Surprise Picture nearly sprang the surprise at Pontefract on Sunday. Nearly isn’t quite what puts bread on the table, though.

In contrast, Auld Toon Loon, never looked like winning but also bumped into seriously well-handicapped horse on the day.

……..

4.55 Brighton: Class 5 Handicap, 7f

Media Guest is in sensational form and the question is only whether he can hold this level for one more race. This contest is for the taking and could be an ideal test.

Last time art Leicester he was impressive after an awkward start, as he tracked the pace keenly in the early stages, before moving forward to put everyone on the stretch from over three furlongs out.

It was a proper injection of pace right into the wind and without cover. Eventually he got tired and beaten for second by the favourite who was ridden with much more restraint and better cover.

He achieve a strong 64 speed rating which just about matched his current handicap mark, confirming the visual impression.

The gelding confirmed the impressive run from last month at Chelmsford as well, where he pushed the pace and was the winner on the line, only to be demoted to second afterwards.

He can ran off the same mark as he did at Leicester, only 1lb higher than at Chelmsford. On that front he’s clearly handicapped to go close and still has a few pounds in hand on his best, which he seems awfully close to at the moment.

7 furlongs is a stretch on soft ground most likely Decent ground will help and the pace scenario here, where enough is on to ensure that he doesn’t overrace early on should help.

It’s a stiff finish, but on pedigree the trip is no issue, it’s only his third start beyond 6 furlongs, so some natural improvement isn’t out of the question.

10pts win – Media Guest @ 5/1