Mark Rowntree's Monday tips: "That would make him tough to beat"

Floral Maid, twice runner-up at Beverley, makes her nursery debut from a mark of 71. 

Brian Ellison’s juvenile was produced to win her race (5f maiden) last time out, but couldn’t withstand the strong finishing effort from Woodvale. 

However, she did prove herself on better ground there and, with plenty of stamina in her pedigree, is likely to appreciate this extra furlong. 

Began the season on a mark of 83, and while it is fair to acknowledge that he struggled to make an impact in Class 3 & Class 4 handicaps at Windsor and York during the summer, he has plummeted in the weights and is competitively handicapped from a reduced mark of 71. 

The Easterby runner rattled home from off the pace, to get within a head of the re-opposing Fiscal Policy over C&D (Class 5) recently, and a repeat of that would make him tough to beat. 

Stormy Impact hasn’t won since July 2025. However, she was tried at Listed level thereafter, and has kept decent company this year, a keeping-on fourth in the ‘Dash’ on Derby Day at Epsom in June coming from a 5lb higher mark. 

She struggled in an ultra-competitive Class 2 at York’s Ebor Festival – that race won by the thriving Air Force One and also featuring Toca Madera and Gold Star Hero – but she gave notice her turn isn’t far away when chasing home the course specialist Jordan Electrics at Hamilton a fortnight ago. 

She does take time to find her stride, gradually winding up for the finish, so returning to this stiff 6f promises to suit. Granted a positive showing, she’s likely to be back for another crack at the Class 2 Fillies’ Handicap (runner-up last year) at the final Pontefract fixture of the season on October 19, live on Racing TV.