UK Horse Racing Tips: Pontefract

Zaman Jameel and Hoofs Happy Now are the pick of those with previous race experience but the level they set is not very high. With that in mind, the vote goes to POLITICS, who cost 78,000 euros last year and his dam won a Listed race as a juvenile. Regional's price increased from 35,000gns as a foal to 120,000 the following year and he is another new comer to note.
Prediction : 1st Politics 2nd Regional 3rd Zaman Jameel

PAVERS PRIDE hit the crossbar twice prior to winning at Ayr 10 days ago and the in-form six-year-old merits the utmost respect today, despite having to carry a 5lb penalty. Lezardrieux has not been disgraced in either start since winning at Yarmouth last month and he should not be underestimated. Others to note in an open contest are Araifjan, Sheepscar Lad and Young Tiger.
Prediction : 1st Pavers Pride 2nd Lezardrieux 3rd Araifjan

WATCHABLE is often tried at a higher level than this and he is entitled to improve for his recent comeback run over 6f here, given that it was his first start in 115 days. Primo's Comet won at Musselburgh last time but more is required to win this stronger contest, while Saluti edges out Bossipop to be the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Watchable 2nd Primos Comet 3rd Saluti

Mark Johnston saddled the winner of this contest 12 months ago and appears to have another cracking chance with DARK VISION this time around. The four-year-old came desperately close to following up his Royal Hunt Cup success in the Coral Challenge at Sandown 18 days ago and the stiff finish here should suit this strong stayer. Beringer lacks a recent run but his latest second behind subsequent Group 1 winner Lord North is rock solid form. He and Oh This Is Us, who wasn't beaten far in this grade at Epsom last time, look to be the main dangers.
Prediction : 1st Dark Vision 2nd Beringer 3rd Oh This Is Us

HEAVEN FORFEND has posted a number of solid efforts in defeat, including when runner-up on his seasonal reappearance at Windsor 17 days ago, and it will be disappointing if he doesn't cross the line in front this afternoon. He represents last year's winning trainer and a first-time tongue-tie is equipped. Artistic Vision was a pleasing third on debut but has a tricky, outside draw to overcome here, so the bigger danger might be Haydock sixth Bint Australia as stepping up from 7f should suit her.
Prediction : 1st Heaven Forfend 2nd Bint Australia 3rd Artistic Vision

Naked Lass looks to just about set the form standard but stall 12 makes life difficult for her. Gordana and Monash also bring solid form to the table but are drawn wide enough, so a chance is taken on racecourse debutant OPERA GIFT. He is certainly bred to have plenty of ability, being a half-brother to three-time Listed scorer Opera Gal, and Andrew Balding is more than capable of getting one ready first time. Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy takes the ride and stall four should allow him to grab a handy position early on, thus gaining lengths on his main rivals.
Prediction : 1st Opera Gift 2nd Naked Lass 3rd Gordana

KING'S CASTLE didn't quite get home over a couple of furlongs further at Ripon earlier this month and should be better suited by this drop in distance now for William Haggas. The three-year-old has been dropped 1lb by the assessor and, based on what he did in maiden company, should be capable of going close off a mark of 79. Wise Eagle justified market support to strike at Lingfield in February and represents a yard that has done well since the resumption of racing, while Mark Of Gold could do better now upped in trip on his handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Kings Castle 2nd Wise Eagle 3rd Mark Of Gold

FRENCH ASSET just bumped into a talented winner when second at Windsor 10 days ago and could go one better now tackling this stiff finish for Sir Michael Stoute. He had most of the field in trouble around 2f out when last seen, and perhaps first-time blinkers will just help to sharpen up the three-year-old. Squelch handled fast ground well in victory at Doncaster last month and makes some appeal for an in-form yard, while Socially Shady doesn't look straightforward but showed his talent when striking at Ripon recently.
Prediction : 1st French Asset 2nd Squelch 3rd Socially Shady