slowly into stride, soon prominent until ridden and weakened halfway
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, no extra final furlong
prominent and raced keen, ridden over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
towards rear and pushed along, kept on from over 1f out, no impression
towards rear, ridden and headway to chase leaders over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well
prominent and keen, ridden over 1f out, one pace
Nonrunner
If this race was a sound it would be a rather perplexed 'hmmm' with a furrowing of the brow. Flying Valentino, Sunderland Echo, and Misphire make up just part of the lengthy shortlist, and the vote of confidence goes to Misphire. Whilst a low draw is normally advantageous at Pontefract because of the sharp left-handed turn that comes up fairly quick, when the rain comes they tend to run down the middle or stands side. Therefore the draw may be of less importance, although it certainly wont be disadvantageous to be drawn in stall two where the selection is. A good winner on heavy ground just nine days ago, Michael Dods' filly still looks on a decent enough mark despite a 5lb rise in the weights. Sunderland Echo handles cut and is a real danger given this looks an easier race than some he has contested lately, whilst Shes Minnie is consistent and may run into a place again. Keyaki now looks in the handicapper's grip so is passed over. Flying Valentino drops in trip which may help but, like the returning Robema, he is yet to prove himself on this ground. If handling it, both look live threats, however Misphire is in form and can win again.
Sunderland Echo (IRE) 11-1 (9-4) Towards rear, never dangerous, last of 12, 24l behind Protector (9-9) at Newcastle 6f hcp 0-100 (2) sft in Jun.
El Soprano (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Soon tracked leaders, 5th 1 1/2f out, no extra from over 1f out, 7th of 10, 5l behind Brave Tin Soldier (9-1) at Curragh 6f 2yo lst stk (1) gd in Sept.
Robema 5-2fav (9-7) Held up, headway over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, led and edged left inside final furlong, pushed out, won at Haydock 1m 3yo fll hcp (5) gf beating Gelder (9-4) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Queen's Lodge (IRE) 33-1 (8-11) Soon behind, outpaced, never dangerous, last of 10, 40l behind Commando Scott (9-2) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-90 (3) sft in May '06.
Misphire 10-1 (9-11) Held up in rear, headway stands side over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Haydock 6f fll hcp (5) hvy in Jun beating Katie Boo (8-11) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Shes Minnie 14-1 (9-0) Raced far side, chased leader until ridden and led that group over 2f out, lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Keyaki (9-2) at Folkestone 6f fll hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Flying Valentino 50-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, 6th of 8, 3l behind Danehillsundance (9-4) at Nottingham 1m 3yo hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Pick A Nice Name 8-1 (9-1) Raced centre, held up, headway approaching final furlong, never on terms, 7th of 11, 4l behind Mugeba (8-5) at Newmarket 7f app hcp (5) sft in Jun.
Aye Aye Definitely (IRE) 6-1 (8-7) In touch, effort over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 8, nk behind The Nifty Fox (9-4) at Ayr 5f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Keyaki (IRE) 9-2 (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 8th of 10, 6l behind Pearly Wey (9-0) at Folkestone 6f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Jun.
