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18:54 Pontefract
A 4-runner nursery handicap with 4 of them with something to prove. The ground will be pretty quick tonight and that is something Mark Johnston, Beach Breeze hasn't raced on. The outsider of the field hasn't shown to much so far. But interesting they have put him on fast ground for his handicap debut.
Jaxta got off the mark at Ripon last time out and has now been gelded so he will be in contention. This is his first try at 6 furlongs and does have top weight to contend with. Gifted Angel is currently the market favourite and was unlucky at Nottingham last time out finishing 3rd though it was a very close third just getting pipped. Should again improve for that run and will surely get his head in front at some point.
I'm taking a chance though on Alif Power this is trainers Roger Varian only runner tonight at Pontefract and that maybe could be significant. Alif Power is weighted to go well and his third at Lingfield where the winner has come out and won again. Would suggest there is something to work with Alif Power.
Roger Varian yard are in really good form operating at a 36% strike rate which suggests there in good form.
ALIF POWER (WIN)
20:24 Pontefract
None of these runners in this field have won this season or in a while which makes it difficult to gauge the form. Buniann has the strongest piece of form finishing 2nd last time out at Newcastle. however, he is 0 from 6 at 6 furlongs which isn't encouraging and looks a favourite to be taking on tonight.
Mutanaaseq has only won once since 2017 which doesn't set the world alight though dropping to 6 furlongs is probably sensible as it's the last distance he has won at.
Difficult to make a case for Twilight Secret who has no strong recent form to show and has dropped down the weights significantly. Dandy Spirit is easing down in mark as well. but hasn't really shown much since moving yard.
This race in my mind sets up for Buniann stablemate Mr Orange to win here. Although he isn't getting any younger, he does love it round Pontefract winning 7 times around this course in history. He has also won this race 3 times in the past. I can't imagine this is the strongest race at Pontefract he has ever come across and with question marks over the other runners. He won't get a better opportunity this season at Pontefract to win a race here. Third last time out is a positive and has dropped down the weights again to below his last winning mark when he won at Pontefract
MR ORANGE (WIN) written by Luke Tucker