3:48 Pontefract Tips

Rock Opera is a very solid horse here. He ran to form when beaten just 1 length off this mark at Hamilton last time, even with a wide draw working against him. He’s placed at this course and distance before, has won at this trip, and handles any ground. He’s competitively weighted at 9 and has proven class and handicap form.

The Good Biscuit has ran at Pontefract 7 times. It has won twice, has been placed, and has had excuses such as a high draw in other runs. The going is forecast as good on the firm side, but looking at the forecast it will be on the soft side, which will suit. Ruth Carr is out of form, but her runners are not far away in most cases, and her luck will change soon.

Won some big races in the past. Won in April at Catterick. Disappointing last time out but can bounce back, as didn't have the run of the race that day.

He has a solid foundation based on his earlier Irish form. Following a recent showing of notable speed and flexibility, he is regarded as a promising contender to place at reasonable odds.

Irish Nectar is taken to build on an encouraging return to form and looks well positioned if conditions turn softer. Last time out at Kempton Park Racecourse, he finished 4th in a Class 4 Handicap over 6f, beaten just ¾L by Hockney in a 0-85 contest. He stayed on well through the closing stages and shaped as though a return to turf could suit. The prospect of softer ground is a major positive. Last season he produced one of his best efforts over this course and distance at Pontefract Racecourse, finishing 2nd by a head on soft ground off 77 to Fine Interview, a horse now rated 99. That piece of form stands out strongly in the context of this race. His most recent victory also came on testing conditions, winning a Class 4 Handicap at Doncaster Racecourse over 6f on soft ground in 2024 off a mark of 80. Now returning to Pontefract off 76, he looks attractively handicapped based on his best form. If the expected rain arrives, Irish Nectar could prove very difficult to keep out of the frame and looks a leading contender.

The 4yo was rated 14 lb higher as recently as last Nov. Two turf runs this campaign, showing a lot of speed over 7f two weeks ago, only losing out late on. A 2 lb lower mark now. A 6f trip should suit. A good low draw and a good 3 lb claiming apprentice also help.

It could be that Dashing Dick is on the decline now at the age of eight years old, but his early pace from this reduced mark could see a revival. There's an in-form claimer taking further weight off. He has form on good ground, and this trip shouldn't be an issue either. Plenty of place form, but we do need to forgive the uncharacteristic start to the turf campaign.