Pontefract 4.00
By UK Flat / AW (Northern)
NORTHERN - Pontefract 4.00 - Handicap - Class 5 - 1 mile - 17 run - Good to Soft (dty sunny day)
Let's also start with the favourite, a hot pot from the Haggas yard on handicap debut, Romilda, may well be the one to beat but more often than not handicap blots from this Yard do get turned over, granted a great Trainer, a lovely man and he can win races like this but on balance I want to take it on, IF you want to have a win saver I'd say 4/1 or better is value.
They go for cheek pieces on Powerful Response and its one I fear but a moderate draw probably on drying ground and it just missed an investment/ Golden Melody and Global Spirit are both drawn low and also have excellent chances but they are the types that are hard to catch right and frankly i've been burned a few too many times by both. That might mean a 1-2 here but I'm happy to oppose the balance of form. Phoenix Fire just seems to get this trip and Stall 3 is probably the biggest reason to have backed it but I think it'll be found wanting in the closing stages in this big field. It's a Tracker hore but just left out today..
There are a couple at BIG Odds I considered for a shrapnel bet, of the pair i just prefer SEZAAM lightly raced, a bit of cut ideal and will hope it doesn't dry out too much but 64 looks a good mark and Stall 10 is not a massive negative if it can "come over the top" up the hill. I just preferred it to DO I DREAM who started this season with Course and Distance win off 62, not highly raced and back off a mark of 64 , Stall 16 was the biggest reason NOT to back it but a £1e/w will scratch my itch with this one.
My top 3 rated in preference order are HIROMACHI who is in the Tracker already who has a lovely draw in 6, a Bath winner in Good to Soft conditions off a mark of 72, runs off 73 here and i'll be very disappointed if its not bang in contention. COSMOS RAJ is from the O'Meara yard, is very consistent in a range between around 68 and 73, is DUE a win and can't be left off the shortlist off a mark of 73 from Stall 9. Finally for some shrapnel is ALBEGREY from the Tim Easterby yard, best suited by stiffer uphill finishes as a Carlisle win proves off a mark of 67, has come down to a competitive mark of 70 and is another who looks primed and Stall 7 offers it a lot of tactical options.
Tips (1) Hiromachi / (2) Cosmos Raj / (3s) Albegrey (4s) Sezaam