prominent, ridden over 2f out, driven to lead over 1f out, ran on final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong
never better than mid-division
towards rear, pushed along over 4f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
mid-division, driven and headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong
prominent, ridden when outpaced over 3f out
mid-division, effort over 3f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, never reached challenging position
led, headed over 6f out, soon beaten
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden and one pace until weakened inside final furlong
always in rear division
dwelt and towards rear, headway on outer to lead over 6f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on final furlong
prominent, ridden over 2f out, driven and stayed on same pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
Tayman, Aimee Vibert, Melvino and San Deng are the four that make most appeal and we side with Aimee Vibert on this occasion. The Walter Swinburn trained filly has been campaigned in smaller fields and while this could be something of culture shock, she looks to be at the right side of the handicapper and can be expected to race prominently on Sunday afternoon. Tayman appeared to appreciate the switch to a faster surface at Newmarket and was not disgraced when third to the progressive Gringo. He does have it to prove although Geoff Wragg has historically had a good record at the course. San Deng has been the medium of a number of gambles over the last couple of months but has invariably found one too good. The booking of Robert Winston is a positive, the draw is not. Melvino has ability but is also a notoriously slow starter. Pontefract is not a course that is known for being one where backmarkers can make up ground so Phillip Makin will need to be at his best. I'll do It Today landed a gamble at Wolverhampton and is dropped back in trip. Dean Williams will be bidding for a hat-trick on The Pen having scored in two apprentice races inside the last six weeks. Shekan Star is well drawn here and is in good heart at present. Martin Dwyer rates as a rare booking for Keith Reveley and the market is accordingly noted. Turner has only won once in 20 starts although he has run creditably at Pontefract in the past and could not be ruled out in an open race. A tough race in which Aimee Vibert is a tentative selection.
Aimee Vibert 17-2 (9-9) Tracked leading trio, closed to chase leading pair straight, ridden to lead over 1f out, driven to hold on near finish, won at Lingfield 1m 3f fll hcp (5) gf beating Boot 'n Toot (10-0) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
San Deng 9-4fav (8-8) Tracked winner, driven to challenge over 2f out, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Maneki Neko (9-0) at Thirsk 1m 4f hcap (4) gf in Jun.
Tayman (IRE) 6-1 (8-8) Held up mid-division, headway 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, soon headed but kept on, 3rd of 11, 1l behind Gringo (9-7) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcap (5) gf in Jun.
Melvino 8-1 (10-5) Started slowly, behind, progress 4f out, ridden to lead 3f out, headed 2f out, kept on, always held final furlong, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Great View (11-2) at Epsom 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
I'll Do It Today 3-1fav (8-5) In touch, ridden to lead 3f out, clear over 1f out, ran on, won at W'hampton 1m 6f app hcp (5) pol in Mar beating Valeureux (8-4) by 4l, 8 ran.
The Pen 5-1 (10-0) Held up behind, headway over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead well inside final furlong, won at Hamilton 1m 3f app hcp (6) gf beating Kyle of Lochalsh (9-12) by 1l, 7 ran.
Zarova (IRE) 16-1 (8-8) Towards rear, headway over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 8, 41l behind Splodger Mac (8-5) at Pontefract 1m 2f app hcp (5) gf.
To Arms 10-1 (8-6) Towards rear, effort over 2f out, no impression, 5th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Hezaam (8-3) at Ripon 1m 4f hcap (5) gf in Jun.
