Sunday 30th July 2017

After such a good day Friday, Saturday was a bit disappointing - especially given how well backed all four runners were. Muntadab was backed in from 16s to 11/2 fav, but ran a disappointing race and finished down the field. Next was Makzeem who was backed in from 8s to 11/2 fav but could only manage sixth, at least rewarding us with some place money. The biggest disappointment of the day though, was Horroob. He was backed from 9/2 all the way into 15/8 fav and was travelling much the best a furlong out, but unfortunately David Egan seemed to expect the leader to come back to him and he never did, perhaps guilty of an over-confident ride. It was also annoying to see the other selection backed in from 13/2 to 9/4 fav and then pulled out half an hour before the race.

Even though it wasn't a great day on the punting front, it was great to see Enable romp home in the king George at Ascot and cement her claims as the likeliest winner of the Arc. However, quotes of 9/4 ante-post seem skinny enough considering she still has to make it safely through the rest of her campaign, likely to include the Yorkshire Oaks. Slightly less glamorous racing ahead tomorrow at Pontefract, but a winner is a winner so lets hope we get one on the board.


16:00 Pontefract - GIANT SPARK 10/1

0.5 Points Each-Way

Paul Midgley has three of his in here, all with solid looking claims. However, Giant Spark is the one that stands out to me. His form figures aren't pretty but he has now slid down to mark of 82, 7lbs lower than his mark when winning nine months ago. A recent fourth at Ayr reads significantly better now as the winner of that contest came out and won the sky bet dash at York yesterday. All his wins have come on softer ground and the first time blinkers could help revive this ones form. He has a draw which suits his prominent running style and could make a bold bid to make all. Recommend taking advantage of the extra place some bookmakers are offering.


14:00 Pontefract - SOSIAN
&
14:55 Deauville - USHERETTE

1 Point Win Double

There's not a huge amount on this Sunday so here is a small double for a bit of interest.

It would be disappointing if Sosian couldn't get her head in front at the third time of asking. She has finsished a very close second in both of her starts to date. Her most recent second at York came behind Tulip Fever, who has since gone on to win a Nursery a shade cosily at Lingfield. The fourth from the York contest, Rumshak, came out next time and won by 5 lengths and finished a close second carrying a penalty on Friday. So the form is strong and her 5lb fillies allowance will certainly help her cause. The main danger looks to be Kalagia who made all fairly easily at Hamilton but she has to give the selection 6lbs.

Over in France Usherette could turn over the favourite in the Prix Rothschild. The two met at Royal Ascot in the Duke of Cambridge where Qemah beat Usherette by a length. However, I think its fair to say Usherette was given an absolute stinker of a ride that day, she had a wall of horses in front of her at the two furlong pole and did well to make up so much ground in the closing stages when the gaps eventually came. Hopefully Mickael Barzalona can keep her handy and give her more of a chance today. Its also worth noting that Usherette is 2lbs clear on official ratings.

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