4.00 Pontefract: Pomfret Stakes (Listed), 1m

The boys in blue have a red hot favourite here in Let’s Go. This three year old gelding recently smashed some decent handicappers on only his second ever career start and on that evidence, given the weight for age allowance, he might be hard to beat today.

However it’s completely different – i.e. stronger – opposition as well as a different surface he meets here – we’ll find out how he handles it. Given his skinny price I look elsewhere.

I feel there isn’t much between the others well fancied rivals. Mondialiste can bounce back from a slightly disappointing effort at Royal Ascot. He’s having a strong season nonetheless and his third behind French Navy in Group 3 company sets the standard.

Short Squeeze ran his heart out at Windsor last month; he’ll be competitive today as long as he can overcome the track bias. He usually comes from well off the pace, however Pontefract suits more prominent runners.

Consistent Fire Ship is unbeaten over course and distance and has some creditable performances to his name this year: a fair third behind Top Notch Tonto when last seen, and an excellent 3rd in a hot Leopardstown Group 3. He’s hasn’t won since 2013, though.

Birdman has been a revelation this season. He’s now as highly rated as he has been back in his promising juvenile days. He deserves a shot at this race but I feel this could be too hot for him. The other 3yo in the field, Hail The Hero, will find this a tough assignment her, despite WFA in his favour.

Verdict: Whether the quick ground will hold up with rain falling right now, I’m not sure. But if it goes into the ground it shouldn’t inconvenience too many. However I feel Fire Ship is overpriced in this field. He loves it around this track, won’t mind the rain, and has been in good form. I don’t see why he is twice the price of Mondialiste. There isn’t much between them.

Fire Ship @ 8/1 Paddy Power – 5pts Win