Archive›Pontefract · 29 April 2026

Pontefract

29 April 2026 · 7 races

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Read from the in-running comments·How often this is right →

1:43 — Racing Foundation Supports The NHC EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB/IRE Incentive Race)

5f · Good · CLS4 · 4 runners

Pace map not available — insufficient prior race data for this field.

2:13 — Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust Supports NHC EBF Novice Stakes (GBB/GBBPlus Race)

1m2f · Good · NOV · 6 runners

Asia Force to leadFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Infraad led; the map had Asia Force in front.

Infraad won at 1.80 — led, where the map had it raced prominently. One of the race scenarios named it.

1 of 6 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Asia Force

Prominent · 2

InfraadNight Wolf

Midfield · 1

Why Not Win

Hold Up · 2

Sea LanternLeighton

Asia Force will lead from the gates with no obvious pace rival, setting a comfortable tempo over this extended trip. Night Wolf and Infraad will sit handy in the prominent positions, with Why Not Win's positioning uncertain as a newcomer. The back-runners Sea Lantern and Leighton will need the pace to collapse in the final stages to be competitive from their hold-up positions. This sustainable pace scenario strongly favours the prominent runners who can track the leader and pounce when Asia Force's stamina is tested.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Prominent Runners Strike

55% probability

If Asia Force sets manageable fractions and the prominent horses get first run

Night Wolf and Infraad can utilise their higher ratings by stalking the leader and kicking clear when Asia Force weakens. The hold-up horses will struggle to make up ground from the back of this small field.

Night WolfInfraadAsia ForceWhy Not Win

Leader Lasts Home

25% probability

If Asia Force's winter form translates to turf and he maintains his gallop

The Burke-trained leader uses his recent race fitness to see off the challengers who haven't raced for months. His stamina-laden breeding should help him stay this extended distance under pressure.

Asia ForceNight WolfWhy Not WinInfraad

Hold-Up Success

12% probability

If the early pace proves too strong and the front-runners tire badly

Sea Lantern's proven stamina at longer trips allows him to pick up the pieces from the back, with Leighton's class pedigree finally showing. The prominent runners pay for racing too close to unsustainable fractions.

Sea LanternLeightonInfraadNight Wolf

Newcomer Surprises

8% probability

If Why Not Win shows significant improvement from his juveniles days

McDonald rides a patient race on the Johnston newcomer who has been gelded and steps up in trip. The lack of early pace allows him to settle and his unexposed profile gives him an edge over these exposed rivals.

Why Not WinAsia ForceNight WolfInfraad

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Asia Force breaking too fast from the front as Burke horses can sometimes do, setting up the race for the closers

WATCH

Infraad settling properly for Marquand after racing too keenly at Nottingham which cost him the race

NOTE

Why Not Win's early positioning with McDonald as it will reveal Johnston's tactics and the horse's wellbeing

NOTE

Night Wolf's jumping from the gates after such a long break, as any slow start would be costly in this small field

WATCH

Sea Lantern needing a strong pace to aim at from the rear, as any crawl will make his task impossible

2:48 — NARS Supports The National Horseracing College Handicap

5f · Good · HCAP · 8 runners

Call To Action likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Jojo Rabbit led; the map had Call To Action in front.

Alpine Girl won at 6.00 — was held up, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 8 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Call To Action

Prominent · 2

KeldeoGeneral Assembly

Midfield · 3

Jojo RabbitToomuchformeInvincible Crown

Hold Up · 2

Alpine GirlRock Of England

Call To Action will look to lead from his wide draw, with General Assembly and Jojo Rabbit likely to press the early pace from better positions. The presence of multiple prominent runners should create a solid gallop over this minimum trip, though nothing suggests it will be overly fierce. Alpine Girl and Rock Of England will need the pace to collapse to be effective from their hold-up positions. This race shape clearly favours prominent runners who can track the pace and strike in the final furlong, as they'll benefit from the honest gallop without being caught up in early scrimmaging.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Prominent Runners Dominate

45% probability

If the early pace is honest but sustainable with Call To Action leading

The prominent trio of Keldeo, General Assembly and Jojo Rabbit get ideal positions to strike, while the hold-up horses find insufficient pace collapse to close the gap effectively.

KeldeoGeneral AssemblyJojo RabbitCall To Action

Pace Collapse Benefits Closers

25% probability

If Call To Action goes too fast early or the prominent runners engage too soon

The strong pace sets up perfectly for Alpine Girl and Rock Of England to close from the rear with their superior finishing kicks. Hold-up horses finally get the race shape they need over this sharp 5f trip.

Alpine GirlRock Of EnglandInvincible CrownKeldeo

Front Runner Wire-to-Wire

20% probability

If Call To Action gets an uncontested lead and the prominent runners fail to apply pressure

The Easterby runner gets first run from the front and holds on grimly, with the prominent runners struggling to close the gap in time. His 296-day break becomes irrelevant if he controls the pace from flag to finish.

Call To ActionJojo RabbitKeldeoGeneral Assembly

Pace Turns Messy

10% probability

If multiple horses want the lead early and create a scrambling pace from the wide draws

The uneven tempo suits whoever can find clear running at the right moment, likely favouring the most experienced campaigners. Jockey tactics become crucial when positions get compromised by the wide stall numbers.

Jojo RabbitAlpine GirlCall To ActionKeldeo

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Call To Action's fitness after 296 days off could see him weaken quickly if he sets too strong a pace from his wide draw

WATCH

Alpine Girl and Rock Of England need the pace to develop strongly early or they'll have too much ground to make up over 5f

NOTE

General Assembly's wide draw may force him into an attacking ride that doesn't suit his stamina-laden profile over this minimum trip

WATCH

Jojo Rabbit's low draw gives him a significant tactical advantage in a field where most runners face wide stalls

NOTE

The good ground conditions clearly favour Keldeo and Alpine Girl based on their recent form patterns and historical preferences

3:23 — Tuffa Boots Supports The National Horseracing College Handicap

1m · Good · HCAP · 9 runners

Garden Oasis to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Garden Oasis led, as the map showed.

Walsingham won at 3.25 — raced midfield, where the map had it raced prominently. One of the race scenarios named it.

6 of 8 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Garden Oasis

Prominent · 4

WalsinghamVincent RocksSir Paul RamseyOn The River

Midfield · 1

Sailthisshipalone

Hold Up · 3

BillybCosmos RajLeadenhall

Garden Oasis is the sole confirmed front runner and will dictate a sustainable gallop from flag to finish without early pressure. The real battle develops behind him where Sailthisshipalone, Walsingham, On The River, Sir Paul Ramsey and Vincent Rocks all want prominent positions, creating a dangerous traffic jam approaching the final 2-3 furlongs. With 5 of 9 runners wanting to be handy, the pace will quicken sharply when they fan out for racing room, stretching the field significantly. This congested prominent group and inevitable acceleration strongly favours the hold-up horses who can avoid the early scrimmaging and finish through tired legs.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-Up Horses Benefit

45% probability

If the prominent congestion creates the expected traffic problems and pace acceleration

The 5-horse scrum behind Garden Oasis will create stop-start running and a strong gallop from 3f out, perfectly suiting patient tactics. Billyb, Cosmos Raj and Leadenhall can all pick their way through and finish strongest when others have used their energy fighting for position.

BillybLeadenhallCosmos RajWalsingham

Prominent Survivors Prevail

30% probability

If one or two from the prominent group can secure a clean run without getting trapped

Sailthisshipalone and Walsingham have the class to navigate the traffic and maintain their position when the pace lifts. Their recent form suggests they can handle both the tactical pressure and finish strongly when others fade around them.

WalsinghamSailthisshipaloneOn The RiverSir Paul Ramsey

Garden Oasis Stays On

15% probability

If the lone leader gets an easy time in front and the prominent pack neutralises each other

Garden Oasis will get soft sectionals early with no pressure, then hold off a divided finish as the pack behind sorts itself out too late. His course and distance record gives him every chance if the pace scenario falls his way perfectly.

Garden OasisBillybLeadenhallWalsingham

Pace Collapse Scramble

10% probability

If Garden Oasis sets a pedestrian gallop and the prominent group settles behind him

A dawdling pace will set up a cavalry charge finish where any horse can win in a blanket finish. The lack of early pace pressure means stamina becomes less important and it becomes a pure speed test over the final 2f.

Vincent RocksSir Paul RamseyOn The RiverSailthisshipalone

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Watch for traffic problems 3f out when Sailthisshipalone, Walsingham, On The River, Sir Paul Ramsey and Vincent Rocks all need racing room simultaneously

WATCH

Garden Oasis could get an uncontested lead but watch for his stamina reserves in final furlong at age 11

WATCH

Billyb and Cosmos Raj both return from long breaks so watch for fitness/sharpness in market moves

NOTE

Watch early positioning of Leadenhall who won this race last year but may need the run after 184-day absence

NOTE

Daniel Tudhope on Walsingham has strong partnership with David O'Meara stable and knows horse's tactical needs well

3:58 — HBLB Supports The National Horseracing College Handicap

6f · Good · HCAP · 6 runners

Veblen Good likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Alpha Magic led; the map had Veblen Good in front.

Veblen Good won at 17.00 — was held up, where the map had it led. One of the race scenarios named it.

1 of 6 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Veblen Good

Prominent · 1

Sixtygeesbaby

Midfield · 2

Modern TimesMystical Storm

Hold Up · 2

Alpha MagicThe Good Biscuit

Veblen Good is the only confirmed front runner and will set his own tempo from the start without pressure. With four of six runners showing hold-up tendencies (The Good Biscuit, Modern Times, Mystical Storm, Alpha Magic) and only Sixtygeesbaby likely to race prominently, this creates a scenario where the pace-setter controls proceedings. The lack of early pace pressure means Veblen Good can dictate fractions while the hold-up brigade waits behind, potentially leaving themselves with too much to do in the final stages. This race shape strongly favours front runners and prominent racers who can sit close to the uncontested lead.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Veblen Good Controls All

45% probability

If Veblen Good jumps well and faces no early pressure from Sixtygeesbaby

He dictates comfortable fractions throughout and the hold-up horses find themselves chasing shadows when the pace quickens. The prominent racers benefit from tracking the uncontested leader while back markers struggle to close the gap.

Veblen GoodSixtygeesbabyThe Good BiscuitModern Times

Sixtygeesbaby Applies Early Pressure

30% probability

If Sixtygeesbaby breaks sharply and forces Veblen Good into a pace duel

The two prominent runners soften each other up through honest fractions, setting up the race for one of the stronger hold-up horses to strike late. Modern Times or The Good Biscuit can capitalise on their tactical advantage.

Modern TimesThe Good BiscuitAlpha MagicMystical Storm

Mystical Storm Fresh Surprise

15% probability

If the returning Mystical Storm benefits from his wind surgery and 186-day break

His hold-up style works perfectly as the front runners collapse after going too hard early, and his previous course form gives him the edge in the finish. The long break proves beneficial rather than detrimental.

Mystical StormAlpha MagicVeblen GoodThe Good Biscuit

Alpha Magic Breaks Absence

10% probability

If Alpha Magic's 282-day absence doesn't blunt his ability to finish strongly

His hold-up running style proves perfectly suited as the pace collapses in front of him, and his previous course success translates into a bold fresh performance. The Easterby team's patient approach with him pays dividends.

Alpha MagicModern TimesMystical StormVeblen Good

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Watch if Sixtygeesbaby breaks slowly as this hands Veblen Good an unassailable tactical advantage from the front

WATCH

Monitor Veblen Good's jumping from the stalls after his long break as any tardiness ruins his front-running tactics

NOTE

Observe Modern Times early positioning as any attempt to race more prominently than usual signals confidence

WATCH

Watch for market support for the two long-absent horses Mystical Storm and Alpha Magic as it may indicate hidden fitness

NOTE

Check if The Good Biscuit gets squeezed for racing room in the final furlong given his hold-up running style

4:33 — Chadwick Lawrence Supports National Horseracing College Handicap

1m2f · Good · HCAP · 6 runners

Piecederesistance likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Piecederesistance led, as the map showed.

Lightening Company won at 3.00 — raced prominently, where the map had it was held up. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 6 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Piecederesistance

Prominent · 1

Dubawi Time

Midfield · 2

FinlagganHeartened

Hold Up · 2

BearwithLightening Company

Piecederesistance will likely lead from the start with minimal early pressure, as most runners (Bearwith, Lightening Company, Finlaggan, Heartened) prefer to settle off the pace. Dubawi Time may sit prominent but the overall tempo should be steady rather than fierce early on. The lack of natural pace-pressers means Piecederesistance can dictate comfortable fractions before the hold-up horses launch their challenges in the straight. This race shape strongly favours prominent runners and those who can travel well in the first half of the field, as they'll avoid traffic problems that could hamper the many hold-up horses.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Controlled Front Running

45% probability

If Piecederesistance gets an easy lead and maintains galloping room turning for home.

The pace-setter can control the race from pillar to post while the hold-up brigade gets in each other's way behind. Bearwith's prominent style gives him the best chance to track and challenge the leader.

PiecederesistanceBearwithDubawi TimeLightening Company

Late Charge Prevails

30% probability

If the early pace becomes genuinely slow and bunches the field for a sprint finish.

The superior class horses get their preferred strong gallop from the back and have clear runs to overwhelm tired leaders. Lightening Company and Bearwith have the tactical speed to capitalize on a messy finish.

Lightening CompanyBearwithHeartenedFinlaggan

Traffic Chaos Benefits

15% probability

If multiple hold-up horses get stopped for runs while prominent runners stay clear.

The lack of early pace leads to a wall of horses turning in, creating interference for many while those racing handier avoid trouble. Dubawi Time's prominent position and Bearwith's class help them navigate best.

BearwithDubawi TimePiecederesistanceLightening Company

Surprise Pace Collapse

10% probability

If Piecederesistance stops quickly after setting slow fractions and Dubawi Time also fades.

The race becomes a lottery between the hold-up horses who must produce their best turns of foot from unpromising positions. Heartened's recent run and Finlaggan's breeding could see them emerge from the pack.

FinlagganHeartenedLightening CompanyBearwith

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Piecederesistance could get an uncontested lead and prove hard to peg back if retaining any ability after the long break

WATCH

Traffic problems are likely in the straight given five of six runners prefer to come from behind in a small field

NOTE

Lightening Company needs others to go fast enough early to set up his finishing kick from the rear

WATCH

Dubawi Time and Piecederesistance both return with headgear changes after lengthy absences which adds uncertainty

NOTE

The claimer Harry Vigors takes a valuable 7lb off Lightening Company in what looks a competitive handicap

5:08 — Yorkshire Society Supports The National Horseracing College Handicap

1m · Good · HCAP · 10 runners

Star Start to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Powerful Response led; the map had Star Start in front.

Powerful Response won at 3.25 — led, where the map had it raced prominently. One of the race scenarios named it.

3 of 9 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Star Start

Prominent · 3

How's The GuvnorPowerful ResponseToken Love

Midfield · 3

VolentiAl BaahyRajawail

Hold Up · 3

We've Got ThisBoubyanBun Bang Fai

Star Start will set the pace from the gates with no other confirmed front runners to press him early. This creates a sustainable tempo through the opening stages, allowing him to dictate terms without excessive pressure. The lack of natural pace angles means the gallop could develop into a tactical affair where positioning becomes crucial in the straight. This race shape strongly favours prominent racers and those with tactical speed who can position close to Star Start, as hold-up horses will struggle if the pace becomes pedestrian.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Tactical Pace Suits Leaders

50% probability

If Star Start gets an uncontested lead and the pace becomes steady

The front end gets first run in the straight and those with tactical speed can capitalize on good positioning. Hold-up horses get caught flat-footed when the kick comes.

Star StartPowerful ResponseHow's The GuvnorToken Love

Strong Gallop Benefits Closers

25% probability

If the prominent horses push Star Start along and create a genuine pace

The sustained gallop sets up perfectly for the hold-up brigade to unleash finishing kicks. We've Got This and Boubyan get the race run to suit their styles.

We've Got ThisBoubyanVolentiAl Baahy

Messy Tactical Affair

15% probability

If jockeys get too cute and the pace crawls before a mad dash

The race becomes a lottery with positioning crucial and amateur riders potentially caught out. Experience and track craft become paramount in the closing stages.

Powerful ResponseStar StartHow's The GuvnorWe've Got This

Front Runner Dominates

10% probability

If Star Start gets soft fractions and kicks clear turning for home

His recent Pontefract course win and lack of early pressure allows him to control from pillar to post. The chasing pack struggles to peg back his advantage.

Star StartHow's The GuvnorPowerful ResponseToken Love

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Star Start could get dangerously soft fractions with no pace pressure and prove hard to catch

WATCH

Volenti's 7lb claiming jockey Harry Vigors may struggle tactically if the race becomes messy

WATCH

We've Got This returning from 222-day break faces fitness questions despite her consistent record

NOTE

Bun Bang Fai making stable debut for new connections with hood and tongue-tie first time

NOTE

Multiple horses including Powerful Response and Token Love met at Nottingham with similar form lines

About this analysis

Every race on PaceMap is read from the in-running comments of each runner’s recent form — how a horse actually ran, not only where it finished. Those comments decide the groups above, and the same comments are read back after the race to score what was published. The record is public, including the months it was worse.

Read the method behind this analysis →

This meeting ran on 29 April 2026.

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