2:00 Pontefract Tips

C^D Victor. 17 outings have passed since his last win in 2023. Finished a respectable 6th of 11 in a handicap at Newbury 18 days ago, unable to keep up the effort while held up in a race that was run steadily. The Easterby yard is well regarded, and the 9-year-old possesses enough experience to rebound, looking a solid bet at 4/1.

Archie Watson trains 3-year-old gelding Georginio, who returns from a 55-day break, having finished 5/11 at Wolverhampton last time out, beaten 2.25 lengths under Hollie Doyle. Archie Watson plunders these amateur races over both codes, landing 69 wins and has won with 7 of his last 17 competitors. Year-to-date, he is 5/6 wins in amateur races if he had 400-600 runners in the previous 12 months, boasting an 83% win strike rate. Throne Hall 100-30, Collingham 11-10, Alazwar 11-1, Tempus Blue 4-1, Blue Yonder 4-1, the other Ocean Of Dream 5/12 was 20-1, so didn't hold much of a chance. Quite an impressive resume, and his Georginio also receives a 12lb weight-for-age allowance, which further enhances Georginio's chance under Miss Brodie Hampson, who has ridden 43 winners in amateur races for Archie Watson.

Tim Easterby is managing Highwaygrey's drop down the ratings quite nicely, and he will doubtlessly place him to win one of these fine days. The selection does enjoy Pontefract in particular and faces some ordinary sorts here. Emily Roberts (trainer's daughter) is very capable in the plate, so there will be no disadvantage from on top.

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A difficult race to unravel with a number of possibilities. The selection, Pride Of Nepal, last won in September last year. He placed two lengths 5th at Goodwood eighteen days ago. He could get involved in the hands of a capable jockey.

Snapcracklepop was a good second when second up after a break three weeks ago in a C6 off a 64. He is worth another shot while stepping up to C5 off the same mark, with his last win being off a 64 in a C5 around this time last year when third up after a break. EW

Star Start has yet to show any benefit from the wind surgery he had at the end of last year, and he has now dropped a pound below his last winning mark. His best form has been in the summer months, winning a similar race at Ripon last August, and in 2023 he won in June, August, and September.

Giving Louie another last chance here. Louie was well beaten at Goodwood 17 days ago over 10 furlongs, trailing home last by 25 lengths, and may not have stayed the trip at all if I remember rightly. Dropping in distance here helps. He has 1 win and 1 place from 7 runs, giving him a 14% win rate and 29% place rate, and did win in this class previously. His mark is now 66 which could make or break him today. The jockey Mr. Fletcher Yarham claims 7lb, so one last chance today, Louie!