitchell): “made winning chase debut in small-field contest here… did that a shade cosily and is only 3lb higher now.” Spotlight’s initial suggestion. HRB Total Odds: 2.75 (246).
• Lermoos Legend (Bowen/Bowen): “deserved his Market Rasen win in July” and “seems likely to give another good account.” Fitted with tongue-tie for first time. Spotlight’s second choice. HRB Total Odds: 2.10 (301).
• Midnight Jewel (Longsdon/Pinchin): “needs to rebound quickly from disappointing run” but “remains on same mark as for front-running success in this contest 12 months ago.” HRB Total Odds: 11.00 (243).
• Trainer Performance: C Longsdon 50% (1-0-1 in this race type, last 14 days), M Bowen 64%, G & J Moore 100%.

Race 4.42: BetGoodwin Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race (Cat 1 Elimination) (GBB Race)

• Distance: 2m 1f 162y (2m 1 1/2f)
• Key Contenders & Facts:Mirror Of Illusion (Snowden/Sheehan): Well-bred newcomer from a stable with a “good bumper strike-rate (23%)” and “makes strong appeal on paper.” Spotlight’s top pick. Strong market mover (4.00 to 3.00). HRB Total Odds: 4.50 (57).
• Lady Kara (Newland & Insole/Scott): “ran to similar level of form when making the frame” this summer. “sets the standard here and can improve if the new hood helps her to relax.” HRB Total Odds: 2.50 (258).
• Opening Dance (Lavelle/Jones): “staying-on fourth at Worcester… was much more encouraging.” Spotlight’s next on the list. HRB Total Odds: 3.25 (211).
• Teddington Lock (Bradstock/Bradstock): “showed some ability” in Irish points, “sports first-time hood on rules debut; market may guide.” Strong market mover (21.00 to 8.00). HRB Total Odds: 17.00 (12).
• Trainer Performance: J Snowden 50% (0-2-3 in this race type, last 14 days), E Lavelle 100%, Dr R Newland & J Insole 67%.

York Races

Race 2.30: Enter ITV7 For Free “Confined” EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)

• Distance: 7f
• Key Contenders & Facts:Secret History (Walker/Shoemark): “very promising debut” at Newbury, “holds two Group 1 entries and needs to be taken very seriously.” Spotlight’s top pick. HRB Total Odds: 4.50 (275).
• Crown Office (Haggas/Fallon): “did well to go close on debut at Newmarket,” “ought to be very well suited by today’s extra furlong.” Spotlight’s second choice. Strong market mover (3.75 to 3.00). HRB Total Odds: 3.50 (314).
• Delinquent (Burke/James): “ought to be suited by today’s step up in trip and has obvious scope for improvement.” HRB Total Odds: 4.00 (255).
• Infinite Dream (Balding/McDonald): “did not get a clear run” on debut, “should improve.” Strong market mover (12.00 to 7.00). HRB Total Odds: 11.00 (251).
• Ocean Of Storms (Crisford/Davies): Newcomer, “stable’s impressive 31% strike-rate in 2yo races this season affords him some respect.” Spotlight’s most appealing newcomer.
• Trainer Performance: W Haggas 73%, K Burke 56%, S & E Crisford 60%.

Race 3.00: Sky Bet Super Sub Sprint Handicap

• Distance: 5f 89y (5 1/2f)
• Non-Runner: “Manila Scouse.”
• Key Contenders & Facts:Air Force One (Oldroyd/McDonald): “didn’t enjoy a smooth run when a fast-finishing third” last time, “ceiling of his ability is yet to be established.” Spotlight’s top pick. HRB Total Odds: 4.50 (323).
• Alzahir (Candlish/Wood): “enjoyed a fine season, winning five handicaps,” “likely to run well.” HRB Total Odds: 11.00 (341).
• Vintage Clarets (Fahey/Tindall): “can win races off this mark,” “best on a slower surface.” HRB Total Odds: 11.00 (322).
• Dan Tucker (O’Keeffe/Fentiman): Two wins in small fields, “effective in a bigger field when second of 15.” HRB Total Odds: 8.00 (311).
• Vantheman (Ryan/Stott): “lingers on a dangerous mark and the support for him here last month was notable.” Strong market mover (9.50 to 7.00). HRB Total Odds: 9.00 (287).
• Curious Rover (Scott/Farmer): “run several good races this year,” “apprentice takes off a useful 7lb.” Strong market mover (17.00 to 12.00). HRB Total Odds: 13.00 (275).
• Trainer Performance: Jedd O’Keeffe 75%, G Oldroyd 0% (but 2-23, 0-1), K A Ryan 64%, J Candlish 55%.

Race 3.30: Skybet Proud To Support RoR Stayers Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

• Distance: 2m 56y (2m 1/2f)
• Key Contenders & Facts:Artisan Dancer (Johnston/Hart): “Likeably consistent,” “every chance.” Spotlight’s top pick. HRB Total Odds: 4.00 (326).
• Fireblade (Cunha/Egan): “2-7 since moving yards,” “seized the initiative… so perhaps a shade flattered.” Strong market mover (7.50 to 5.00). HRB Total Odds: 7.00 (304).
• Umbria (Walker/Shoemark): “Up there with her best form,” but “could be vulnerable to stronger stayers.” HRB Total Odds: 6.50 (293).
• Rock N Roll Pinkie (Furtado/Crouch): “winning narrowly over C&D,” “should run well.” Strong market mover (9.50 to 7.50). HRB Total Odds: 11.00 (281).
• Diamond Bay (Ward/Crowley): “should be well handicapped,” “returns to further with a visor added.” Spotlight considers him a potential good run. HRB Total Odds: 8.00 (275).
• Terrorise (Ellison/Robinson): “best form yet on the Flat when winning a C&D handicap,” “has each-way claims in the new cheekpieces.” Spotlight mentions he “probably didn’t give his true running” last time. HRB Total Odds: 6.50 (270).
• Trainer Performance: D Cunha 75%, Charlie Johnston 69%, I Furtado 58%, D O’Meara 78%.

Race 4.00: Sky Bet Extra Places Middle Distance Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

• Distance: 1m 2f 56y (1m 2 1/2f)
• Key Contenders & Facts:Danger Bay (Bethell/Rodriguez): “on a hat-trick,” “could easily take a 5lb rise in his stride,” “likely to suit” the extra distance. Cambridgeshire entrant. Spotlight’s top pick (NAP). Strong market mover (3.50 to 2.88). HRB Total Odds: 3.75 (329).
• Per Contra (Easterby/Allan): “run a number of good races in defeat this season,” “solid candidate.” HRB Total Odds: 8.00 (321).
• Gunship (Ferguson/Muscutt): “beat subsequent Group winner Merchant on his debut,” “could still be open to further progress and cheekpieces join his regular tongue-tie.” Spotlight’s second choice. HRB Total Odds: 7.50 (288).
• Tycoon (De Foy/Egan): “remains a promising colt as the form of his third in a Listed race… reads well.” HRB Total Odds: 9.00 (295).
• Noble Horizon (Haggas/Fallon): “breakthrough win had been coming,” but “effort tempers enthusiasm.” HRB Total Odds: 9.00 (288).
• Zain Blue (Butler/Fentiman): “Enhanced his good record at York,” “has each-way claims.” Strong market mover (12.00 to 9.00). HRB Total Odds: 13.00 (275).
• Trainer Performance: E Bethell 33%, D & N Barron 43%, J & T Gosden 67%, S & E Crisford 60%.

Race 4.30: Sky Bet Starman Garrowby Stakes (Listed Race)

• Distance: 6f
• Non-Runners: “Grand Grey,” “Stormy Impact.”
• Key Contenders & Facts (Adjusted for Non-Runners):Lethal Levi (Burke/Lee): “Went very close in a Group 2,” “comfortably made all in Listed race,” “has leading claims.” Spotlight’s top pick. HRB Total Odds: 7.00 (399).
• Almeraq (Haggas/Crowley): “bounced back with demolition job in the big-field Ayr Gold Cup Trial,” “very exciting prospect.” Spotlight’s feared most. HRB Total Odds: 2.88 (338).
• Prince Of India (Botti/Egan): “Form figures of 21211 in handicaps,” “clearly thriving and could still have more left in the tank.” Spotlight considers him a good run. HRB Total Odds: 4.50 (374).
• Elmonjed (Haggas/Fallon): “Listed runner-up behind Lethal Levi,” “performance can be upgraded.” Strong market mover (8.50 to 6.50). HRB Total Odds: 9.00 (379).
• Kassaya (Balding/McDonald): “showed glimpses of serious promise previously,” “could yet make her mark at this level.” Spotlight considers her a good run. HRB Total Odds: 9.00 (329).
• Crestofdistinction (Channon/Rodriguez): “very impressive in a handicap,” “needs to prove he’s just as good on turf as AW.” Strong market mover (29.00 to 19.00). HRB Total Odds: 21.00 (320).
• Trainer Performance: K Burke 56%, W Haggas 73%, M Botti 40%.

Race 5.00: Sky Bet Build A Bet Fillies’ Handicap

• Distance: 1m 177y (1m 1f)
• Non-Runner: “Stateira.”
• Key Contenders & Facts:Seren Star (Haggas/Fallon): “picked off the front two for a successful handicap debut,” “in the right hands to keep progressing.” Spotlight’s top pick. HRB Total Odds: 4.50 (336).
• Revelance (Beckett/Crouch): “successful handicap debut,” “difficult to know how good she is.” HRB Total Odds: 3.50 (322).
• Wonderbolt (Burke/James): “has come good in handicaps,” “the potential is there to deal with a 6lb rise.” Spotlight’s second choice. HRB Total Odds: 7.00 (294).
• Rhapsody (Haggas/Hart): “made up good late headway from the back on handicap debut,” “should really have finished closer.” Strong market mover (11.00 to 7.50). HRB Total Odds: 11.00 (293).
• Epidavros (Scott/Farmer): “knocked on the door a few times this season,” “may need a career best.” Strong market mover (15.00 to 7.50). HRB Total Odds: 15.00 (264).
• Trainer Performance: W Haggas 73%, R Beckett 60%, K Burke 56%.

Race 5.30: Sky Bet, For The Fans Mile Apprentice Handicap

• Distance: 7f 192y (1m)
• Non-Runner: “Hale End.”
• Key Contenders & Facts:Canvas (Dixon/Feilden): “front-running,” “enjoyed a progressive 3yo campaign,” “a line can be put through Ascot last time.” Spotlight’s top pick. Strong market mover (21.00 to 8.50). HRB Total Odds: 21.00 (241).
• Earthwatch (Haggas/Fentiman): “improved with each of his three handicap starts,” “winning easily,” “may be able to take an 11lb rise in his stride.” Spotlight considers him a strong contender. HRB Total Odds: 7.00 (284).
• Billyb (Lidster/Lewis): “Beat his 18 rivals to win over C&D,” “another good run.” Strong market mover (9.00 to 5.50). HRB Total Odds: 9.00 (304).
• Double Parked (Easterby/Young): “making all at Redcar,” “tougher task today but this progressive 3yo could go well.” Strong market mover (10.00 to 8.00). HRB Total Odds: 9.00 (305).
• Barley (Easterby/Dickson): “finished second five times this season,” “every chance he’ll be in the shake-up.” HRB Total Odds: 8.00 (301).
• Feel The Need (Herrington/Pinna): “two-time 7f course winner,” “capable of having a big say if returning to form.” Spotlight’s third choice. HRB Total Odds: 15.00 (238).
• Commander Of Life (Macey/Paetel): “run really well either side of that,” “should be fine now back up to 1m.” HRB Total Odds: 10.00 (272).
• Harswell Ruby (Fell/Nicholls): “produced some solid efforts,” “gone very close on her last two starts.” Strong market mover (15.00 to 10.00). HRB Total Odds: 12.00 (258).
• Lir Speciale (Ellison/Farmer): “went very close in two Racing League handicaps,” “not written off each-way.” Strong market mover (17.00 to 12.00). HRB Total Odds: 14.00 (248).
• Zryan (O’Meara/Whiteley): “could have more to offer for trainer who does very well with French recruits.” Strong market mover (19.00 to 12.00). HRB Total Odds: 20.00 (253).
• Trainer Performance: C Lidster 100%, W Haggas 73%, T Easterby 58%, S Dixon 54%, J Macey 50%.

III. Important Ideas/Facts to Consider for Decision Making

• Market Confidence: Horses with significant odds drops (“Market Movers”) are often worth close attention, as the money coming in reflects informed opinion.
• Trainer Form: Trainers with high recent win/place rates (W-R) indicate their horses are in good condition and performing well.
• Equipment Changes: First-time or refitted equipment (visors, cheekpieces, tongue-ties, hoods) are deliberate attempts by trainers to improve a horse’s performance or behaviour. These can be game-changers.
• Stable Debuts: A new stable can rejuvenate a horse, making stable debutants potentially dangerous if well-backed.
• Non-Runners Impact: The withdrawal of horses, especially fancied ones, can dramatically alter the complexion of a race, potentially opening up opportunities for others. The withdrawal of “De Temps En Temps” is a prime example.
• Race Conditions: “GOOD” ground is prevalent, favouring horses that prefer firmer surfaces. Distance and age groups are critical for assessing suitability.
• RPR (Racing Post Rating) & Topspeed: These figures provide an objective measure of a horse’s past performance and ability, with higher numbers indicating better form. Look for horses whose recent RPR or Topspeed figures are trending upwards.
• “Unexposed” Potential: Horses with fewer starts, especially those showing recent improvement, may have more “upside” than seasoned veterans.
• Weight Carried: In handicaps, weight is crucial. Horses carrying less weight relative to their ability (i.e., “well-handicapped”) are often considered good value.
• Jockey Form: Jockeys with high strike rates or those who have had recent success with a particular horse/trainer can be an advantage.

This briefing provides a comprehensive overview for evaluating the races at Fontwell Park and York on September 25th, 2025.