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16:30 Pontefract
Racing Knight performed with credit when upped to ten furlongs at Leicester a few weeks ago. He was doing all of his best work in the closing stages so connections will be hoping that this extra yardage will see further improvement from the three year old. Good to firm ground seems to suit him well and he should have ideal conditions this afternoon. Phil Makin has ridden the son of Sir Percy once before and that came when making his racecourse debut. They were only beaten around two lengths that day and it wouldn’t be the biggest of surprises if significant improvement was made here.
Dew Pond ran a career best when last seen out at Beverley earlier in the month. Avenue Des Champs was able to get first run on Tim Easterby’s charge and they went down fighting by less than a couple of lengths. A repeat of that run would see him go very close here and he rates as a key player in this race. Voice Control was a bitterly disappointing favourite when last seen out at Windsor. He showed no indication that he appreciated the step up in distance or the quick ground. He looks far too short a price here as a result.
Racing Knight is still only lightly raced and there should be further improvement to come. John Quinn knows the time of day with his middle distance performers and they should go close with plenty in their favour.
Racing Knight (WIN)
16:45 Wolverhampton
Rosenbaum should appreciate the return to the polytrack following a couple of decent efforts in competitive handicaps at Haydock and York. His two career wins so far have come on a synthetic surface so the fact that Charlie Appleby brings the three year old back to Dunstall Park where the trainer has a thirty one percent strike rate could prove ominous for any rivals. He is the only course and distance winner in the line-up and despite the burden of top weight, he has the assistance of Will Buick in the saddle and the duo have to rank highly on any shortlist here.
Mountain Rescue suggested that he was running his way back into form when a good fifth of fifteen behind King Bolete at Newbury last time. This looks much less competitive and the smaller field will probably prove ideal. The big question mark hanging over him would be his ability to see out this trip, but if he says he looks to be the main danger to the selection. Christmas Hamper stumbled and then pulled up when making headway at Newbury on his latest start. That effort is best forgotten and better is expected this time around.
Rosenbaum comes from a family that certainly knows how to win on the all weather circuit and his experience around here ought to stand him in good stead. The stable are maintaining their good run of form and he looks the one to beat
Rosenbaum (WIN)
20:45 Musselburgh
Cara’s Request is somewhat of a course and distance specialist at Musselburgh. Despite being in the veteran stages of his career the popular grey gelding has finished in the frame on his two most recent starts at Catterick and Southwell. That bodes well for his supporters as he bids for a fifth career success at the track. He is still well handicapped on the best of his old form and Michael Dods has once again utilised the services of Phil Dennis who can offset a more than useful seven pounds.
True Pleasure must be the apple of James Bethell’s eye. This talented performer is a model of consistency and ought to make a decent effort to record a tenth win in less than forty career starts. PJ McDonald is once again on board and the combination should provide an acid test for the selection. Any rain that falls would certainly add to their chances and they command respect. Jim Goldie is a man to follow on his local tracks and Rasaman has acquitted himself with plenty of credit in recent outings. He has race fitness on his side and is another capable of making the frame.
Cara’s Request seems to go well for this up and coming amateur jockey and they have the ability to get in the mix this evening.
Caras Request (E/W)
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