Pontefract 4.45

NORTHERN - Pontefract 4.45 Handicap - Class 5 - 1 mile - Soft>Heavy 12 run

 

A few of these like Phoenix Fire and Wintercrack may need the run but both look the type to follow once they are fully tuned up. Harswell Duke tops the market and is an eye catching 11lbs above the weight it carried to win a big Handicap on April Fools Day at Doncaster last year, clearly a horse that can run well early in the season and one that I fear the most but not any real value in the early price. Do I Dream won fresh last year off a mark of 62 and runs off 59 here and is another who will be a tough nut to crack. Star Shield is one of two from the David O'Meara stable and may prefer better underfoot conditions , he also runs Young Fire, who I prefer of the pair, and who just missed out on a selection as it has form in soft conditions and runs off a declining mark but may just need this after a 3 month break. 

 

The pair I'm most keen on in preference order are GAINSBOURG a Course and Distance winner who is AW racefit fine on soft and heavy ground and who could be very well handicapped off a mark of 72. The second preference is ON THE RIVER, a 4 time winner last season including its first 3 runs and one over Course and Distance and the wins included runs on soft and heavy Going.

 

Tips (1) Gainsbourg / (2) On The River  (suggested stake 1.5 points)