Windsor was abandoned over the weekend, and Stratford went the same way on Monday morning but no problems expected at Pontefract where the ground was described as soft yesterday ahead of today’s eight-race card which has a noon start.
Sea Trout Reach (1.00) has a 5lbs pull with Dashing Roger for the half-length he was behind that rival at Newmarket back in August and I feel this stiff mile will suit the William Haggas-trained three-year-old. Richard Kingscote was in the plate when the selection stayed on at one pace at Haydock last time and he keeps the ride this afternoon. The selection is 11/4 at 10bet.
Tom Collins is well handicapped on his best form but finished behind Dashing Roger and the selection last time. A market move would be worth noting with the David Elsworth yard showing signs of a revival.
Hydros (2.30) went to Doncaster for his debut with a big reputation and it was perhaps disappointing that this Frankel colt couldn’t overhaul the penalised Magical Morning who was given a wonderful ride from the front by an inspired Frankie Dettori. That effort was on fast ground and many of Frankel’s progeny prefer more cut in the ground. I will be disappointed if he does not go one better today .
Yukon (3.30) caught my eye when fifth at Redcar on debut but failed to build on that effort when third at Hamilton last time. The ew selection – 13/2 with bet365 – makes his handicap debut this afternoon and, although he is drawn out on the wing in stall 11, he is taken to defy what could potentially be a lenient mark.
At Wolverhampton Old Friend (7.00) can finally get his head in front despite being 3lbs higher than when running a personal best over this evening’s C&D when runner up last time. Luke Morris keeps the ride on Ed Dunlop’s three-year-old – 5/2 with Unibet – who may have run into a well handicapped rival last time.
