UK Horse Racing Tips: Pontefract

TRICKY DICKY has been capitalising on a turf mark that was considerably below his AW rating and although it is now only 3lb lower, he is worth sticking with. The Roger Fell-trained six-year-old was touched off by Mujassam in between a couple of C&D successes but he is slightly better off at these weights, despite his penalty. Mujassam is a major threat once more, as are last week's winner Penny Pot Lane and the reliable Scuzeme.
Prediction : 1st Tricky Dicky 2nd Mujassam 3rd Penny Pot Lane

Lord Of The Lodge, a good winner at Ayr on debut, finished in front of MONOSKI when mid-division in the Coventry. Mark Johnston's juvenile paid the price for helping set the pace down the Ascot straight, though, and can reverse the form, with his previous six-length defeat of the Brocklesby winner evidence that he excels at this venue. Toro Strike's determined Thirsk triumph will have taught him plenty, and York victor Hurstwood can't be written off having emerged from a contest that is often won by a good two-year-old.
Prediction : 1st Monoski 2nd Lord Of The Lodge 3rd Toro Strike

DAFFY JANE left some moderate performances a long way behind when finding only one too good at York recently and can defy a 2lb rise to go one better in this less competitive affair. Hells Babe was back in fifth on the Knavesmire but may finish closer, although the main danger might be Cale Lane following her return to form at Hamilton. Two runs after a lengthy absence should have brought Dizzy G to the boil so she is also worth some thought.
Prediction : 1st Daffy Jane 2nd Cale Lane 3rd Dizzy G

MISTER CHIANG started handicap life too high in the ratings but the assessor is gradually loosening his grip and has dropped Mark Johnston's charge a further 2lb, despite a more encouraging performance at Ripon. Blinkers can also aid his cause and he is preferred to Menin Gate, who wasn't beaten far at Carlisle and will relish the extra furlong. Marcus Tregoning doesn't send many runners to Pontefract so the well-related Strindberg commands respect on his handicap bow.
Prediction : 1st Mister Chiang 2nd Menin Gate 3rd Strindberg

Beryl The Petal keeps going close and should do so again but the fact remains that she has one win from 18 attempts and a similar fate may await her here, this time behind RASPBERRY. Olly Williams' filly took a major step forward when breaking her duck at the third attempt at Ayr and there is definitely more to come from her. Northernpowerhouse has made the frame on both previous 2019 outings and completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Raspberry 2nd Beryl The Petal 3rd Northernpowerhouse

Carlisle Bell winner ROUSAYAN isn't being allowed to rest on his laurels and such was his dominance in Cumbria last week, he is worth keeping onside under his penalty. That is despite the opposition being headed by Smile A Mile, who has been much improved since he was gelded and disposed of a subsequent winner at Haydock. Spiorad made a successful start to handicap life at Redcar and adds further spice to a trappy little heat.
Prediction : 1st Rousayan 2nd Smile A Mile 3rd Spiorad

QUOTELINE DIRECT didn't like the Haydock mud when last sighted but he saves his best for this venue and can follow up his victory in this contest off a 5lb lower mark 12 months ago, with Becky Smith again doing the steering. Edgar Allan Poe has rediscovered his best at Carlisle and is a major candidate if bringing that kind of form to this circuit. Regal Mirage, Agar's Plough and Celtic Artisan are also considered.
Prediction : 1st Quoteline Direct 2nd Edgar Allan Poe 3rd Regal Mirage