Our Pontefract racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Friday 17th July 2026. The action gets underway at 18:00 and runs through to 20:52, with going reported as 7.7) (watering) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick).
A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Badri boasts a 66.67% strike rate from 3 runs at the track, Jake Dickson has been in fine form here with 2 wins from 4 rides, Geoffrey Harker’s yard sends out runners with a 25% strike rate at this venue. Below you’ll find race-by-race breakdowns with our top selections, live odds and tipster picks.
Tipster Performance at Pontefract
Here’s how the leading tipsters have fared at Pontefract over the last two years (minimum 10 selections):
| Tipster | Source | Selections | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RP Ratings | Racing Post | 11 | 6 | 54.55% | 81.82% |
| Mercury | Daily Post | 15 | 6 | 40% | 80% |
| Garry Owen | Daily Record | 15 | 5 | 33.33% | 46.67% |
| Postdata | Racing Post | 10 | 3 | 30% | 40% |
| Sam Hardy | Weekender | 14 | 4 | 28.57% | 28.57% |
18:00 – Babs Woolford Memorial Apprentice Classified Stakes
Race Details: 1m 4f | Class 6 | Going: 7.7) (watering) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This doesn’t look a deep classified by any stretch, but it does have a fairly solid shape to it. The three-year-olds Hansteen and Resdev Time get plenty of weight from their elders and that could prove decisive over this stiff 1m4f, especially at Pontefract where you need to see it out properly. Hansteen arrives off a much better effort when second and is the obvious starting point, while Satyress comes here on the back of a win and is clearly thriving for Harriet Bethell. Muhib is the dependable type who keeps knocking on the door without quite getting his head in front, and that makes him dangerous if the principals underperform. It’s not an especially strong race, but it’s not a complete lottery either.
Top Selections
1. Hansteen – 6/4 with Betfair
Jockey: Jake Dickson | Trainer: John & Sean Quinn | Form: 68-02 | Rating: 61 | Topspeed: 40
Hansteen is hard to oppose on the balance of things. He gets in here off just 124lb as a three-year-old, has the best rating in the field, and that latest second suggested he’s found his level now switched into this basement grade. The bare form figures don’t scream certainty, but the recent step forward does, and in a race full of exposed older handicappers that matters. Jake Dickson takes over for the Quinn team and this looks a very workable assignment if Hansteen builds on that last run. At 6/4 he’s no giveaway, but he still makes the most appeal as the one with a bit more upside than the rest. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Resdev Time – 9/1 with Bet365
Jockey: Lewis Chalkley | Trainer: Michael & David Easterby | Form: -55636 | Rating: 58 | Topspeed: 53
For an each-way play, Resdev Time looks the value. He’s another three-year-old getting a very handy pull at the weights from the older brigade, and his Topspeed figure of 53 is actually the best in the field, which catches the eye in a race of this quality. His recent form doesn’t look flashy, but he hasn’t been running badly and a classified event like this may suit him better than ordinary handicaps. Drawn widest in eight is not ideal round here, yet if Lewis Chalkley can get him settled and into a rhythm, he has enough ability to hit the frame and possibly do better. At 9/1, that’s a fair each-way punt. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Hansteen is the win play and makes plenty of sense on weight, age allowance and his latest run. For those looking beyond the favourite, Resdev Time is the each-way option at a more attractive price. Satyress is the obvious danger after that recent success, while Muhib is the one likely to be thereabouts again without necessarily looking the most reliable finisher.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balqaa | 12/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Coverbridge | 10/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Muhib | 7/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Bet365) |
| Prince Hector | 28/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Satyress | 5/2 | 7/4 | 15/8 | 15/8 | 9/4 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Yakhabar | 28/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Hansteen | 5/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 6/4 | 5/4 | 6/4 (Betfair) |
| Resdev Time | 9/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 8/1 | 9/1 (Bet365) |
18:32 – G3 Vehicle Auctions EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (EBF Restricted Race Qualifier) (GBB Race)
Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: 7.7) (watering) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a useful restricted novice for the grade rather than a weak little seller in disguise, and there are several with enough early form to make it interesting. Maximus Meridius sets the standard on bare promise after finishing runner-up on debut and it is no surprise to see him heading the market, while Sea Mirage brings the highest rating in the field and has already been kept to stronger company than this. Baldetti shaped with plenty to work on when third first time up and is another open to improvement, whereas Turnstile has the benefit of hard racecourse experience but may just be vulnerable again to something less exposed. In a seven-runner field, that makes this less of a guessing game than some juvenile events, though there is still enough depth to make the betting worth weighing up carefully.
Top Selections
1. Maximus Meridius – 2/1 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa | Trainer: David Loughnane | Form: 2 | Rating: 77 | Topspeed: 48
There was plenty to like about his debut second and, in a race where several rivals have already shown their hand, he strikes me as the one most likely to take a decent step forward. A mark of 77 is solid in this company and the fact he achieved that from just one start makes him the obvious standard-setter. Silvestre De Sousa is a notable booking around a track where positive riding can matter, and this six furlongs should be ideal again. He is short enough, but 2/1 still feels fair rather than cramped given the upside he brings. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Baldetti – 4/1 with Bet365
Jockey: David Nolan | Trainer: Michael Dods | Form: 3 | Rating: 75 | Topspeed: 66
Baldetti appeals as the each-way alternative because his debut third was the run of a colt who should come on plenty for the experience. He posted a respectable 75 straight away, his topspeed figure is perfectly competitive for this level, and Michael Dods knows the time of day with northern juveniles in races like this. Drawn widest in seven is not ideal at Pontefract, but if David Nolan can get him settled into a handy rhythm, he looks capable of taking another step forward. At 4/1, he makes more appeal as a solid each-way punt than some of the more exposed types in the line-up. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Maximus Meridius is the win play on likely improvement from a promising debut and looks the one they all have to beat. Baldetti is the each-way option in a seven-runner race, with his opening third suggesting there is more to come. Sea Mirage is the obvious danger on ratings, while Turnstile has enough experience to nick a place if the principals underperform.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baldetti | 4/1 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 4/1 | 4/1 (Bet365) |
| Sea Mirage | 7/2 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 3/1 | 10/3 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Turnstile | 11/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| King Of Persia | 28/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 (Bet365) |
| Maximus Meridius | 6/4 | 15/8 | 2/1 | 15/8 | 5/4 | 2/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Angel In My Heart | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 13/2 | 13/2 (William Hill) |
| Dawlah | 33/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 (Bet365) |
19:07 – Sky Bet Go-Racing-In-Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap
Race Details: 5f | Class 3 | Going: 7.7) (watering) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This is a proper sharp five-furlong handicap rather than a numbers game, with several arriving in form and very little room for error around Pontefract’s stiff finish. Badri comes here on a hat-trick after back-to-back wins and is clearly thriving, while I’m Next has also been on the up and commands respect despite the absence of a published best price. Vantheman is interesting from stall 1 with the best Topspeed figure in the field, and Reigning Profit is another who arrives off a win with a very workable racing weight. Hover On The Wind is seeking a three-timer too, so there are no hiding places here. It looks a competitive little sprint, but one where recent momentum and the ability to see out a truly-run 5f should count for plenty.
Top Selections
1. Badri – 10/3 with Bet365
Jockey: Conor Whiteley | Trainer: Michael Herrington | Form: 061711 | Rating: 101 | Topspeed: 83
Badri is a nine-year-old, but he is running like a sprinter who has found his groove again and the recent 1-1 figures make him hard to crab. He now has to shoulder top weight of 142, which is never ideal over a bare 5f at Pontefract, but this is a horse arriving here full of confidence and clearly responding for Michael Herrington. Conor Whiteley knows him well, and in a race packed with pace angles, Badri looks the one most likely to cope with the pressure and still be there when it matters. At 10/3, he makes obvious appeal without being a giveaway.
Bet: WIN
2. Reigning Profit – 7/1 with Betfair
Jockey: James Sullivan | Trainer: Ruth Carr | Form: 520461 | Rating: 100 | Topspeed: 92
Reigning Profit makes plenty of each-way sense in a seven-runner race because he comes here in form, carries just 127 and has the figures to be very competitive at this level. That latest win was a reminder that Ruth Carr’s sprinter still knows how to get his head in front, and his 92 Topspeed tells you he has enough pace to mix it with the principals. He does not have the obvious sexy profile of some of the younger legs, but in a race where small margins will decide things, his combination of current well-being and a handy weight could easily put him in the frame. The 7/1 looks fair.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Badri is the win play because he is the solid recent form horse and looks tough enough to defy top weight. Reigning Profit is the each-way punt at a bigger price, with his lower weight and strong Topspeed figure giving him a real chance of making the three. I’m Next and Vantheman look the main dangers in a competitive sprint.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badri | 10/3 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 11/4 | 3/1 | 10/3 (Bet365) |
| Sir Yoshi | 11/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Baker Blue | 10/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 8/1 | 17/2 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
| Vantheman | 7/2 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 (Bet365) |
| Reigning Profit | 11/2 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 7/1 | 13/2 | 7/1 (Betfair) |
| Hover On The Wind | 17/2 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 | 17/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Sunday Express | I’m Next |
19:42 – Sky Bet For The Fans Handicap
Race Details: 1m | Class 4 | Going: 7.7) (watering) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This small but competitive mile handicap revolves around whether Best Rate can back up his latest win under a penalty-like burden in a race lacking much depth. Richard Hannon’s 4yo arrives in the best recent form and sets the standard on ratings and Topspeed, so he is rightly short. The danger is that Pontefract can expose any weakness in a cramped tactical contest, especially with only six runners and no hiding place. Jez Bomb comes here after getting his head back in front and looks the obvious alternative, while Billyb is better than his recent figures and could revive from stall 1 if things fall right. It’s not a deep Class 4 by any means, but it is a race where positioning and pace will matter plenty.
Top Selections
1. Best Rate – 10/11 with Bet365
Jockey: Seamus Cronin | Trainer: Richard Hannon | Form: 643241 | Rating: 95 | Topspeed: 88
He is hard to oppose on what he has been doing lately. That form string tells a straightforward story of a horse knocking on the door before finally getting the job done, and his figures stack up well in this company. An official mark of 95 and a Topspeed of 88 put him right on top of this field, and there simply aren’t many unexposed lurkers against him. The concern at around even money is tactical rather than class, because small-field handicaps can get messy, but if Seamus Cronin keeps him in a smooth rhythm he should have too much quality late on. He’s short enough, but deservedly so. Bet type: win.
Bet: WIN
2. Jez Bomb – 7/2 with Betfair
Jockey: Oisin Orr | Trainer: Sam England | Form: 230491 | Rating: 91 | Topspeed: 74
For an each-way angle in a six-runner race paying two places, Jez Bomb makes more appeal than most. He comes here on the back of a win, and while that Topspeed figure is below the favourite’s, he does at least arrive in form and still looks feasibly treated off 91. Oisin Orr is a positive booking for this sort of race and he should be able to get him into a handy position from the outside stall rather than letting the race happen around him. At 7/2 he doesn’t need to be a world-beater to make the frame, and if Best Rate underperforms, he is the one most likely to capitalise. Bet type: each-way.
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Best Rate is the solid win play because he brings the strongest current profile and the best figures into a race short on depth. For those wanting a bit more value, Jez Bomb is the each-way punt with two places on offer and recent winning form on his side. Billyb is the one I’d fear most if bouncing back from a modest spell.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billyb | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Best Rate | 10/11 | 8/11 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/6 | 10/11 (Bet365) |
| Jez Bomb | 10/3 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 | 10/3 | 7/2 (Betfair) |
| Sailthisshipalone | 11/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Empirestateofmind | 20/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 20/1 (Bet365) |
| Kartini | 28/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 33/1 | 28/1 | 33/1 (Betfair) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| Stephen Darbyshire | Best Rate |
20:17 – Peter Chamberlain Five Year Memorial Handicap
Race Details: 6f | Class 5 | Going: 7.7) (watering) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a tight little six-runner sprint rather than a deep one, and the market has understandably latched on to Alfa Whiteburd after that recent win. He’s the clear form horse on the figures, sits highest on the ratings, and from stall 1 should get a handy run around Pontefract’s stiff 6f. The question is whether he’s worth taking at cramped odds in a race where several of these are seasoned handicappers capable of nicking a place if things fall right. Mr Cool has been knocking on the door and looks the most solid danger, while One Of Our Own is weighted to be competitive if building on his recent efforts. It’s not an especially strong Class 5, but it is a race where tactical positioning and value matter.
Top Selections
1. Alfa Whiteburd – 1/1 with Paddy Power
Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa | Trainer: Ivan Furtado | Form: 7-6821 | Rating: 87 | Topspeed: 76
He’s hard to oppose. That latest success was the obvious step forward hinted at by his previous runs, and the bare numbers make him the standout here: top-rated in the field on 87 and joint-best Topspeed as well. Silvestre De Sousa is exactly the sort you want aboard in a small-field sprint where track position can be everything, and the inside draw only strengthens the case. At even money he’s hardly a hidden gem, but this is a modest enough contest and he arrives as the one progressive sort among mostly exposed rivals. If he breaks cleanly and gets first run, they may struggle to peg him back. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Mr Cool – 11/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Oisin Orr | Trainer: Charlie Johnston | Form: 567352 | Rating: 82 | Topspeed: 73
For an each-way angle in a six-runner race paying two places, Mr Cool makes plenty of sense. He doesn’t have the sexy profile of the favourite, but his recent form is honest enough and that latest second suggests he’s still well capable of making his mark from this sort of mark. He gets in here off just 129, which is a help against some higher-weighted rivals, and Oisin Orr is usually positive enough on Johnston runners in these sprint handicaps. Available at 11/2, he looks the value option if you think the favourite is a shade too short. He doesn’t need much more than a repeat of his latest run to hit the frame. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Alfa Whiteburd is the straightforward win play and the one with the fewest questions to answer. For those looking beyond the favourite, Mr Cool is the sensible each-way punt at a fairer price in a race paying two places. One Of Our Own is the obvious danger to that each-way angle if the pace collapses and he gets the race run to suit.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa Whiteburd | 5/6 | 4/5 | 1/1 | 1/1 | 5/6 | 1/1 (Paddy Power) |
| Dicko The Legend | 5/1 | 9/2 | 4/1 | 4/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 (Bet365) |
| Dorney Lake | 8/1 | 13/2 | 6/1 | 6/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Willolarupi | 12/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Bet365) |
| Mr Cool | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| One Of Our Own | 10/1 | 9/1 | 17/2 | 8/1 | 9/1 | 10/1 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| The Guardian | Alfa Whiteburd |
| Moorestyle | Dicko The Legend |
| Steve Mullington | One Of Our Own |
20:52 – Always Trying Racing Syndicate Handicap
Race Details: 1m | Class 6 | Going: 7.7) (watering) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick) | | flat
This looks a fairly ordinary Class 6 mile, but it is not short of angles. The market is likely to focus on Hunterian and Ravishing Beauty, and that makes sense given both arrive in decent nick, while Snaafy is another 3yo with the potential to do better still in this grade. Pontefract can expose anything one-paced over a mile, so tactical speed and the ability to see it out properly up the stiff finish should matter. Theme Park has the raw figures to get involved if bouncing back, but his recent profile is shaky enough to make him a risky proposition. In truth, this is not a deep race, and that usually means siding with the runners who are either progressing or already proven at the level.
Top Selections
1. Hunterian – 5/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Oisin Orr | Trainer: Charlie Johnston | Form: 363216 | Rating: 72 | Topspeed: 61
Hunterian is the one I want on side. His recent form is solid for a race like this, with a win followed by a perfectly respectable sixth, and he does not need to improve much to take a Class 6 of this nature. The 3yo allowance leaves him carrying just 130, which is a definite plus against older rivals near the top of the weights, and Charlie Johnston’s runners are usually straightforward enough in these handicaps. Oisin Orr is a good booking for this sort of test and, at 5/2, he is not exactly a hidden one, but he still looks the most likely winner if getting a sensible trip. Bet: WIN
Bet: WIN
2. Snaafy – 11/2 with Bet365
Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa | Trainer: David Loughnane | Form: 613-35 | Rating: 69 | Topspeed: 59
Snaafy makes plenty of each-way appeal in a race where not many arrive with obvious upside. He won earlier in the campaign and has not run badly in two starts since returning, shaping as though this mark is workable. Drawn in stall 1, he should be able to hold a handy position, and having Silvestre De Sousa doing the steering is no bad thing around a track that rewards positive, committed rides. Off 69, he is not thrown in, but he is a progressive sort compared to some of these exposed older handicappers. At 11/2, he looks the value alternative to the two market leaders. Bet: EACH-WAY
Bet: EACH-WAY
Betting Strategy
Hunterian is the straight win play because his recent form is the most dependable and the 3yo weight concession could be decisive late on. Snaafy is the each-way punt at the bigger price, with his profile suggesting there may still be a bit more to come. Ravishing Beauty is the obvious danger after that latest good run, while Theme Park has the figures to threaten if reviving.
Live Odds Comparison
| Horse | Bet365 | Betfair | Paddy Power | Sky Bet | William Hill | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravishing Beauty | 5/2 | 9/4 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
| Theme Park | 11/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Mount King | 8/1 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 7/1 | 15/2 | 8/1 (Bet365) |
| Bun Bang Fai | 25/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 22/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 (Bet365) |
| The New Bay Pearl | 11/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 (Betfair) |
| Snaafy | 11/2 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 9/2 | 5/1 | 11/2 (Bet365) |
| Hunterian | 5/2 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 2/1 | 9/4 | 5/2 (Bet365) |
Tipster Selections
| Tipster | Selection |
|---|---|
| RP Ratings | Theme Park |
Pontefract Course Specialists
Horses To Note
The top course performers among today’s runners:
| Horse | Runs | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badri | 3 | 2 | 66.67% | 100% |
| Hover On The Wind | 4 | 2 | 50% | 75% |
| Reigning Profit | 10 | 4 | 40% | 50% |
| Theme Park | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 66.67% |
| Vantheman | 3 | 1 | 33.33% | 33.33% |
Jockeys To Note
The pilots with the strongest records at the course:
| Jockey | Rides | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Dickson | 4 | 2 | 50% | 50% |
| Silvestre De Sousa | 52 | 9 | 17.31% | 42.31% |
| Oisin McSweeney | 35 | 6 | 17.14% | 37.14% |
| David Nolan | 183 | 24 | 13.11% | 38.8% |
| David Allan | 500 | 62 | 12.4% | 35% |
Trainers To Note
Yards that have done well at Pontefract:
| Trainer | Runners | Wins | Win % | Place % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geoffrey Harker | 4 | 1 | 25% | 50% |
| Harriet Bethell | 37 | 8 | 21.62% | 51.35% |
| John & Sean Quinn | 28 | 6 | 21.43% | 39.29% |
| Craig Lidster | 44 | 8 | 18.18% | 36.36% |
| Adrian Paul Keatley | 41 | 7 | 17.07% | 46.34% |
Summary & Best Bets
That wraps up our Pontefract racing tips for Friday 17th July 2026. We’ve covered all 6 races with our top selections highlighted above. Use the betting strategies as a starting point, always shop around for the best odds, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
FAQ
What time does racing start at Pontefract today?
The first race at Pontefract on Friday 17th July 2026 goes off at 18:00, with 6 races scheduled in total.
What is the going at Pontefract today?
The going at Pontefract is reported as 7.7) (watering) (Good, good to firm in places (goingstick).
How many races are at Pontefract today?
There are 6 races on the card at Pontefract today, running from 18:00 through to 20:52.
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