There's listed-race action at Pontefract on Sunday (16:05) and Highland Knight looks to have good claims of regaining the mile prize he won in 2012. Highland Knight is still capable of showing smart form - as he demonstrated at Epsom on his penultimate start when finishing a creditable fourth under a penalty - and he can be forgiven his latest effort at Ascot when he was simply out of his depth in Group 2 company. Highland Knight's prominent running style is often an advantage at Pontefract and it would be little surprise were the seven-year-old veteran to give a bold sight from the front.
Ascot's ten-furlong handicap at 16:15 pits a number of promising three-year-olds against one another, but preference is for Michael Bell's handicap debutant Mantou. Mantou is related to several winners and he very much shaped as if capable of registering a success himself when staying on under considerate handling at Doncaster last time. That effort, on his third start in maiden company, came over seven furlongs, and much better is expected now that Mantou goes handicapping over a more suitable trip. He will continue to improve and ought to give a good account.
Our final bet runs in the concluding five-furlong handicap at Ascot (17:20) as we side with last year's winner Barnet Fair. Barnet Fair defied the same mark when successful in last season's renewal for Richard Guest and he looks sure to give a bold defence of his crown having run creditably over C&D on his latest start, not beaten far in sixth in a well-contested race. Barnet Fair was making just his second start for Dandy Nicholls last time, and it would be little surprise were his trainer capable of drawing further improvement, particularly as his horses are going through a good spell at present.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Highland Knight @ 4.3100/30 in the 16:05 at Pontefract
Back Mantou @ 6.611/2 in the 16:15 at Ascot
Back Barnet Fair @ 9.08/1 in the 17:20 at Ascot
