3.30pm Pontefract Tips & Betting Preview 03/10/2016

Our race preview takes a look at an intriguing staying Handicap at Pontefract. See our betting tips below where we go against the warm favourite with a classic Sir Mark Prescott type who might just be up to winning this.

IN SUMMARY: Leoncavallo won last time out on his first flat start since April last year and has a lot more potential in this sphere. However, its probable that with a clearer run MONJENI would have finished a lot closer to Medina Sidonia and with Luke Morris now back in the saddle he has a good chance of going close today.

1 GIANT REDWOOD – Was a good 3rd over C&D back in July but has been very average the last twice, latest when flopping badly at Catterick (1m4f, Good). Really needs to bounce back from that but against some inform runners, that might not be easy.

2 DUKE OF DIAMONDS – Unexposed gelding and very progressive shown by a string of good efforts, latest when a good 2nd at Yarmouth back in August (2m, Good). Has to be feared on the basis of his progressive profile and Shelley Birkett takes off a useful 3lb’s, so should be on the premises.

3 MEDINA SIDONIA – Good winner latest at this venue latest (2m1f, Good to Firm) and efforts before that were all very pleasing. This extra yardage should be in his favour and the Easterby yard is in good form, so has to be given the upmost respect with Rachel Richardson taking off a good 3lb’s.

4 LEONCAVALLO – Useful hurdler in the spring, as shown by his 5th place in this years renewal of the Triumph Hurdle at The Festival back in March. On his first start back on the flat in July he was a good winner at Lingfield (2m, Good to Firm) and he should have more to offer in this sphere, so is deeply respected and feared.

5 RIPTIDE – Inconsistent performer but has finished 2nd here twice this season, latest on penultimate start back in March. If on a going day he has each-way claims, but is very vulnerable to an improver now at the age of 10.

6 TUSCAN GOLD – Course winner back in June 2015 but no where near his best recently and was tailed off latest at this venue. Potentially well treated but can’t be considered today.

7 LA FRITILLAIRE – Progressive 4yo for James Given who was a short head 2nd to Medina Sidonia here last month (2m1f, Good to Firm). Better off at the weights today and should run well but might not be able to reverse form with that rival.

8 MADAM LILIBET – Dual C&D winner on an attractive mark, but current form raises a huge question mark, latest run showed temperament (flashed tail and downed tools 2f out) and not recommended today.

9 MONJENI – Arguably unlucky to finish where he did when 5th latest behind a few of these at this venue back in September (2m1f, Good To Firm). Was hampered on that run and never really had the chance to get involved in the finish. This extra furlong may well help him (with a clear run) to get much closer today. Rosie Jessop was on board latest (no disrespect to a promising up-and-coming jockey) who wont have given him the hardest of times and with Morris on board today, he might just be able to roust him to get that little bit extra.

myracing Forecast Prices: 1/1 Leoncavallo, 3/1 Medina Sidonia, 4/1 Duke Of Diamonds, 9/2 La Fritillaire, 13/2 Monjeni, 10/1 Giant Redwood, 16/1 Riptide, 25/1 Madam Lilibet, 33/1 Tuscan Gold