Pontefract

Veteran arrives in rude health, winning 3 of his previous 4 starts, latest when completing a 6f course double 10 days ago. Similarly positive tactics should serve him well back over 5f. Can defy a penalty to land the hat-trick under good-value claimer.

Sole success came in maiden at Tipperary back in May 2024. Step back in right direction when beaten just over 2 lengths in a very competitive all-weather sprint at Newcastle last time. Hasn't been long with current yard, either.

Useful performance when doubling his all-weather tally at Wolverhampton in February. Flying too high both starts since. This looks more realistic, and he isn't fully exposed on turf for current connections.

Winner of a similar event at Redcar before again capitalising on an ideal draw to land a double at Beverley last time. Likely to face competition for the lead back up in grade, however, he could well make a bold bid for a hat-trick in his current mood.

Winner of this race 2 years ago. Has looked as good as ever with successes at Newcastle/Hamilton this year. Continued consistent run of form in blinkers when 1-length fourth (ahead of Sir Yoshi) in a solid all-weather handicap last time.

Benefitted from more positive ride when opening his account for the season at Ripon last time. A 4-lb penalty sees him race off the same mark as when notching fourth C&D success last summer. This looks a deeper handicap, though.

Ran at least as well ever when defying a penalty to complete a C&D double last week. Up in grade under a penalty here, but it's encouraging to see him holding his form. May well give another good account in his bid for a hat-trick.