What surprising feeling last night – 2 winners! Well, they are more consolation than anything else but nonetheless it’s always good to get some winners on the board. Hopefully a sign for better things to come? There is a great card at Pontefract, so let’s find some winners.

2.45 Pontefract: Class 3 Handicap, 1m 4f

Couple of interesting sorts in this competitive race. Favourite Almodovar makes appeal given that he is sure to appreciate the step up in trip when attempting to win three on the bounce. He may well defy his new mark here but is a very short prices considering the depth of the field.

Fellow “I’m on a hat-trick” More Mischief is an interesting alternative from the bottom of the weights. She looks a grinder and could appreciate the uphill finish. Her wide draw is a slight concern as well as it seems that she may need a bit of cut in the ground to be seen at her best, particularly stepping up in grade now.

The other three year old in the race, Keep In Line, is the most intriguing contender. He’s certainly very well bred and a full-brother to smart Kassiano. He won at Windsor the other day a shade cosily, and the 4lb rise for that effort could easily underestimate him. He has plenty of stamina but seems also speedy, so whatever way the race evolves, he should be equipped.

The wide draw is a concern though. However there aren’t too many in the race who’re likely to storm off to the front, so he may be able to overcome this. He has a very capable 3lb claimer in the saddle too. This horse is certainly overpriced.

Keep In Line @ 7/1 William Hill – 5pts Win

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3.45 Pontefract: Flying Fillies’ Stakes (Listed), 6f

Eddie Lynam won’t bring his classy filly Byzantium over for a nice day out. She has top credentials to win this Listed contast in fact. The three year old was desperately unlucky not to get up on the line in a hot little race at Laas the last time. Conditions will suit today perfectly, as she has a good draw and should appreciate the stiff uphill finish.

Byzantium @ 9/2 Paddy Power – 5pts Win

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4.20 Pontefract: Class 3 Handicap, 1m 

Ultra competitive little Handicap – each and everyone of the six runners has legitimate claims. Therefore I feel La Dorotea is overpriced here given that she wasn’t disgraced in a really hot race at Chester the last time where she had to overcome a wide draw. She was highly tried in Listed class before which was beyond her, when following on from a good course and distance success here at Ponti. She’s only 2lb higher today but has an excellent 3lb claimer in the saddle.

La Dorotea @ 10/1 Paddy Power – 5pts Win

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5.20 Pontefract: Class 5 Handicap, 6f

Be Lucky is impossible to oppose here given she is 2/2 over coure and distance and only 3lb above her last winning mark. She has the pole position draw and the speed to move forward from there. A bold bid is expected and if she is in the same mood as the last time she was here, she’s very hard to beat.

Be Lucky @ 9/2 Paddy Power – 5pts Win