Pontefract's 15:10 is an interesting handicap with several to concentrate on. Salutation was arguably better than the bare result at Ascot on Thursday having been forced to race wide and should run his race if this doesn't come to quickly. However the vote goes to Carthaginian who is the least exposed in the line-up and looks feasibly weighted off his opening handicap mark of 77. The four-year-old shaped better than the bare result when making a belated debut for this yard at Hamilton in May, and confirmed that when taking a Newcastle maiden last time (1¼m). He is clearly unexposed and bold show is expected.
Eagle Rock is at his best at distances around two miles and has been given a real chance by the handicapper having had excuses for his last 2 defeats. He can get back on track now, with Kazbow, last year's winner Orsippus and Tartan Jura heading the list of dangers. Eagle Rock was a good fourth at Doncaster in April and can be excused his effort at York last weekend, with that race been contested over an inadequate trip. This sort of test will suit and he is expected to go well.
Magical Rose arrives here on the back of a career best fitted with cheekpieces, and with this stiff 6f promising to suit, she looks the answer to the 17:10. The three-year-old won a Beverley maiden last September and best effort yet fitted with cheekpieces when runner-up at Sandown 9 days ago (7f). Stiff test at 6f needed, which she'll get here, and she's a definite player.
Timeform SmartPlays:
All at Pontefract
Back Carthaginian in the 15:10
Back Eagle Rock in the 16:10
Back Magical Rose in the 17:10