KEMPTON PARK RACING 2020 MEETING #20 WEDNESDAY 28th OCTOBER

Welcome to Kempton Park racecourse here for another evening meeting as we return to regular action on the all weather flat track under the lights but behind closed doors for the time being. We will keep blogging throughout 2020 till the end of the year. British horse racing has safely returned behind closed doors as part of a phased return for the sport. In doing so we will be introducing strict protocols designed to safeguard everyone's health and well being and to ensure that racing can take place safely behind closed doors. These measures have been developed in consultation with government and public health officials to help keep those attending safe and include:

• A three stage health check that all attendees on courses will have to pass;
• Strict social distancing measures on course
• Detailed new guidance for all participants on how they will have to do things differently on course in order that we can race safely and mitigate any risks.

In addition the courses are reducing the use of any medical or NHS services to a minimum, acting responsibly by using private ambulances, hospitals and medics – to protect the NHS. For those working at an event, including officials, racecourse staff and participants, the implementation of these guidelines ensures that racing will take place in a more controlled environment than most day-to-day activities.

Back to the horse racing all results here are reported to 1pt at Starting Prices (SP) our last meeting here a week ago, where sadly we dropped a few more points, we are now in October and after meeting #19 and some unfortunate near misses we found ourselves in a loss for the year to a figure of -55.685 points, results are always recorded to SP we will aim to get us back into the winners enclosure again soon and see further improvement in the results.

Throughout the year we will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of anticipated short priced favourites too. Naturally we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures we had been fairly successful with our selections throughout last year managed to get plenty of favourites beat so we finished on 40/54 (74%). We reset the counters for 2020 and will be continuing this throughout the year again. Currently a decent start with plenty of short priced favourites getting beat, another short priced fav beat last time we now have stats of 25/37 (67.65%) after the latest meeting.

This week we return with a Wednesday evening meeting during this interrupted period, this will be meeting #20 for the 2020 midweek season. Tonight we shall be expecting a nine race card with seven handicaps to keep us busy. The action will now commence at 16:15 with claiming stakes and we should end the card around about 20:15 with our final handicap contest over just under mile and half.

Here's a link to this Wednesday's race card; RACECARD

Going and Weather -- The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast for this Wednesday is for a lot of cloudy weather and some rain expected the temperature to reach around 13C by the time the meeting gets underway a sure sign that Autumn is upon us now.
Here are our handicap selections for tonight;

16:45  Unibet Extra Place Offers Every Day Nursery (Div One)

6f  [Class 5  10 runners]

The opening 2yo Nursery Handicap has been split and in the opening division we have ACQUISITOR [3rd 16/1] who appeared to improve with each run to date and has a good jockey booking with Silvestre de Sousa. OLIVIA MARY [7th 12/1] is Jamie Osborne's filly and has some place form to date, should be in the mix, the yard know where and when to place their 2yo's to good effect.

17:15  Unibet Extra Place Offers Every Day Nursery (Div Two)

6f  [Class 5  10 runners]

Division two isn't any easier to predict so the King Power Racing filly ARION FOX [Won 6/1] is respected here and I'll also go with LADY ROSETA [9th 40/1] under Ryan Moore in a wide open low level event.

17:45  Unibet Casino Deposit 10 Get 40 Bonus Handicap (Div One)

1m  [Class 5  12 runners]

HILL HOLLOW [Non Runner]   /   LONDON CALLING [9th 18/1].

18:15  Unibet Casino Deposit 10 Get 40 Bonus Handicap (Div Two)

1m  [Class 5  11 runners]

PRIZE FIGHTING [2nd 3/1] 3yo maiden for Clive Cox makes surface debut and has claims on recent Wolves third placing. TRUE BELIEVER [11th 7/1] [Mark Johnston] another 3yo with place form and dropped another few pounds by handicap should have chance in this company for top trainer.

19:15  Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Handicap

1m 7f 218y  [Class 4  8 runners]

Winner here last year and then at Lingfield IMPERIUM [Non Runner] could do this even with top weight, even his latest third place of a shorter trip reads well and is sure to be staying on. DANCE TO PARIS [Won 9/2] drops a few pounds again and has been runner up here over the trip, if Hollie Doyle can work some magic a win at decent odds is not out of the question.

19:45  Unibet Extra Place Offers Every Day Handicap

1m 3f 219y  [Class 3  6 runners]

The pick of tonight's handicap events and only six have been declared, Sandown handicap winner DUBLIN PHARAOH [2nd 15/2] for Roger Varian has a great pedigree and could win again if taking to the all weather, no reason why he shouldn't, while I also side with GALSWORTHY [5th 25/1] a wide margin winner of a maiden here in June and now gets into his first handicap for Adrian Nicholls having left the John Gosden yard since that win.

20:15  Try Our New Price Boosts At Unibet Handicap

1m 3f 219y  [Class 5  14 runners]

Our finale tonight, LET RIP [5th 17/2] top weight here and off a similar mark when runner up last month at this track, beaten only a neck, has to be given a good chance in this company. While I would also put in ARCTIC SEA [4th 40/1] who only has the three runs last year and has dropped by 5lbs which should help, was third here at a huge price last time out and the extra furlong might come into play too.

Staked -- 14 points.       Returns -- 14.5 points.
Results will appear here later during Wednesday evening. This season we started afresh and will try hard to stop going well behind but all results are accurate and recorded to SP returns to a 1pt win stake only and updated each meeting. A disappointing 2020 so far now sees us behind after meeting #19 to the tune of -55.685 overall and we need some more winners to see this reduced soon. At least we did stop the losing run last week. Two winning weeks on the bounce, ok it was only just this time, but don't knock it we take ever small victory when we can especially in this weird and wonderful time. -55.185 behind going onto next week. 

Lays -- 25/37. We had a good season last year with the lays, aiming at favourites and not afraid to take on short odds on shots too. The plan will be for at least one or two each meeting and we will keep those results separate from the handicaps.

Tonight's Lays;

There are none for tonight so remain on 25/37.

Our next evening meeting here will be next week Wednesday 4th November hope you can join us again soon but most importantly remain safe and well.

2020/21 FA CUP FIRST ROUND DRAW -- MONDAY 26th OCTOBER

The draw for the First Round of this seasons Emirates FA Cup will be made later on Monday night live on BBC TV, another sure sign that winter is soon to be upon us. While we are currently playing behind closed doors in League One it will be good to mount a reasonable Cup run again having done well against Premier League sides in recent years, although it won't be the money spinner it has been for obvious reasons, winning games is a good habit so we might as well try and get some big ties, once we over come the opening rounds of course.

The draw is live on BBC Two from approximately 7pm hosted by Mark Chapman, with the draw itself being made by Lynsey Hipgrave with guest Grant Holt. The final fourth round qualifying tie between Bishop's Stortford and St Albans City will also be taking place tonight after the draw is made and that's live on the BT Sport channel. My own team AFC Wimbledon have been assigned ball No. 2 and we would be in the new stadium on Plough Lane by the time of the first round ties, but we favour an away tie against the lowest team please. The current League One leaders Lincoln City are ball No. 26 while the League Two leaders Newport County are ball No. 30. From the many non league teams that made it into Round One we have Marine [No. 60] caused a surprise beating Chester 1-0 and also another fans owned club, FC United of Manchester [No. 55] are in too beating Guiseley 2-1. The lowest ranked side still in the 1st Round Draw is Skelmersdale United from the North West Counties Premier league good luck to them.

The Full 1st round draw will appear here during the evening as the ties are confirmed ... matches to be played over the period of 6th - 9th November To fit into a truncated schedule for the 2020–21 season, replays were removed from the competition. The prize fund has also been reduced this year, with figures returning to those last used in the 2017–18 FA Cup the winners in round one will therefore pick up £22,629 in prize money for their efforts.

    Barrow    Vs   AFC WIMBLEDON
    Leyton Orient    Vs    Newport County
    Havant and Waterlooville    Vs    Cray Valley
    Sunderland    Vs    Mansfield Town
    Bolton Wanderers    Vs    Crewe Alexandra
    Oxford United    Vs    Peterborough United
    Exeter City    Vs    AFC Fylde
    Tonbridge Angels    Vs    Bradford City
    Walsall    Vs    Bristol Rovers
    Rochdale    Vs    Chesterfield
    Swindon Town    Vs    Darlington
    Barnet    Vs    Burton Albion
    Wigan Athletic    Vs    Chorley
    Tranmere Rovers    Vs    Accrington Stanley
    Oxford City    Vs    Northampton Town
    Maldon and Tiptree    Vs    Morecambe
    Bromley    Vs    Yeovil Town
    Torquay United    Vs    Crawley Town
    Eastbourne Boro    Vs    Blackpool Town

    Cheltenham Town    Vs    South Shields
    Stevenage    Vs    Concord Rangers
    Harrogate Town    Vs    Skelmersdale United
    Gillingham    Vs    Woking
    Charlton Athletic    Vs    Plymouth Argyle
    Hayes and Yeading    Vs    Carlisle United
    FC United of Manchester    Vs    Doncaster Rovers
    Salford City    Vs    Hartlepool United
    Scunthorpe United    Vs    Solihull Moors

    Hull City    Vs    Fleetwood Town
    Colchester United    Vs    Marine
    Dagenham and Redbridge    Vs    Grimsby 
    Cambridge United    Vs    Shrewsbury Town
    Brackley Town    Vs    Bishop's Stortford

    Eastleigh    Vs    Franchise FC 
    Hampton and Richmond    Vs    Oldham Athletic
    Boreham Wood    Vs    Southend United
    Ipswich Town    Vs    Portsmouth 

    Port Vale    Vs    Kings Lynn Town
    Lincoln City    Vs    Forest Green Rovers
    Banbury United    Vs    Canvey Island

Good luck to all teams (except for the Franchise XI FC obviously). We get an away tie against Barrow so good luck lads and don't let the lack of support fool you, we are all here. 

Arsenal 2020 FA Cup Winners

CHELTENHAM NH "SHOWCASE" MEETING DAY TWO - SATURDAY 24th OCTOBER

TWO DAY CHELTENHAM 'SHOWCASE' MEETING
24th OCTOBER 2020
Day Two of the opening season fixture at the home of NH racing, yes the wait is finally over as the days begin to get shorter and the crisp mornings return, so what will Saturday bring us with the many already looking ahead to March and the Festival itself, what clues will this weekend give us. Coverage will be on ITV during the afternoon. 

Racing continues behind closed doors for the time being so there's a mixture of excitement and disappointment for day two on Saturday 24th October and we are set fair for another extraordinary season. 

Saturday sees another fantastic seven races, including The Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Steeple Chase [3:50]. The meeting will get underway on Saturday just after 2pm with a 2m Hurdle event and should conclude around 5:35pm with a NH Flat race over 2m.

Going: Good  [Good to soft in places].

2:05 The Masterson Holdings Hurdle (Class 2)
2m 87y [7 runners]
The opening event on Saturday has a field of just seven, headed by the likely favourite here ALLMANKIND who was successful here as part of a trio of wins and might be hard to beat again. Also a winner here is the ex-French trained BOTOX HAS [Won 11/2] who is now with the Gary Moore yard and is most likely to trouble the fav. While the filly ANNA BUNINA has vastly improved this year and has the assistance of Richard Johnson so could be an each way / place bet on the exchanges.

Winner - (3) Botox Has @11/2 [Joshua Moore].

2:40 Best Odds At Matchbook Novices' Chase (Class 2)
2m 3f 166y [4 runners]
Good quality novice chase event up next for us but just the four runners today, the experienced 9yo COOLE CODY was winning a novice chase at Newton Abbott earlier in the summer and returned to finish runner up at the same course about a month later, clearly in good heart and may well make the running in this smaller field. The Skelton team run NOT THAT FUISSE who has had a year of chasing but finally came good in a small race up at Perth, might find one or two a bit stronger but does seem to jump well. Paul Nicholls has SOUTHFIELD STONE [Won 2/1]here who also managed to find a three runner race to win at Musselburgh respected yard, but doesn't look one of their star turns, finally we have the chase debutant PILEON from Philip Hobbs yard and this might be the interesting one with the weight allowance and was a short head runner up in the Martin Pipe race at the festival a lightly raced son of Yeats, should stay this far over fences and the one for me in a tricky race. 

Winner - (3) Southfield Stone @2/1 [Harry Cobden].

3:15 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
2m 7f 208y [18 runners].
The first testing handicap hurdle today, a big field of 18 and on soft ground might be strung out come the finish. Interested in some of those that come here on the back of a recent win, LOCKS CORNER is one such improving horse and carries the JP McManus silks, should run well in search of that hat trick success today. THE DEVILS DROP has been absent for two years but Alan King's 7yo was already completing a hat trick of his own when last seen, assuming he returns fit enough to do justice is another one to be excited about this season. The Skelton team team up with I'D BETTER GO NOW who won impressively last time too and looks one to follow getting weight from the field, while top weight TOBEFAIR might also attract some support having won this event last season. 

Winner - (2) Honest Vic @12/1 [Richard Patrick].

3:50 Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Chase (Class 2)
3m 1f [11 runners]
Interesting race with top weight FRODON [Won 9/2] running in a handicap should enjoy this course and a big opportunity to give Bryony Frost another success. CLOTH CAP doesn't have a lot of miles on the clock for an 8yo and is in good hands to improve again, might be a place bet here at least for Jonjo O'Neill and carries the colours of Trevor Hemmings. Veteran COGRY is a regular in this race and while likely to run well should be vulnerable to an improving type.

Winner - (1) Frodon @9/2  [Bryony Frost].

4:25 Lara Telfer Reined In For Racing Welfare Novices' Hurdle (Class 2)
2m 7f 208y [6 runners]
Another small field here where STREETS OF DOYEN [Won 11/4] looks the one to be on, Richard Johnson in the saddle with the four timer in sight. The most likely to chase the fav home is MINELLA ENCORE this 8yo has moved from Ireland, the ex Willie Mullins inmate is lightly raced, and with Dr Newland now and successful straight away when last seen at Uttoxeter and now stepped up in trip.

Winner - (1) Streets of Doyen @ 11/4 [Richard Johnson].

5:00 Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase (Class 3)
3m 1f [13 runners]
A race for the amateur jockeys now, looking for those with plenty of experience which leads us to JEN'S BOY initially, Sam Waley-Cohen a Gold Cup winning jockey has experience of the big fences here and that should help, though his charge is struggling to get his head in front with three runner up efforts so far, still one of the more likely winners. PLANTAGENET was runner up here last year for Gina Andrews so very confident they are capable of a repeat performance with chances to go one better, they'll be my pair against the field in a race that I wouldn't want to be too deeply involved.

Winner - (13) Bermeo @20/1 [Mr Angus Cheleda].

5:35 The Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Standard Open NH Flat Race
2m 87y [15 runners]
Our finale here is a bumper, not usually a race I'd be that interested in but with the big yards represented and we are headed by ANIMAL who won his only start in February at Market Rasen a likely type for all Def Leppard fans out there. The David Pipe yard have a new recruit from Ireland with MAJOR ROBINSON and should find some nice races for him over hurdles in time. Of the newcomers I like the sounds of I AM MAXIMUS [Won 4/1] (Nicky Henderson) and this son of Authorised should be fine over 2m on the flat but for me this is a race for the notebooks and see how they progress.

Winner - (11) I Am Maximus @4/1 [Nico De Boinville].

That's all for this meeting but the racing comes around quickly and we will be back here at Cheltenham in about three weeks for their November 'Countryside' meeting which starts on Friday 13th November and also includes the Bet Victor Gold Cup on the Saturday and a family themed day on the Sunday with the Greatwood Hurdle the feature.

CHELTENHAM NH "SHOWCASE" MEETING DAY ONE - FRIDAY 23rd OCTOBER

TWO DAY CHELTENHAM "SHOWCASE" MEETING
FRIDAY 23rd OCTOBER 2020
The wait is finally over as the days begin to get shorter and the crisp mornings return, it can only mean one thing – Cheltenham is back. The thundering of hooves and cheers from the crowd will return to The Jockey Club’s world class sporting venue on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October to kick start another season of extraordinary moments.

Racing remains behind closed doors for the foreseeable future, and all trainers, jockeys and officials are following strict Covid-19 procedures.

With jockeys, trainers, owners and racegoers alike making their season debut at The Showcase meeting, it is a huge shame that we still have to have our racing behind closed door and the famous gates remain shut to spectators on both Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October for another extraordinary season. So for this meeting we intend to look through the card and pick out one or two interesting selections. The opening race on our seven race card, The Ballymore Novices hurdle, is scheduled for 1:50pm and the final race for conditional jockey's should be off (low sun permitting) around 5:15pm. Hopefully we'll have a fun and profitable NH Season. 

1:50  The Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle

2m 5f   (Class 2  7 runners)

Our opening contest on this seven race card has only the seven runners so each way opportunities limited to only first two, so we'll look at two to win against the field. Top trainer Paul Nicholls is always likely to have fancied runners here and with Ask for Glory looking to go off favourite after a wind operation we will look for alternatives. MIDNIGHT RIVER won for Dan Skelton at Uttoxeter, and fit from that run could well follow up. TOPOFTHECOTSWOLDS runs for the Twiston Davies yard and could put his wealth of experience to go use here and could well make the running as he did to good effect at Uttoxeter last month.

Winner - (3) Does He Know @9/1 [David Bass].

2:25  The Matchbook Better Way To Bet Novices’ Steeple Chase

3m 1/2f  (Class 2  6 runners)

Just the six for this chase, and GALVIN [Won 2/1f] is very interesting coming over from Ireland for Gordon Elliott already winner of last three chase wins and was runner up at the festival here in March, going to take a lot of beating. SOLDIER OF LOVE [2nd 10/1] has come on leaps and bounds since his Kempton fall and with improvement to follow should enjoy the trip as an offspring of the mighty Yeats. Support for Ask Dillion or Mossy Fen could be interesting as they make their chase debuts in a reasonably hot race. 

Winner - (2) Galvin @2/1f [R M Power].

3:00  Squareintheair.com Handicap Hurdle

2m 5f  (Class 3  20 runners)

Although beaten at a short price in a four runner event FIX SUN might not seem like a sensible choice but with a larger field and a stronger gallop this well regarded inmate of Nicky Henderson should be on the premises in this handicap. While YEAVERING BELLE has picked up a couple of races earlier in the year and will have the benefit of race fitness compared to some and should be another to consider in a quite open contest.

Winner - (19) Captain Tom Cat @15/2 [Cillin Leonard].

3:35  Bentley Flying Spur Handicap Chase

2m  (Class 2  13 runners)

Winner at Southwell HATCHER had also been keeping busy on the all weather, and could well take this for the Skelton team. Also interested in the Gary Moore trained BEAT THE JUDGE ran away with a Fontwell chase, beating several of the top stables, does make the odd mistake but will chance it given the way he finishes off his races the hill here shouldn't hold any fears. Plenty of respect for top weight Dolos (P Nicholls) but feel that the combination ground, first time out, and conceding weight all round might be too much but is certainly one to keep onside this season and will be winning races soon enough.

Winner - (2) Rouge Vif @5/1 [D A Jacob].

4:10  Catesby Estates Maiden Hurdle

2m ½f  (Class 3  8 runners)

Was sent off favourite for a similar maiden hurdle last time FAIVOIR is given another opportunity for his yard to show his wellbeing. Has a lot to fear from Nicky Henderson's PIPESMOKER [Non Runner] has been placed at Cheltenham and Ascot and this does represent a far easier opportunity to score. While the 5yo mare FOUND ON was staying on in a bumper and could run well into a place here though a longer trip should also see her in a better light in the future and perhaps one for the diary.

Winner -  (3) Falvoir @4/11f [Harry Skelton].

4:45  Two Farmers Crisps Novices’ Chase

2m  (Class 2  4 runners)

Just the four line up, with an odds on fav in FUSIL RAFFLES, the 5yo from Nicky Henderson already a novice chase winner this season and likely to prove to hot to handle for the three opponents here. Getaway Trump (P Nicholls) is a bit in and out and not one of the stables star turns, should win races during the year though, Return Ticket (Rebecca Menzies) and Sir Valentine (Nigel Twiston-Davies) will hopefully get round fine, and pick up some place money for their efforts.

Winner -  (1) Fusil Raffles @4/5f [D A Jacob].

5:15  The Back and Lay at Matchbook Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Race

2m ½f  (Class 3  18 runners)

An eighteen runner hurdle for conditional jockeys to finish with plenty of winners amongst them, some of the big yards are represented, WILD MAX (P Nicholls) a dual winner at Taunton when Harry Cobden rode, and NANABELLE (N Henderson) a winner in France and needs to settle better than when beaten at odds on in her Uk debut. TEGEREK could go well for this jockey again at a decent price, so backed the place.

Winner - (16) Tegerek @5/1 [K Brogan].

Hope you have enjoyed the day, will update results here later when we can throughout the afternoon and we'll also have the second day details published for Saturday soon. 

KEMPTON PARK RACING 2020 MEETING #19 WEDNESDAY 21st OCTOBER

Welcome to Kempton Park racecourse here for another evening meeting as we return to regular action on the all weather flat track under the lights but behind closed doors for the time being. We will keep blogging throughout 2020 till the end of the year. British horse racing has safely returned behind closed doors as part of a phased return for the sport. In doing so we will be introducing strict protocols designed to safeguard everyone's health and well being and to ensure that racing can take place safely behind closed doors. These measures have been developed in consultation with government and public health officials to help keep those attending safe and include:

• A three stage health check that all attendees on courses will have to pass;
• Strict social distancing measures on course
• Detailed new guidance for all participants on how they will have to do things differently on course in order that we can race safely and mitigate any risks.

In addition the courses are reducing the use of any medical or NHS services to a minimum, acting responsibly by using private ambulances, hospitals and medics – to protect the NHS. For those working at an event, including officials, racecourse staff and participants, the implementation of these guidelines ensures that racing will take place in a more controlled environment than most day-to-day activities.

Back to the horse racing all results here are reported to 1pt at Starting Prices (SP) our last meeting here a week ago, where sadly we dropped a few more points, we are now in October and after meeting #18 and some unfortunate near misses we found ourselves in a loss for the year to a figure of -57.685 points, results are always recorded to SP we will aim to get us back into the winners enclosure again soon and see further improvement in the results.

Throughout the year we will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of anticipated short priced favourites too. Naturally we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures we had been fairly successful with our selections throughout last year managed to get plenty of favourites beat so we finished on 40/54 (74%). We reset the counters for 2020 and will be continuing this throughout the year again. Currently a decent start with plenty of short priced favourites getting beat, another short priced fav beat last time we now have stats of 23/34 (67.65%) after the latest meeting.

This week we return with a Wednesday evening meeting during this interrupted period, this will be meeting #19 for the 2020 midweek season. Tonight we shall be expecting a nine race card with four handicaps to enjoy. The action will now commence at 16:10 with novice auction stakes and we should end the card around about 20:15 with our final handicap contest over six furlongs.

Here's a link to this Wednesday's race card; RACECARD

Going and Weather -- The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast for this Wednesday is for a lot of cloudy weather and some rain expected the temperature to reach around 14C by the time the meeting gets underway a sure sign that Autumn is upon us now.
Here are our handicap selections for tonight;

16:40  Unibet Extra Place Offers Every Day Nursery

6f  [Class 6  12 runners]

Our opening handicap tonight is a 2yo Nursery event where we planning on following PEERLESS [2nd 9/4f] having won a similar looking event at Wolves last week should be ready to follow up with Oisin Murphy a big plus in the saddle here tonight. While the filly RELATIVE CHOICE [7th 7/1] also warrants some respect, had a few runs on the all weather in nurseries, and won at Wolves too plus a runner up at Chelmsford, should be hard to keep out of the places. 

19:15  Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Fillies' Handicap

7f  [Class 4  8 runners]

Turn for the fillies here and top weight DANCING FEET [WON 5/1] could make them all go, was runner up here in August and has the wonderful Hollie Doyle in the saddle who of course is in great form of late. TUSCAN OASIS [7th 12/1] was sent off favourite at Wolves last time and off a similar mark has about a length to find, that run might have helped bring her on.

19:45  Unibet Extra Place Offers Every Day Handicap

6f  [Class 5  12 runners]

A winner here last week BRENNER PASS [4th 4/1] should go well again to follow up in a similar looking contest with his 3lb claimer still in the saddle. JOHNNY REB [WON 2/1f] was only beaten a nose here last time and now has James Doyle on board, is fairly consistent on the all weather winning here earlier in the year.

20:15  Unibet Casino Deposit 10 Get 40 Bonus Handicap

6f  [Class 6  12 runners]

A race that won't take much winning and some faith in top weight BOLD DECISION [3rd 9/2] who regularly places and is off similar mark to his second place here last month, could go one better. While ANDRE AMAR [Non Runner] has dropped down the weights and see if he can be ridden bit closer to the pace now with a big price expected.

Staked -- 8 points.       Returns -- 10 points.
Results will appear here later during Wednesday evening. This season we started afresh and will try hard to stop going well behind but all results are accurate and recorded to SP returns to a 1pt win stake only and updated each meeting. A disappointing 2020 so far now sees us behind after meeting #18 to the tune of -57.685 overall and we need some more winners to see this reduced soon. Well at least stopped the losing run, a knocked a couple points off the deficit. Means we are -55.685 for the next meeting in seven days time.

Lays -- 25/37. We had a good season last year with the lays, aiming at favourites and not afraid to take on short odds on shots too. The plan will be for at least one or two each meeting and we will keep those results separate from the handicaps.

Tonight's Lays;

17:15 - Portfolio [7f 2yo Fillies Novice Stakes] Lost 5th 3/1

18:15 - Saeiqa  [7f 2yo Novice Stakes] Lost 6th 3/1

18:45 - Noble Dynasty [7f 2yo Novice Stakes] Won 4/9f

Our next evening meeting here will be next week Wednesday 28th October hope you can join us again soon but most importantly remain safe and well.

🏇 PONTEFRACT HORSE RACING SYSTEM -- 2020 SEASON -- MEETING #10 19th OCTOBER

PONTEFRACT SEASON 2020.
Welcome to the FINAL instalment of our online coverage for the 2020 season here at Pontefract. Horse racing meetings around the country continue behind closed doors so we will continue to cover things as best we can here and then update if/when the guidelines change. 

Official Statement from Pontefract Racecourse regarding Coronavirus; 
*The information below is correct at 5pm on Tuesday 22nd September and will be updated as and when further information is available and/or updated advice is received.*
At Pontefract Racecourse the safety and welfare of our visitors, racegoers, participants and team is paramount. We are keeping up to date with the latest information and advice from the Government and the British Horseracing Authority and have a team ready to implement recommended actions. We have been allocated 10 race meetings 'Behind Closed Doors'. This means that there will be no public in attendance and race meetings will be open to jockeys, trainers and officials only.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have now allocated further fixtures through to the end of the year, this means that there are an additional four fixtures for Pontefract to add to those already announced, we've had five meetings this season and there will be five more till we end on 19th October, therefore we've sadly lost six meetings from the usual calendar, under the current guidance these meetings will still be scheduled 'behind closed doors'.These will be on:

  Friday 14th August

  Thursday 17th September 

  Thursday 24th September

  Monday 5th October

  Monday 19th October

The season has received it's final set of fixtures for 2020 and instead of the usual 16 races through the year we have to settle with just the 10. Still better than nothing and we of course continue the racing here at Pontefract behind closed doors. This is the tenth and final meeting of the revised schedule due on Monday 19th October where the 1st race will be a 6f Novice Stakes contest due off around 12:45pm. 

It's an eight race card to end the season on this Monday afternoon and as usual ALL of our results for these fixtures are recorded to a level stake at Starting Price (SP), and will also show any forecast results too in the daily results but these do not count for the profit / loss figures. After the first nine meetings of the season despite managing a few winners but sadly not quite enough and thus we carry forward a loss of -39.13 points to SP as we look ahead to this tenth meeting of the reduced season today.

Hopefully we can come racing again soon ladies

A link to this afternoon's race card can be found here

Going and Weather Details

The going for the next race meeting behind closed doors on Monday 19th October is currently 'Soft' following a change in the weather in the past week, plenty of rain is expected to continue over the weekend and into Monday with a top temperature of 13C at the track, although we'll be dry and warm at home of course. Here are our selections for the eight races on Monday afternoon, remember it's a very simple selection process using stalls one and two in every race;

12:45  Napoleons Casino Bradford Novice Auction
6f  [Class 5  7 runners]

(1) - Mountain Ash  [7th 50/1]

(2) - Blazing Son  [4th 22/1]

13:15  Join Racing TV Now Nursery
1m 6y  [Class 5  7 runners]

(1) - The Bravest  [2nd 8/1]

(2) - Time For A Good Un  [5th 13/2]

13:45  ebfstallions.com Silver Tankard Stakes (Listed)
1m 6y  [Class 1  7 runners]

(1) - Roseabad  [4th 10/1]

(2) - The Rosstafarian  [3rd 6/4f]

14:20  Phil Bull Trophy Conditions Stakes
2m 2f 2y  [Class 2  6 runners]
(1) - Lucky Deal  [5th 8/1]

(2) - Leannes Lady  [6th 300/1]

14:50  Pontefract Thanks The NHS Handicap
1m 2f 5y  [Class 4  7 runners]
(1) - Cockalorum  [WON 2/1f]

(2) - Idilico  [6th 40/1]

15:20  Racing TV On Sky Channel 426 Handicap (Div 1)
6f  [Class 5  11 runners]
(1) - Wade's Magic  [4th 16/1].

(2) - Oriental Relation  [Non Runner].

15:50  Racing TV On Sky Channel 426 Handicap (Div 2)
6f  [Class 5  10 runners]
(1) - Sin E Shekells  [4th 16/1]

(2) - Round The Island  [WON 7/2]

16:20  Visit goracinginyorkshire.com Handicap
5f 3y  [Class 4  12 runners]
(1) - John Kirkup  [WON 11/4]

(2) - Poyle Vinnie  [3rd 33/1]

Staked -- 16 points.
Returns -- 12.25 points.

Results will be updated during the afternoon and we will keep a season total as usual though sadly despite a successful meeting #9 we are still down by -39.13 as we enter this meeting. Hopefully we can claw some more of that back today before we end the season here. Three winners today but not enough to stop the losses [-42.88], could have done with one of the big ones going in rather than placing but that's 2020 for you I guess! 

And that brings an end to our season here at Pontefract for 2020. A bit shorter than usual, but hopefully we can return with a complete menu of racing in 2021. Take care, stay safe.