Timeform Daily: Tuesday July 7, 4:00, Pontefract

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 06 July 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform run the rule over the field for the Book online at pontefract-races.co.uk handicap (4)...

Dark Prospect represents a yard that boasts a fine strike-rate at this venue and he has a strong chance here on form. However, he may not appreciate being hassled for the lead and this race could be set up nicely for Jeer who has shaped as though returning to concert pitch recently and is too well handicapped at present to ignore. Applaude looks the pick of the rest.

Dark Prospect is consistent and produced a game front-running display to score at Leicester in May. He was not disgraced when fifth to Covert Ambition off an 8 lb higher mark at Kempton last time. He is high on the list here.

Red Jade produced a solid display at Nottingham on his return but had a hard race that day and two subsequent efforts haven't been so good. His chance would be compromised further if the ground continues to dry out.

Charlie Tokyo is normally a hold-up performer who had his finest hour when landing the John Smith's Cup at York in 2007. His efforts this term suggest the handicapper has his measure for now and his attitude is questionable.

Eton Fable improved when scoring here in April over twelve furlongs but is fully effective at this intermediate trip. His last couple of efforts have not been inspiring, though, and he is unlikely to get his own way out in front.

King In Waiting hasn't won a race of any description since landing an eight furlong maiden for John Oxx at The Curragh in 2006. He hasn't gone the right way since and two efforts back on the level recently have been poor.

Jeer is useful on his day for Ed Dunlop and has shaped as though finding his form the last twice, including when fourth over course and distance last time. He is now 13 lb lower than for his last win and is respected.

Runswick Bay was reliable at 2 yrs, winning twice over six furlongs/seven furlongs, but was pulled up (lame) in his sole start in 2008 and has shown nothing in two starts during his current campaign. It is best to look elsewhere.

Hollins has been absent since tailing off at Thirsk (two miles) last September and, even allowing for the fact that he probably didn't stay that trip, it was a poor display. Others make more appeal.

Atabaas Allure improved when switched to all-weather last year, winning at seven furlongs/eight furlongs. Put in a sound effort here on her return and probably didn't stay fourteen furlongs at Sandown next time. She was poor in a German Listed race last time, though.

Applaude is a lightly-raced maiden who bounced back from two lacklustre efforts when three lengths third to Ifatfirst at Hamilton (eleven furlongs) last month. He has the ability to win a race but is not entirely straightforward.