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Pontefract Racing Tips & Predictions - Wednesday 5th August 2026

Pontefract Racing Tips & Predictions - Wednesday 5th August 2026

Our Pontefract racing tips cover all 6 races on the card today, Wednesday 5th August 2026. The action gets underway at 14:45 and runs through to 17:15, with going reported as 8.4) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick).

A few names jump off the page from a course-form perspective. Missmimi boasts a 50% strike rate from 4 runs at the track, Miss Charli Parker has been in fine form here with 1 wins from 3 rides, Patrick Neville’s yard sends out runners with a 33.33% 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):

TipsterSourceSelectionsWinsWin %Place %
MercuryDaily Post15640%80%
RP RatingsRacing Post11436.36%72.73%
Garry OwenDaily Record15533.33%46.67%
The PuntRacing Post10330%70%
PostdataRacing Post10330%40%

14:45 – Honda Wakefield Super-N Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap

Race Details: 1m 2f | Class 6 | Going: 8.4) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat

This is not a deep Class 6 by any stretch, but it does look competitive enough for the grade and there are a few with solid recent claims. Star Start arrives off the back of a good second and has been knocking on the door, while Sunny Orange has been running with admirable consistency and is easy to see going close again despite a wide draw. Max Of Stars also has a recent second and fourth to recommend him, so the top of the market makes plenty of sense. After that, it gets a bit murkier, with Glitter Code needing to bounce back and the likes of Quirke On Parole and The Pug looking more speculative. In a race lacking depth, recent reliability may count for plenty.

Top Selections

1. Star Start – 5/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Miss Charli Parker | Trainer: Ruth Carr | Form: 538532 | Rating: 54 | Topspeed: 41

Star Start is the one I want on side. He has the best rating in the field, his recent form is solid for this level, and that latest second suggested another ordinary Class 6 would be well within range. Ruth Carr’s runner has been holding his form together better than most of these and, in a race where several have patchy profiles, that counts for a lot. He does not look wildly ahead of the assessor, but he is reliable, stays the trip and should be involved if reproducing anything like his latest effort. At 5/2, he is no giveaway, but he is still the percentage call. Bet type: WIN.

Bet: WIN

2. Max Of Stars – 5/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Miss Chelsea Brooks | Trainer: Ollie Pears | Form: 613-24 | Rating: 51 | Topspeed: 43

Max Of Stars looks the each-way value in a small field where placing claims matter. He returned this season with a good second before finishing fourth last time, and his Topspeed figure of 43 is actually the best on offer here. That gives him a more than respectable platform in a race of this nature. Drawn in stall 2, he should be able to get a handy position around Pontefract, which is often no bad thing, and Ollie Pears’ runner has enough recent form to think he can out-run his price. Available at 5/1, he makes plenty of appeal as the alternative to the favourite pair. Bet type: EACH-WAY.

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Star Start is the straightforward win play after another solid placed effort and looks the most dependable option in a weakish handicap. For an each-way punt, Max Of Stars makes more appeal than the shorter-priced Sunny Orange at the odds, especially with the best Topspeed figure in the field. Sunny Orange is the obvious danger if coping with the draw, while Glitter Code is risky on recent evidence.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Max Of Stars5/19/25/15/15/15/1 (Bet365)
Sunny Orange9/42/12/12/12/19/4 (Bet365)
Glitter Code9/27/27/27/24/19/2 (Bet365)
Star Start5/25/25/25/25/25/2 (Bet365)
Anificas Beauty20/118/118/118/118/120/1 (Bet365)
Quirke On Parole10/112/112/112/19/112/1 (Betfair)
The Pug10/19/19/19/110/110/1 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
Steve MullingtonSunny Orange
The PuntAnificas Beauty

15:15 – Jayne – On Course Lady Bookmaker EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)

Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: 8.4) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat

This doesn’t look the deepest maiden on the card and the race rather revolves around the proven standard set by Rock Steady Beat. K R Burke’s colt has already shown useful form in finishing 5-2-3, and his mark of 80 stands out in a field where several arrive either unraced or having shown only modest promise. Lady Henshaw and Bugzy head the opposition at bigger prices, with the former at least possessing some racecourse experience and the latter representing a yard capable of readying one first time. Our Son Oscar is another interesting debutant from the Kevin Ryan stable, but in truth this looks a race where experience and a solid level of form could count for plenty over a sharp 6f on quick ground.

Top Selections

1. Rock Steady Beat – 1/1 with Bet365

Jockey: Clifford Lee | Trainer: K R Burke | Form: 523 | Rating: 80 | Topspeed: 68

He is the obvious one, but sometimes obvious is the right answer. Rock Steady Beat brings comfortably the best achieved form into this maiden, and that 80 rating puts him clear of these on what they’ve actually done on the track. The 5-2-3 sequence suggests he’s learning his job properly, and Burke’s juveniles are rarely hanging about in races of this nature for long. Drawn in stall 1 with Clifford Lee aboard, he should be able to hold a handy position and use that experience to good effect. At even money he is no giveaway, but he’s still hard to oppose on the balance of the evidence. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Lady Henshaw – 9/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Connor Beasley | Trainer: Patrick Owens | Form: 7 | Rating: 70 | Topspeed: 34

For the each-way angle, Lady Henshaw makes more appeal than some of the unexposed but completely unproven newcomers. Her debut seventh doesn’t scream future winner, but she has at least posted a fair opening mark of 70 and should know more about the job now. In a race where several rivals have either poor bare form or none at all, that experience could be enough to nick a place if she steps forward as expected. Connor Beasley is a positive booking and 9/2 feels acceptable in a small field lacking depth behind the favourite. She doesn’t need to improve dramatically to make the frame. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Keep it straightforward: Rock Steady Beat is the win play and looks the most likely scorer by a fair margin. For those wanting a second angle, Lady Henshaw is the each-way punt in a race where experience may count for plenty behind the favourite. Bugzy and Our Son Oscar are the interesting debutants, but they need to be useful to lower the colours of the standard-setter.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Bugzy9/24/19/24/19/29/2 (Bet365)
Chief Minister14/122/122/122/125/125/1 (William Hill)
Longshanks Luke66/166/170/166/166/170/1 (Paddy Power)
Mubehir80/166/170/166/166/180/1 (Bet365)
Our Son Oscar4/110/37/210/37/24/1 (Bet365)
Rock Steady Beat1/14/55/64/510/111/1 (Bet365)
Sankhum Galaxy25/120/120/120/120/125/1 (Bet365)
Lady Henshaw9/24/14/14/19/29/2 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
NewmarketBugzy
MarlboroughRock Steady Beat
Ratings HubRock Steady Beat
Tipman TipsRock Steady Beat

15:45 – Riu Hotels And Resorts Ladies Day Veterans’ Handicap

Race Details: 1m | Class 5 | Going: 8.4) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat

This is a small veterans’ handicap but it does not lack a focal point, because Garden Oasis arrives with the standout recent form and the best topspeed figure in the field. He was a solid second last time and sets the standard on both current wellbeing and raw numbers. Spirit Genie is better than his latest form figures suggest and could bounce back for Jennie Candlish, while Soames Forsyte is dangerously well treated if rediscovering an older level of form from a low weight. The rest have questions to answer, with Cosmos Raj looking vulnerable despite a handy mark and Narmar badly out of sorts. It is not a deep race, but there is still just enough dead wood and inconsistency around the favourite to make it worth taking a view.

Top Selections

1. Garden Oasis – 1/1 with Bet365

Jockey: David Allan | Trainer: Tim Easterby | Form: 338542 | Rating: 89 | Topspeed: 84

Garden Oasis looks the one they all have to beat. He is an 11-year-old now, but this is exactly the sort of veterans’ race he can still dominate when the conditions suit, and his recent 542 finish sequence shows he is running right up to his mark. That latest second reads particularly well in the context of this modest Class 5, and a topspeed of 84 towers over most of these. David Allan knows him inside out, Tim Easterby’s yard is always dangerous in these northern handicaps, and even at evens he is hard to oppose given the lack of solid alternatives. Bet: WIN

Bet: WIN

2. Spirit Genie – 7/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Jason Hart | Trainer: Jennie Candlish | Form: 43-780 | Rating: 87 | Topspeed: 61

Spirit Genie is the each-way play in a race where only a couple make much appeal. His recent figures are messy enough, but he has dropped into a very workable spot and his earlier form was respectable in stronger company than this. The 87 rating leaves him with enough class to get involved, and Jason Hart is a positive booking for one who may be ridden with a bit more intent around this stiff mile. At 7/2, he is not exactly thrown in, but in a six-runner contest with only two places he still makes more appeal than the exposed and unreliable alternatives. Bet: EACH-WAY

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Garden Oasis is the straight win bet and the most solid option on the card in this race. For those wanting a second angle, Spirit Genie is the each-way punt, mainly because he has more upside than most of these if the switch back into this company sparks him up. Soames Forsyte is the one I would fear most if building exactas or forecasts.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Spirit Genie7/23/13/13/17/27/2 (Bet365)
Alessia Fernanda7/111/26/16/113/27/1 (Bet365)
Garden Oasis1/110/1110/1110/111/11/1 (Bet365)
Narmar14/114/116/116/114/116/1 (Paddy Power)
Cosmos Raj8/113/27/17/17/18/1 (Bet365)
Soames Forsyte8/115/215/215/28/18/1 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
Sunday ExpressSpirit Genie
bettinggods.comGarden Oasis
Lee SobotGarden Oasis
ComputeformGarden Oasis
The NorthGarden Oasis
On The NoseGarden Oasis

16:15 – FBS Chartered Accountants Chaplins Club Handicap

Race Details: 5f | Class 5 | Going: 8.4) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat

This is a proper sharp 5f handicap rather than a race packed with unexposed stars, and that usually means pace, track position and a clean break will decide plenty at Pontefract. Betweenthesticks arrives in the best recent nick after a string of solid efforts, while Spirit Of Applause has been knocking on the door despite a below-par latest run. Great is another with obvious claims after a better effort last time, and The Tunguska Event is an interesting 3yo in the lower half of the weights. Sea Her Excel also comes here on the back of a win, but this asks a different question in a deeper sprint. In truth, it is a tricky enough puzzle, but there are a couple who look more solid than most in a race where reliability counts for plenty.

Top Selections

1. Betweenthesticks – 9/2 with Bet365

Jockey: James Sullivan | Trainer: Ruth Carr | Form: 129623 | Rating: 78 | Topspeed: 73

Ruth Carr’s sprinter is the one I want on side because he is running like a horse ready to strike again. His recent figures of 2-3-6-2-3 tell the story: he keeps turning up and giving his running, and in a race full of rivals with patches of dodgy form that matters. He also brings the joint-highest official mark in the field and a topspeed figure of 73, which is a strong piece of evidence in a 5f handicap of this nature. James Sullivan knows him well, stall 5 looks workable, and 9/2 is fair rather than spectacular. He just looks the percentage call. End with a strong pace and he should be there.

Bet: WIN

2. The Tunguska Event – 13/2 with Bet365

Jockey: Jason Hart | Trainer: John & Sean Quinn | Form: 121364 | Rating: 75 | Topspeed: 67

The one who appeals most as an each-way play is The Tunguska Event, a 3yo who has been holding his form well and gets in here with just 130lb. His profile is more appealing than many of the older exposed sprinters around him, and the recent 1-3-6-4 sequence suggests he is still competitive from this mark. Jason Hart is a positive booking for a horse who should be able to travel strongly off the pace if they go hard up front. At 13/2, he makes more each-way appeal than some of the shorter ones because he looks likely to run his race again and has the sort of consistent profile you want in a 10-runner sprint.

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Betweenthesticks is the win play because he brings the most dependable recent form and looks set for another big run. The Tunguska Event is the each-way punt, with his light weight and solid 3yo profile making plenty of appeal for the places. Spirit Of Applause and Great are the obvious dangers if bouncing back or building on recent efforts.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Betweenthesticks9/24/14/17/29/29/2 (Bet365)
Le Beau Garcon10/19/110/19/110/110/1 (Bet365)
Spirit Of Applause7/27/24/17/27/24/1 (Paddy Power)
Great4/17/27/23/14/14/1 (Bet365)
Sea Her Excel8/113/213/26/115/28/1 (Bet365)
Riffa Spirit20/114/116/114/118/120/1 (Bet365)
Bibendum10/115/28/115/29/110/1 (Bet365)
Missmimi18/116/116/114/116/118/1 (Bet365)
The Tunguska Event13/26/113/211/26/113/2 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
NewsboyBetweenthesticks
RP RatingsBetweenthesticks
talkSPORT 2Betweenthesticks
Luke TuckerSpirit Of Applause
Stephen DarbyshireThe Tunguska Event

16:45 – Bet With Jayne – Your Local Bookmaker Handicap

Race Details: 6f | Class 4 | Going: 8.4) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat

This is a proper sprint handicap rather than a giveaway, with several arriving in form and not much between the principals on official figures. The Good Biscuit, Alfa Whiteburd and Uppercase all come here chasing a hat-trick, so there is no shortage of progressive recent form, while old warrior Aberama Gold has the class to get involved if bouncing back from a lesser run. Pontefract’s stiff 6f can expose weak finishers, so it may not simply be a case of who has the sharpest turn of foot. The draw and pace will matter, but I’d be more interested in which of these is still improving. That points firmly towards Uppercase, while one at a bigger price makes some each-way appeal in a race that looks competitive rather than impossible.

Top Selections

1. Uppercase – 10/3 with Bet365

Jockey: Kaiya Fraser | Trainer: Harry Eustace | Form: 7-9311 | Rating: 90 | Topspeed: 66

Uppercase is the one I want to be with. He has got the hang of things now, following up in his last two starts, and the form string of 7-9311 suggests a 4yo who is still going the right way rather than one who has already shown his full hand. A mark of 90 does not look punitive in this company and Harry Eustace’s runners tend to be placed to progress rather than stand still. Drawn 3, he should get a sensible tow into the race, and this stiff finish ought to suit a horse who has been finding for pressure. At 10/3 with Bet365, he makes plenty of appeal as the most solid win play.

Bet: WIN

2. Emperor Caradoc – 11/1 with Bet365

Jockey: David Nolan | Trainer: Paul Midgley | Form: 135624 | Rating: 91 | Topspeed: 86

For an each-way angle, Emperor Caradoc looks more interesting than his price suggests. He is not as fashionable as the hat-trick seekers, but that Topspeed figure of 86 is the best in the field and tells you he still retains plenty of ability. His recent form has been honest rather than spectacular, yet 135624 in sprint handicaps is perfectly respectable and this mark of 91 gives him a fighting chance if things drop right. David Nolan is a positive booking for a horse who can travel strongly off a solid pace, and in a 9-runner race the 11/1 with Bet365 looks fair compensation for backing consistency over hype. He’s the each-way punt.

Bet: EACH-WAY

Betting Strategy

Uppercase is the main bet because he looks the progressive one in a race full of exposed sprinters and recent winners now climbing the weights. Emperor Caradoc is the each-way alternative at a double-figure price, especially with three places on offer. The obvious dangers are Alfa Whiteburd and The Good Biscuit, both seeking hat-tricks, while Aberama Gold is too classy to dismiss outright.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
The Good Biscuit7/24/17/27/27/24/1 (Betfair)
Alfa Whiteburd3/110/33/13/13/110/3 (Betfair)
Aberama Gold9/113/27/17/117/29/1 (Bet365)
Uppercase10/33/13/13/13/110/3 (Bet365)
Mae Amor17/28/117/28/117/217/2 (Bet365)
Emperor Caradoc11/110/110/110/110/111/1 (Bet365)
Mister Sox11/211/217/28/15/117/2 (Paddy Power)
Sugar Baby28/116/118/118/125/128/1 (Bet365)
Willolarupi22/112/114/112/118/122/1 (Bet365)

Tipster Selections

TipsterSelection
Sam HardyAberama Gold
Dave NevisonAlfa Whiteburd
GlendaleThe Good Biscuit
WhistlerUppercase
The JudgeUppercase
Jason HeaveyUppercase

17:15 – Napoleons Casino Bradford Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Race Details: 2m 1f | Class 4 | Going: 8.4) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick) | | flat

This three-runner handicap won’t take much solving on paper, but it still has an interesting shape to it. Division Day and Something dominate the market for good reason, with the former looking the more progressive staying type and the latter bringing the steadier recent profile. Anzac Day has a bit to prove after a modest return and his low Topspeed figure doesn’t exactly scream revival. In a tactical small field around Pontefract, positioning and pace will matter, but Division Day’s profile is the one that appeals most. He already has a pair of wins on his card, gets plenty of weight from his two rivals and may just have more upside than Something, who is reliable but perhaps a shade exposed for win purposes.

Top Selections

1. Division Day – 6/5 with Betfair

Jockey: Connor Beasley | Trainer: Brian Ellison | Form: 112-15 | Rating: 80 | Topspeed: 75

Division Day is the one I want to be with. His profile still reads like that of a progressive stayer rather than a horse who has hit his ceiling, and that Topspeed figure of 75 stands out in this field. He won twice before the winter, returned with another success, and while he could only manage fifth last time, that run is easy enough to forgive in the context of a lightly raced 4yo still learning his job. Connor Beasley is a positive booking and the 9st 3lb burden is a major asset in a race where weight could easily tell late on. At 6/5, he’s short enough, but still the percentage call. Bet: WIN

Betting Strategy

Keep it simple in a three-runner race: Division Day is the win bet. There’s no each-way angle at all in a field this small, so don’t force it. Something is the obvious danger on consistency and arrives in better recent nick than Anzac Day, but Division Day’s upside and weight pull make him the one to side with.

Live Odds Comparison

HorseBet365BetfairPaddy PowerSky BetWilliam HillBest
Anzac Day4/110/37/210/37/24/1 (Bet365)
Something6/45/45/45/46/46/4 (Bet365)
Division Day11/106/56/56/511/106/5 (Betfair)

Pontefract Course Specialists

Horses To Note

The top course performers among today’s runners:

HorseRunsWinsWin %Place %
Missmimi4250%75%
Betweenthesticks6233.33%66.67%
Mister Sox3133.33%66.67%
The Good Biscuit10330%40%
Anificas Beauty4125%25%

Jockeys To Note

The pilots with the strongest records at the course:

JockeyRidesWinsWin %Place %
Miss Charli Parker3133.33%33.33%
Mr Thomas Easterby3133.33%100%
Jack Nicholls13430.77%53.85%
Conor Whiteley4125%75%
Kaiya Fraser21523.81%38.1%

Trainers To Note

Yards that have done well at Pontefract:

TrainerRunnersWinsWin %Place %
Patrick Neville3133.33%33.33%
Tina Jackson17423.53%41.18%
John & Sean Quinn32721.88%40.63%
Harry Eustace15320%60%
Edward Bethell681319.12%39.71%

Summary & Best Bets

That wraps up our Pontefract racing tips for Wednesday 5th August 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 Wednesday 5th August 2026 goes off at 14:45, with 6 races scheduled in total.

What is the going at Pontefract today?

The going at Pontefract is reported as 8.4) (watering) (rail movements (Good to firm, good in places (goingstick).

How many races are at Pontefract today?

There are 6 races on the card at Pontefract today, running from 14:45 through to 17:15.

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