Pontefract 5.10 - Handicap - Class 6 - 1 Mile - 11 run - Good

 

I really narrowed this race down to 3 contenders at decent odds.

 

Odds Socks Havana is best on the AW but better than most of these and the odd decent Turf run suggests it could place. I narrowly preferred FIRST ENCOUNTER who has had a recent turf run after a winter on the AW, this one won on Good to Firm last season at Leicester, a Course with a similar stiff climb to the finish (although right handed) and off just 1lb higher here off a mark of 47, it will be very disappointing if we are not in the first 3 home. I'm equally confident that CURIOUS MRS FOX can also run a big race at juicy odds, she has also had a turf run already and place efforts at Redcar and Ripon last season off a mark 0f 49, suggest that a basement mark of 45 here with a 3lbs Claim, gives her a decent sporting chance (North)

 

Punchestown 6.05 - Handicap Chase - 2 miles 4 and 1/2 furlongs - 15 run - Yielding

 

This seems competitive but far calmer waters than the opening race; another 25 runner Series final.

 

Mars Harper can always pop up in to a place at nice odds and is never lightly discounted, but my 1-2 have key Course and Distance form and I will also suggest a small poke on a progressive horse from the Elliott yard

 

LETS GO CHAMP and MUST BE OBEYED actually finished 1-2 in this race last year, both lightly raced this term and a feeling this Meeting has been a long time plan again. LETS GO CHAMP runs off 8lbs higher but gets everything else ticked favourably and looks primed, the Mare MUST BE OBEYED runs well at this time of the Spring, and coincidentally in November, at the other part of her best winning periods, runner up last year off 129, so today's mark of 126 and a feather weight suggests another bold bid against some who may just be feeling the effects of the winter mud. (MG)

 

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Brighton 7.25 - Handicap - Class 6 - 7 furlongs - 11 run - Good to Firm

 

I'll be a little surprised if Voltaic reappears, it made a bold bid last night but was literally treading water close to home.  

 

Lion Ring @ 16/1 was unlucky in running last time and may improve on that effort and was 3rd rated but with the possibility the 11 declared could whittle down to 9 or 10, my top rated pair come with very solid credentials, considering it is Class 6.

 

AMATHUS is a Course and Distance winner, very well handicapped despite top weight , loves the Course and the ground and really should be bang in contention here. BEAR TO DREAM is also a Course and Distance winner, has had a turf run already after a winter on the AW and is 3lbs below it's last winning mark of 51, running off 48 here. (RJ)

 

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