RACE PREVIEW & TIPS (THURSDAY)

16:20 Pontefract

A really open looking race despite there now being two non-runners I’m hoping we’re still going to have eight go to post. Over half the field have been successful here at Pontefract before and my selection hails from this group.

I know I’m therefore discounting East Street Review who won well recently and still remains on an attractive mark but he’s not one for following up with back to back success.

As such I’m siding with the oldest horse in the field in the form of eight year old Musharrif. Declan Carroll’s charge holds some solid course and distance form and after his most recent performance now drops to an eye-catching weight. I’m hoping that despite not being a prolific winner could go close this afternoon.

MUSHARRIF

16:45 Newmarket

We don’t have to wait long for my second selection of the day where First Winter should be hard to beat at Flat HQ. Trainer Charlie Appleby is flying at the moment. The Godolphin three year old claimed success at Sandown last time. The gelding will need to improve a little for his rise in weight but this contest doesn’t seem too dissimilar from the one he won most recently and should play a major part.

FIRST WINTER

written by Rory Paddock

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