UK Horse Racing Tips: Pontefract

The Easterby's have a good recent record in this race and their Shimmering Sands, who was a close third in last year's renewal off 4lb lower, commands respect on his first start back after wind surgery. Nevertheless, this could revolve around Do I Dream and HARSWELL DUKE, who were the first two across the line in a C&D handicap last month. The former shaded that race by a neck but Harswell Duke went close again at Wetherby last time, whereas Do I Dream was a comfortably-held third, and looks capable of reversing the form.
Prediction : 1st Harswell Duke 2nd Do I Dream 3rd Shimmering Sands

ENCHANTED LIFE and Love Wars both already know how to win a race but the former, whose dam is a half-sister to Group 3-winning sprinter Alzerra, boasts the more appealing pedigree and shouldn't mind dropping in trip after winning over 7f at Kempton on her sole start as a juvenile. Success at this level could set up and intriguing campaign for the daughter of Kodiac and she looks a bright prospect, while Esprit Queen is an interesting newcomer.
Prediction : 1st Enchanted Life 2nd Love Wars 3rd Esprit Queen

A close second on her seasonal debut/return to the Flat at Catterick last month, JOIE DE VIVRE is an appealing option given she has been highly consistent when tried on the level and looks worth chancing off just 3lb above her last winning mark in this discipline. Gordon Grey is another key player back over this trip, while My Harrison George has scope for progression at this distance and merits a second look.
Prediction : 1st Joie De Vivre 2nd Gordon Grey 3rd My Harrison George

Previous experience could hold the key to this and with that in mind, UNDER THE SEA gets the nod. Third on his debut in testing conditions in France three weeks ago, the son of Showcasing might not need to improve much to get off the mark. Expensive Rose and Praetorian make appeal on paper and should be monitored closely in the betting market ahead of their respective debuts, though Eighteen Fourteen has already proven his ability to handle this track and might be the main danger.
Prediction : 1st Under The Sea 2nd Eighteen Fourteen 3rd Expensive Rose

An open event in which only a tentative vote can go to Charlie Johnston's LOVE WARRIOR. The Saxon Warrior colt struggled at Newmarket last time but this is significantly less taxing and, from 3lb lower, it would come as no surprise were he to step forward. Minstrel Knight looks set to relish a step up in trip having looked outpaced over the mile at Haydock last month, while Spanish Vega, who paid the price late on at Yarmouth after racing out wide for much of the contest, can figure too.
Prediction : 1st Love Warrior 2nd Minstrel Knight 3rd Spanish Vega

DICKIEBURD appeared to relish a return to the turf when filling the runner-up spot at Nottingham earlier this month and the son of Cracksman could go one better from an unchanged mark. Princess Karine, who bolted up on her only previous visit here, must be taken seriously despite being higher in the ratings. Ventura Express has a decent record when fresh, however, and he is feared most.
Prediction : 1st Dickieburd 2nd Ventura Express 3rd Princess Karine