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Progressive Letsbefrank the one to beat
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Vantheman can follow up
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Winning Point potentially well treated
Letsbefrank won back-to-back handicaps at Hamilton and Thirsk in June, looking very progressive over a mile and three quarters on the latter occasion, and he has run a cracking couple of races over two miles on his last two starts at York and Haydock.
He went agonisingly close to collecting a £100,000 bonus for three wins in a season in the Sunday Series last time, leading briefly and sticking to his task, but just denied by a well-treated and likeable mare.
Letsbefrank has another opportunity to land the valuable bonus now and, in a race which doesn't look as deep, he seems sure to launch another bold bid.
Back Letsbefrank in the 17:15 Pontefract
Vantheman is building a really solid profile, showing the benefit of a gelding operation when making a winning return and handicap debut at Newcastle, and going on to acquit himself win in some strong three-year-old handicaps on his next two starts.
He was strongly supported when resuming winning ways over C&D last month, confirming he is a horse who is on an upward trajectory, finding plenty in the closing stages to move away from some solid, older sprinters.
The timefigure recorded that day was excellent, too, and he is a horse to keep on the right side from a 4 lb higher mark.
Back Vantheman in the 18:15 Pontefract
Winning Point is a well-related filly who cost 320,000 guineas as a yearling, but she didn't show anything on her debut at Haydock in June despite being tight in the market, weakening from over a furlong out.
However, she had clearly learnt plenty for that initial experience, showing much improved form when opening her account over six furlongs on the all-weather at Lingfield last month.
Winning Point was ridden prominently on that occasion, always travelling well and displaying a nice turn of foot to settle matters in the closing stages from another promising filly. An opening mark of 75 could well underestimate her and the small 'p' attached to her Timeform rating is there to highlight she's open to further improvement.
Back Winning Point in the 18:45 Pontefract