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16:10 Pontefract A competitive northern sprint handicap over five furlongs at Pontefract is where we start. Hilary J won over a furlong further at Thirsk 12 days ago and despite a 4lb rise in the weights should go well. Drawn low in 4 she is likely to try and blitz out of the stalls in an attempt to utilise the stamina. She could have more to offer stepping down in trip. One at a bigger price that appeals is Paul Midgley’s Mr Orange. This three year old has plenty of course runs. His last three racecourse visits have all been here and he hasn’t finished outside the frame. He won over six furlongs that day but has previously gone close over this trip. This son of Paco Boy should get a strong enough gallop to suit and if the gaps appear at the right time he should enter the frame at the very least. Ruth Carr had a winner yesterday and she saddles Flash City here however his record at this track has never seen him place from four starts. One at a big price would be Storm Trooper. The former Richard Hannon inmate had his first run in 21 months when seen 26 days and despite finishing down the field in eighth he wasn’t beaten far and could retain a bit of ability. He is one to keep an eye on in the betting being from Dandy Nicholls. Mr Orange (E/W)
19:00 Sligo We head over to Ireland for a six furlong rated race where one appears to be well handicapped on his form of old. The runner in question is Andrew Slattery’s An Saighdiur, who showed signs of encouragement when a close second at the Curragh on the last day. He is now a nine year old but at the peak of his powers he was rated as highly as 107 following a victory in a Cork Listed race on similarly heavy ground. He likes getting his toe in and on this mark of 82 could get his head back in front. Orangey Red is the likely favourite for the powerful Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen combination. She has won two of her last three starts – both over a furlong further on this sort of ground, so looks a big threat. She is likely to have more to offer of this mark and is likely to get a strong pace to suit. Another of the old boys in the field is Bubbly Bellini. He doesn’t come here without hope despite less than encouraging form figures. 17 career wins from 111 starts and he has also recorded a win here and a second from his three starts. He looks well handicapped and Daniel Redmond taking another 7lb off makes his chance appeal. An Saighdiur (E/W if 9/2+)
19:40 Kempton James Fanshawe’s Fly is the standout in this mile contest at Kempton. She carries top weight after her three victories last season, two of which were here, and she still looks ahead of her mark. Fanshawe is a shrewd operator and looks to have found this daughter of Pastoral Pursuits the ideal opportunity to continue her winning sequence on her return to the track because this doesn’t look an overly strong race. St Mary’s has improved for all three starts and got off the mark in a Thirsk maiden 22 days ago. She won at odds of 16/1, which suggests she wasn’t too fancied plus when you look at how the form is working out you wouldn’t say it was the greatest of maidens. One thing can be said for her chances and that is Andrew Balding’s yard are having a good time of things. Thaqaffa was beaten off this mark at Pontefract last month where he seemed to fade tamely in the latter part of his race. Marcus Tregoning has reached for the time hood in a bid to settle him down and eek out that full potential. He showed he has a nice turn of foot when winning at Beverley in soft conditions and has run well previously over this trip at Chelmsford. Fly (WIN)
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