UK Horse Racing Tips: Pontefract

George Scott and Billy Loughnane teamed up to produce the winner of this corresponding race last year and they can repeat the feat with the handily-drawn INSHAD, an early foal who appeals as a likely type for a race of this nature. An entrant for York's Premier Yearling Stakes in the summer, the selection would enhance his chance of a run by getting off the mark at the first attempt here. Theatrically and Law Degree set a modest level from those with experience, so fellow newcomer Eighteen Fourteen may be the biggest threat to the selection.
Prediction : 1st Inshad 2nd Eighteen Fourteen 3rd Theatrically

Craig Lidster has a couple of solid chances with his Blufferonthebus and MACARONE open to progression now they are back on turf. The former creeps in at the bottom of the handicap and is dangerous to underestimate with in-form rider Sam James booked. However, Franny Norton got a good tune out of Macarone as he took over in the saddle when the gelding won at Newcastle last October and, back on turf off just 5lb higher, another bold showing is expected. Dc Flyer is the pick of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Macarone 2nd Blufferonthebus 3rd Dc Flyer

Running off just 2lb higher than when winning this race last year, LIGHTENING COMPANY is an appealing option on the back of his respectable return off this mark to action at Doncaster last month. However, there are dangers aplenty, not least Baryshnikov, who was only a neck behind the selection at Town Moor and has been eased 1lb for that effort. Esmeray also has to be feared given she is still of low mileage and may benefit from dropping back to this trip for her seasonal debut.
Prediction : 1st Lightening Company 2nd Baryshnikov 3rd Esmeray

Having struck the woodwork at Doncaster in March, Perseverants made no mistake when recording a commanding victory at Windsor last Monday. Scott Dixon's charge merits respect under the penalty, but a chance is taken on ON THE RIVER. The Heeraat gelding made significant progress last year, but was too keen to do himself just over C&D on his return 20 days ago. A 1lb ease in the ratings means he is now 1lb lower than when successful at Beverley last July, and it would come as no surprise were he to bounce back. Golden Melody is also noted.
Prediction : 1st On The River 2nd Perseverants 3rd Golden Melody

Considering that HARSWELL DUKE was unable to adopt his usual prominent position over C&D last time out, it was to his credit that he was able to reach the frame. Although there are a few that could challenge him today, the six-year-old has the most advantageous draw and looks set to mount a stern challenge from a competitive handicap mark. Highfield Viking kept on well when victorious over 7f at Thirsk last time out so he is interesting now sent over the mile, while Lerwick is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Harswell Duke 2nd Highfield Viking 3rd Lerwick

The consistent Ney deserves to feature amongst those prominent on the shortlist, but TARBAT NESS could be worth siding with. Third in this from a 4lb lower mark 12 months ago, he represents a stable that won this in 2022 and he is likely to improve on last month's Wolverhampton return. The booking of Silvestre De Sousa is also notable, while Cold Henry is most appealing of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Tarbat Ness 2nd Ney 3rd Cold Henry

HEARTWARMER boasts a smart pedigree and made a winning start to her career at Newcastle in December. That form arguably sets the standard and George Boughey's filly could prove tough to beat, despite being drawn wide in stall nine. Lordsbridge Flyer is capable of building on his two juvenile efforts, while Thursday's Child and Nammos are others worth a second look.
Prediction : 1st Heartwarmer 2nd Lordsbridge Flyer 3rd Thursdays Child

TRILBY built on his promising runs at the back end of last season when gaining a first victory at Catterick earlier in the month. A 2lb rise may not be enough to stop the four-year-old from backing that success up. Huddle Up refused to race at Thirsk on Saturday but did shape well on his return at Doncaster before that and the stiffer finish here is unlikely to be an inconvenience. Alafdhal, Herakles and Hardy Angel complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Trilby 2nd Huddle Up 3rd Alafdhal