UK Horse Racing Tips: Pontefract

Recent Catterick scorers Lezardrieux and MAGICAL EFFECT must feature prominently in calculations, with preference for the latter, who is 7lb well-in under his penalty following that success. A dual C&D winner, the drop back in trip should come as no inconvenience to Ruth Carr's veteran, although this is marginally tougher. Round The Island must be considered with Mark Winn claiming a handy 3lb, while at the head of the weights, Dandy Spirit might not be far away either.
Prediction : 1st Magical Effect 2nd Lezardrieux 3rd Round The Island

Having been narrowly denied by a smart rival on his Carlisle introduction, HOUGOUMONT gained compensation next time when scoring at Newcastle. That form was franked when the runner-up struck on his next start, so despite the winner's penalty, he's fancied to follow up. Rez shaped with promise at Wolverhampton on debut and with improvement likely, he could go well. Downtown Dubai represents powerful connections and appeals as the type to progress on his second career start.
Prediction : 1st Hougoumont 2nd Rez 3rd Downtown Dubai

Quantum Impact (second) and DESERT GAMES (third) were closely matched when they met at Wolverhampton last month. The former had the benefit of previous experience, though, so Richard Fahey's colt is fancied to reverse that form and score. Tillybob was far from disgraced on her debut and she looks capable of better. Karl Burke's newcomer Hobson Point must enter calculations for a yard that has been in flying form with their juveniles.
Prediction : 1st Desert Games 2nd Quantum Impact 3rd Tillybob

The form of BLISTERING BARNEY's recent efforts at Carlisle and Hamilton have worked out extremely well and the slight rise in trip can see the six-year-old go in again. He may have too much for the likes of Billy No Mates, who returned from a 301-day absence with a convincing win at Thirsk, and Zhang Fei, who deservedly got off the mark at Windsor last month. Hilts and Solar Joe can also have a say in proceedings.
Prediction : 1st Blistering Barney 2nd Billy No Mates 3rd Zhang Fei

The key to this race looks to be the rematch between ANOTHER ROMANCE (first) and Al Simmo (second) from their clash at Salisbury earlier in the month. The latter may be significantly better off at the weights for finishing over three lengths behind, but the Crisfords' filly could not have been more authoritative and can lead the way once more. Placed over C&D on her penultimate start, Commandment must enter calculations alongside International Girl, who will appreciate the return to 6f.
Prediction : 1st Another Romance 2nd Al Simmo 3rd Commandment

INFINITI has been a revelation this season and she could be set fair for a fifth triumph in six starts, with conditions in her favour once more. The extra furlong is another plus and she is narrowly preferred to course winner Wynford, who stuck on well at Carlisle last month and was fifth in this race last year. Newmarket scorer Dereham is another to consider along with Flying Standard and Flint Hill, who took this prize off 1lb higher 12 months ago.
Prediction : 1st Infiniti 2nd Wynford 3rd Dereham

A case can be made for several of these, including Firth Of Clyde, who has filled the runner-up spot on his last four outings and returns from an absence. However, preference is for TOPOMANIA, who is related to some very smart types and has recorded good seconds on both career starts. Further improvement looks likely for the son of Siyouni. Chantico and Bamboor are noted on debut.
Prediction : 1st Topomania 2nd Firth Of Clyde 3rd Chantico

Vaccine was not disgraced in fourth at Thirsk, and first-time blinkers could help him further into contention. Garden Oasis is not to be taken lightly at this level, but BUSHFIRE should be sharper for his seasonal debut at Royal Ascot back in June, where he faded in the Golden Gates Handicap. He drops considerably in class and has been gelded since, so much better is anticipated.
Prediction : 1st Bushfire 2nd Garden Oasis 3rd Vaccine