Pontefract Racecourse: Preview and tips for Thursday’s seven-race meeting

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Pontefract card, brought to you by Sporting Life.

The actions kicks off with a six-furlong apprentice handicap (14.08). Fiscal Policy is a worthy favourite due to a nice mark here and good form over this trip, which is possibly his optimum, writes Kitty Waddell.

Irish Nectar might have an edge here, given five pounds by his rider and also on a very attractive mark. Good Karma also warrants attention after being beaten just a neck last time and the same could be said of One Of Our Own.

Next is a six-furlong two-year-olds’ novice (14.38). What A Girl Wants has form at Listed level and should find this much easier, so is tempting here.

There are some promising lesser-exposed sorts, though, who could be dangerous. Albert Mooney has an exciting pedigree and his trainers, John and Sean Quinn, have an excellent strike rate with juveniles this term.

Race three is a mile-and-a-half handicap (15.08). There are just five runners here, of which the topweight is Sea Lantern; a well-fancied handicap debutant who was consistent in maidens and novices.

Traveling Man won last time out and looks in too good company now, while Alma Latina could have an opportunity now, down to a new low mark and back down to a better trip.

A mile maiden follows (15.38). River Nile is kept in maiden company after two recent placings, while Devil’s Brigade was narrowly beaten last time over 10 furlongs and is back down in trip now. L’Isle De Bois is a newcomer and an unknown quantity, while the others have offered little encouragement.

River Nile is likely the hot favourite for a reason.

Following is a mile handicap (16.08). Venetian Lion seeks a hat-trick and should be a serious player here, while Hale End might have a decent chance having been close enough on his last two goes at this mark.

Perfect Part looks overlooked at 9/1 and could be a nice each-way choice.

Second to last is a handicap run over two miles and a furlong (16.38). Digger One seeks a hat-trick, while Port George won last time out also.

An Bradan Feasa should like the conditions and could run a big race here, now on a very competitive looking mark. He is given five pounds by his rider and the trainer’s last two runners were winners.

Last of all is a 10-furlong handicap (17.08). Thunder Goddess has been consistent over this trip so far, but Regulus Black could be in with a chance also, able to go on a variety of ground and on a possible mark.

Grindleton looks well treated now, though, and comes from a stable seeing good results at present.

Pontefract selections - Thursday:

14.08 - Irish Nectar

14.38 - Albert Mooney

15.08 - Alma Latina

15.38 - River Nile

16.08 - Perfect Part e/w

16.38 - An Bradan Feasa

17.08 - Grindleton