Summer jumping is on a break in the UK, giving racing fans six Flat meetings to enjoy from the UK and Ireland, including an afternoon fixture at Pontefract.
The 2m1f Class 4 Napoleons Casino Bradford Handicap (3:50) will be a test of stamina and there are multiple horses with good chances in the field. A winner over course and distance, Ruth Jefferson's Flint Hill has been partaking in the Pontefract Stayers Championships this year. No reason could be found for the gelding's unusually disappointing performance on his latest run, despite the on-course vet conducting a post-race examination, and it must be taken on trust that Flint Hill is back to his best. He returns to the same official rating (68) held when winning a Catterick two mile handicap in May and the bit of give in the ground (good to soft) could bring about improvement.
WIN: FLINT HILL
The 6f Class 4 Jayne - On Course Lady Bookmaker EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB Race) has been split into two divisions and Rainwater should be well supported in the first division (2:50), having finished second on debut at Haydock over the weekend. Preference is given to Bay Of Australia, who returns to six furlongs following a fourth at Catterick over a shorter trip, where he struggled to produce a finishing kick and stayed on dourly. The Inns Of Court colt placed second on debut over six furlongs at Ripon despite ducking right at the start and his race experience could be of benefit in a large field.
WIN: BAY OF AUSTRALIA
In the second division of the two-year-old maiden, Karl Burke's strong juvenile form could be set to continue with Classy Boy. He faced a stiff task on debut at Doncaster over six furlongs and struggled for room in the final furlong, receiving a bump but still running on. Although the Calyx colt made no impression on the winner and was beaten four-and-a-half lengths, he will have learnt plenty for the experience. Both the yard and jockey are in good form with strikes rates of 20%+ over the last fourteen days, giving Classy Boy plenty of appeal.
WIN: CLASSY BOY
Karl Burke is expected to have a successful day at the races, with Tele Red heading the market for the 1m Class 4 RIU Hotels And Resorts Ladies Day Veterans' Handicap (4:20). He chases a hat-trick following two comfortable wins in handicaps for apprentices and amateur jockeys. The seven pound claim of jockey Sam Feilden helps account for the rise in the weights after these comfortable victories and the seven-year-old has won at the course before.
WIN: TELE RED
In the 5f Class 5 FBS Chartered Accountants Chaplins Club Handicap (4:50), King Of Tonga could be interesting on his second start following wind surgery. A previous course and distance winner, the seven-year-old showed a distinct improvement in form when second at Beverley in a five furlong handicap and that progression can continue in conditions he likes. He took a keen hold at Beverley, and tends to race best if able to sit behind a strong pace.
WIN: KING OF TONGA
It is interesting to note that eight of the ten runners in the 6f Class 4 Bet With Jayne - Your Local Bookmaker Handicap (5:20) have previously won over track and trip. Of these former victors, favourite Harry's Halo is picked to uphold his run of good form following two seconds at Doncaster and Chester. He has been revitalised by the application of a tongue tie and wind surgery and another victory appears likely.
WIN: HARRY'S HALO
RACING & SPORTS SELECTIONS
RACE 1 – JUST HISS
RACE 2 – BAY OF AUSTRALIA
RACE 3 – CLASSY BOY
RACE 4 – FLINT HILL
RACE 5 – TELE RED
RACE 6 – KING OF TONGA
RACE 7 – HARRY'S HALO
