UK Horse Racing Tips: Pontefract

NIGHTOUT recorded his best run to date when finishing a neck behind the winner at Redcar last month and is entitled to build on that back in novice company. The application of first-time cheekpieces could see him get off the mark, but We'renotreallyhere produced a promising second at Wolverhampton earlier this month and has to be of interest on his return to turf. Taj Neom could also make his presence felt on debut.
Prediction : 1st Nightout 2nd Werenotreallyhere 3rd Taj Neom

VONDELPARK bolted up on his most recent run at Ripon and will prove tough to beat if anywhere near that form. He is rated 11lb higher for that eight-length victory but that may not be enough to stop him and he is entitled to be in the mix once more. Orchestra can build on his handicap debut and is feared ahead of Alexa's Princess, who drops in class.
Prediction : 1st Vondelpark 2nd Orchestra 3rd Alexas Princess

A case can be made for several of these, but SIRONA caught the eye when scoring in Listed company last month at Cologne and she holds every chance if transferring that form back onto home turf. She does have to shoulder 3lb penalty for that win, but that may not be enough to hold her back. Luckin Brew is interesting up in grade, while Local Dynasty is another to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Sirona 2nd Luckin Brew 3rd Local Dynasty

VINO VICTRIX has progressed into a useful stayer and arrives following an excellent second to a runaway winner in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last Saturday. He didn't have the clearest of passages on that occasion and, providing the four-year-old has recovered sufficiently, Hughie Morrison's gelding appears to have been found a suitable opportunity. Morando has to be of interest with Ryan Moore a notable booking, while Indefatigable, who won her maiden here over 1m4f last October, is a fascinating contender stepping up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Vino Victrix 2nd Morando 3rd Indefatigable

POKER FACE has rewarded connections for their patience by winning on both his starts at Pontefract and Newcastle last month. Simon and Ed Crisford's team continue in excellent form and the son of Fastnet Rock makes plenty of appeal now stepping into handicap company. Reach has improved with each start and is another who commands plenty of respect following her victory here at the start of the month, while Ghasham completes the shortlist on his debut for Ian Williams.
Prediction : 1st Poker Face 2nd Reach 3rd Ghasham

RICH RHYTHM wasn't disgraced on his handicap debut when fourth at Kempton last month and the stiffer finish on this occasion may unlock further improvement from the son of Profitable. Barney's Bay produced one of his best efforts of the year when runner-up over C&D in first-time blinkers and he is capable of another decent showing with the headgear used once again. Others to note include Teruntum Star, who arrives searching for a hat-trick, and Coco Bear.
Prediction : 1st Rich Rhythm 2nd Barneys Bay 3rd Teruntum Star

Richard Fahey sent out the last two winners of this race and again holds decent chances with the top two on the racecard, Shark Two One and Gumdrop, who are both respected on the pick of their form. The in-form pair of Nearly A Gonna and Spear Fir also need a mention as they have shown a liking for this course and would be dangerous to rule out. However, marginal preference is for MAGICAL EFFECT, who has held his form since winning over 7f at Catterick in a busy period over the last month. He was just denied over C&D last time out and can gain compensation if he can break sharper this time.
Prediction : 1st Magical Effect 2nd Spear Fir 3rd Shark Two One

NEVER DARK is being kept busy and is worth persevering with despite several near-misses over the last couple of months. He is weighted to reverse August's Carlisle form with Ginger Jam and, with his rider assisting with his 5lb claim, he can make the most of the opportunity at the weights. Mark's Choice drops in class and has to be feared, while Rayong won over C&D form this mark in April and also merits close scrutiny in the betting.
Prediction : 1st Never Dark 2nd Ginger Jam 3rd Marks Choice