UK Horse Racing Tips: Pontefract

Everything points to a big run from ALAFDHAL, a comfortable C&D winner in April who arguably produced his best effort since when runner-up over 6f at Wolverhampton last Saturday. With similar aggressive tactics likely to be opted coming from a handy inside draw, he looks sure to go close on his return to 5f. Opal Storm could land a blow providing she doesn't get herself too far back early on, while Papa Don't Preach also holds claims.
Prediction : 1st Alafdhal 2nd Opal Storm 3rd Papa Dont Preach

DARK ROSA looks to have a solid chance representing last year's winning trainer. The Dark Angel filly has improved in each of her three starts to date, finding only the exciting Bob Mali too good at Chester last time, and another step forward could see her get off the mark. Mwafaq is a half-brother to multiple winners, including Group 2 scorer Raven's Lady, and it would come as no surprise to see him mount a bold bid on debut, while Panenka and Rock Diva are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Dark Rosa 2nd Mwafaq 3rd Panenka

MR MONACO has yet to run a bad race in five starts so far this year and built on his comfortable Sandown victory when a close-up fourth in a class 2 handicap over 1m4f at York last time. Down in both class and trip, he could prove a tough nut to crack. Having said that, Overture is a typical Sir Mark Prescott improver and she won't give up on the five-timer without a fight, while past C&D scorer Lightening Company cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Mr Monaco 2nd Overture 3rd Lightening Company

HOT DANCER only found a potentially smart rival too good in a similar event over a mile at Thirsk last month and, with further improvement likely, the son of Too Darn Hot may prove tough to stop on his third career start. Yuvraaj made a pleasing start when finishing third in a minor event at Newcastle earlier this month and although improvement will be needed to land the spoils here, it may be forthcoming. Of the newcomers, Family Knight, a gelded son of first-season sire Mohaather, is respected most before market clues are known.
Prediction : 1st Hot Dancer 2nd Yuvraaj 3rd Family Knight

GHOST STORY left a low-key debut effort well behind when scoring gamely over 1m2f at Nottingham second time up and, after shaping like she was still in good nick when finishing a solid third over this trip at Kempton last time, the daughter of Waldgeist gets the vote to make a winning handicap debut. Molinari caught the eye when finishing a never-nearer second over 1m2f here last week and a bold showing is anticipated stepping back up in trip off an unchanged mark. Recent Goodwood winner Clever Relation is also one for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Ghost Story 2nd Molinari 3rd Clever Relation

TOP JUGGLER has progressed with each start to date and shed the maiden tag on his most recent appearance at Hamilton. Closely related to a Listed winner, he appears open to further improvement and the manner of that victory suggested a track of this nature would suit. Georgecandoit is likely to be in the mix on his return to a sounder surface. Sir Palamedes is another to consider following his breakthrough success at Ffos Las.
Prediction : 1st Top Juggler 2nd Georgecandoit 3rd Sir Palamedes

FISCAL POLICY remains on the same mark as last week's C&D success in an apprentice handicap and the five-year-old, who bids for a third win in four outings, is likely to prove too strong for the opposition. The Good Biscuit went close at Ripon in June and is likely to pose a strong threat along with Thursday's Child, who returned to form at Carlisle last time.
Prediction : 1st Fiscal Policy 2nd The Good Biscuit 3rd Thursdays Child