Pontefract 27 April 2016

Going: Good
 
 
Hail shower

Forecast: Hail shower
Temperature: 0.0° - 9.0°
Rainfall: 4.50mm
Wind: 9.0 mph N

All Racecards within one PDF

Instructions

1

14:00 Pontefract (Class 4) (2YO only)

William Hill Supports The NRC/British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes (Plus 10)

5f

Winner £4,528 - 7 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

ZUMRAN was sent off favourite for what is traditionally a strong contest at Newmarket's Craven meeting. She looked in need of the experience on that occasion but her supporters could gain some valuable compensation today. Mailshot, Melesina and Valentino Boy all showed enough on their respective debuts to suggest that they will be winning races before too long. Double Dutch and White Royale would appear the pick of the newcomers.

2

14:35 Pontefract (Class 5) (3YO only)

totepool Supports The NRC/Breeders Backing Racing EBF Maiden Stakes

1m 2f 6y

Winner £3,881 - 8 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

The form of LORD YEATS' second over C&D earlier in the month received a big boost when the winner easily accounted for a handicap at Leicester on Saturday from a rating of 79. That was his first start for Jedd O'Keeffe and he is bred to only improve with time. That said, there are plenty of others who are open to just as much improvement. There was plenty of encouragement in Amazing Red's debut sixth at Newmarket a fortnight ago and he looked sure to improve from that experience. The well-bred Alquffaal could well reverse the Nottingham form with Hammer Gun, who was having his second start on that occasion. Ice Galley also warrants respect, while Timekeeping is out of a dual Group 3-winning juvenile.

3

15:10 Pontefract (Class 5) (4YO plus)

Betfred Supports The NRC Handicap

1m 4y

Winner £3,234 - 11 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Know Your Name ended last season in fine form but the son of Halling earned a total 13lb rise for one win and four runner-up finishes and he could be vulnerable on his seasonal debut. MEMORY CLOTH rather lost his way at the end of last season but he looked to be coming back to form when fourth in a better race than this over C&D recently. A 2lb drop in the ratings for that effort looks to be very generous and he would be dangerous to discount, despite being berthed wide in stall number 10. Pivotman is another who has gone well here this month when beaten by less than a length and the 1lb rise is very fair.

4

15:45 Pontefract (Class 3) (3YO plus)

Ladbrokes Mobile Fillies' Handicap

1m 2f 6y

Winner £9,338 - 5 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

MALEFICENT QUEEN was a progressive filly last year for Keith Dalgleish when winning three on the bounce and still remains relatively unexposed off a mark of 90. The daughter of Mount Nelson held some lofty entries last season, including at Ascot on Champions Day, signifying the high regard she is held in. Empress Ali improved in handicaps over this distance at the back end of last season and should continue to progress again this year, while the main chance of the three-year-olds looks to be held by Engage who was fifth behind Alice Spring in the Tattersalls Millions Fillies Trophy at Newmarket.

5

16:15 Pontefract (Class 4) (4YO plus)

Northern Racing College Handicap

6f

Winner £5,175 - 11 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

NORMANDY BARRIERE was in good heart last season before bumping into two very well handicapped horses in Udododontyou over 7f at York's Dante meeting and Dawn's Early Light at Pontefract who went on to improve 21lb in the weights as the season progressed. The son of Rock Of Gibraltar wasn't seen after that latter effort and could prove to be ahead of his current mark of 80 if ready to do himself justice first time out. Barkston Ash ran well on his return and is feasibly handicapped on his best form, while Ambitious Icarus ran much better last time at Leicester and looks to have solid place claims.

6

16:50 Pontefract (Class 5) (3YO only)

Coral - Proud Supporters Of The NRC Handicap (Div 1)

6f

Winner £3,234 - 10 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Charlie Fellowes has a modest sized string to contend with compared to many of his Newmarket neighbours, but he does well with limited resources and looks to be in decent form with two winners from two runners over the last fortnight. ZAIN EMPEROR has had a spin at Kempton to prepare for the turf, finishing a narrow second earlier in the month. The three-year-old should be capable of landing a similar level contest and this race would fit that description. Athollblair Boy showed some signs of promise last season and represents a trainer who always has his string fit and ready for this track, while Avenue Of Stars and The Lynch Man complete the shortlist.

7

17:25 Pontefract (Class 5) (3YO only)

Coral - Proud Supporters Of The NRC Handicap (Div 2)

6f

Winner £3,234 - 9 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

A number of these look difficult to assess on their handicap debuts, but the manner of CAPTAIN DION'S improvement last season makes him one to keep on side from an opening mark of 75. The three-year-old should relish the trip for a trainer who has started the season well, and perhaps the handicapper has underestimated his potential. Danzeb is a quirky type and probably needs faster ground to be seen at his best, while Piccardo struggled last season but has a low mark and connections will be disappointed if he cannot be competitive from it. Mininggold should progress this year but 5f looks like more his trip and Tim Easterby's string usually improve considerably for their reappearance.

8

18:00 Pontefract (Class 5) (4YO plus)

Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Handicap (Round 3)

5f

Winner £3,234 - 7 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

TAFFETTA looked for all the world like the winner here earlier in the month and after being well-backed, just got caught by the old boy Captain Scooby on one of his going days. The four-year-old can claim compensation for Tony Coyle, with the promising Adam McNamara booked. Hit The Lights will undoubtedly be popular in the market to follow up a thumping triumph at Catterick just last week and connections clearly want to get him out again quickly before a further 6lb rise follows his already confirmed 5lb hike. Pabusar looks dangerously handicapped for a yard that do well here and he completes the shortlist.

Existing User?

Forgot your password?

New User?

Sign up using our simple one-page form and you'll be able to access free video form, tips and exclusive content straight away.