Timeform UK SmartPlays: Wednesday 1 May

Xcelente - Pontefract 14:25

Xcelente was professional when making a winning debut over this trip at Thirsk 18 days ago, knowing his job well but winning in a sufficiently good job to think that there's more improvement to come from him yet. He's got more about him than most early-season juveniles would at this time of year, meaning it would be no surprise should he prove good enough to be able to defy a penalty here. Il Maestro and Kidda were unable to land a blow behind the selection that day but both shaped well and are also open to progress.

Jo's Girl - Pontefract 15:35

Jo's Girl is something of a regular at this track, recording her only career success when scoring here over two furlongs shorter this time last year, and while she was down the field here on her reappearance just over three weeks ago, she shaped if better for the run that day in a first-time hood - when her lack of fitness told late on. Dropped 2 lb for that, she's down to her last winning mark, and as such is fancied to make a much bigger impact this time around with the hood once again fitted.

Mr Orange - Pontefract 16:45

While Mr Orange's reappearance effort at Ripon 13 days ago was only a respectable one, he gave the impression that he would come on for that on his next start. With that in mind, he looks to have leading claims of taking this contest, considering he is now 1 lb lower than his last winning mark - a win which came over C&D back in July. With that initial outing now under his belt, everything points to a big run from Mr Orange, and he gets the vote to take this. Highly Sprung and Socialites Red, who arrives in good order, head up the dangers.