UK Horse Racing Tips: Pontefract

BILLY ROBERTS hit the crossbar at Wolverhampton on his first outing for Richard Whitaker and makes plenty of appeal having won this contest in 2017 off a 6lb higher mark. Arctic Sea finished third at Chelmsford off this rating earlier this month and has to be respected, while Straight Ash is just 1lb higher than when scoring at Musselburgh last season and could be one to watch.
Prediction : 1st Billy Roberts 2nd Arctic Sea 3rd Straight Ash

ZODIAKOS has been running with real consistency on the all-weather this winter and could be the one to side with here following a short break. Steal The Scene is another with match practice in his favour, while C&D winner Im Dapper Too is 2lb lower than when scoring here in 2017. Jo's Girl and Hitman could both benefit for wind surgery, with Mr Carbonator also noted from a rating 6lb lower than his all-weather figure.
Prediction : 1st Zodiakos 2nd Im Dapper Too 3rd Mr Carbonator

Mark Johnston holds a strong hand and the pick of his duo may well be ROCHESTER HOUSE, who rattled the crossbar on his debut at Newcastle earlier this month and should relish the extra two furlongs here. Stablemate Nordano looks to have a bit to find, therefore it is Rowland Ward, who can provide the sternest challenge and Ralph Beckett's Sea The Stars colt was second to Guineas hotpot Too Darn Hot on his debut at Sandown last summer.
Prediction : 1st Rochester House 2nd Rowland Ward 3rd Nordano

LORTON was a juvenile on the up at the back end of last season, landing a valuable auction race at Newmarket on her final outing, and Julie Camacho's Sepoy filly has to be of real interest now joining the handicap ranks. Edgewood looked to have plenty of ability when winning at Doncaster in November and has had the benefit of a run this year, as has Fair Alibi, who has been in good form on the Southwell Fibresand. Silvestre De Sousa's record here is excellent and that brings Kinks into calculations from a favourable draw, while Dahawi has won two of his three outings so far and has a tongue-tie fitted for his first turf appearance.
Prediction : 1st Lorton 2nd Edgewood 3rd Kinks

This could revolve around BAILARICO, who never looked a threat over hurdles when last seen but arrives back on the Flat unbeaten in this sphere since joining Warren Greatrex. Further improvement is expected from the six-year-old, and Tom Greatrex's 5lb claim can help him to defy top weight. So Near So Farhh has course-winning form and the booking of Silvestre De Sousa is a statement of intent. Galitello could prove best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Bailarico 2nd So Near So Farhh 3rd Galitello

Society Red is now just 4lb above his last winning mark for a trainer who has claimed this contest three times in the last nine years, while Central City has gone up 7lb for an easy triumph at Doncaster and could make his presence felt once more. Fire Fighting may well appreciate the return to turf on ground that should suit, but this can go to Hugo Palmer's DUKHAN. Progressive last season and capable in varying conditions, stall one looks ideal for James Doyle at this venue, and the four-year-old might be best caught fresh.
Prediction : 1st Dukhan 2nd Fire Fighting 3rd Central City

Any market support for Hawk In The Sky would be worth noting, while fellow newcomer Obee Jo is related to plenty of speedy winners. Alfred Boucher was unlucky not to shed his maiden tag last season and could go close from a nice draw, but RATHBONE was deemed good enough to run in some valuable contests in 2018 and has been gelded over the winter. He appears to be held in high regard and won't get too many better chances than this to strike.
Prediction : 1st Rathbone 2nd Alfred Boucher 3rd Obee Jo

Sempre Presto might find this ground a bit lively but does have form figures of '121' at the venue, while Regal Mirage has won six times from 19 starts and seems to handle any sort of going. Gemini needs a betting check on stable debut for John Quinn, but the claims of KAJAKI really stand out. A solid type in both codes on sound ground, a draw in stall one looks ideal for this test and he can strike now 4lb below his last winning mark.
Prediction : 1st Kajaki 2nd Sempre Presto 3rd Gemini