14:00 PontefractTue 11 Apr 1m4f App Hcap

In the 14:00 Pontefract race, there are several horses with potential to win. My top three picks would be Appier, Al Azhar, and Highlighter.

Appier has won five races last year, with his latest win in September. Although his turf and all-weather form are comparable, he is untested on soft ground. Nonetheless, he has a good chance if he can handle the ground.

Al Azhar made a fine start in handicaps last spring/summer, and although his form has been mixed in his last four outings, he is well handicapped if he can return to form. He acts on good to soft ground, and his only withdrawal was when the ground was soft.

Highlighter is an unexposed type who showed ability in his qualifying runs. He finished fifth in his handicap debut in an apprentice race at Doncaster, but he is bred for this longer distance, and he should be capable of better. With Ryan Sexton onboard, he could be a big player in this race.

Other horses to consider include Claritudo, who won at Redcar last May and showed promise as a 2-year-old on soft ground. Tralee Hills has not won since 2021, but he has plenty of creditable efforts and handles soft ground well. Finally, Big Cheese has shown fair form in his three qualifying runs last year and is lightly-raced, making him an interesting one for handicaps.

14:30 PontefractTue 11 Apr 6f Nov Stks

Desert Games has promising form, having finished third on debut at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) last August and running well despite being caught wide when finishing fifth over this C&D (good) in September. He has since been gelded and remains capable of better, so he should be considered a leading contender.

Snuggle has also shown good form, having finished runner-up at Haydock (5f, good to soft) last June and going very close on reappearance at Lingfield (6f, AW) in February. Although he was turned over at odds-on at Newcastle (5f, AW) last time, he could still be a serious threat if he gets back to his best form.

Raven’s Applause is an interesting newcomer with a useful pedigree, and his trainer had an impressive record at this track last year. He is a half-brother to several winners, including US 6f minor stakes winner Conformist, and could be a live contender if supported in the betting.

Of the others, Global Crisis and William Dewhirst could also be in with a chance if they improve on their previous performances, while Indian Falcon, Shotley Royale, and Whalley Road may need more experience before making a serious impact. Blame The Farrier is difficult to recommend given his poor form to date.

15:00 PontefractTue 11 Apr 2m2f Hcap

This is a competitive handicap with several horses holding strong claims.

Coquelicot impressed when winning at Nottingham just six days ago, although she carries a penalty for that victory. Nonetheless, she is expected to handle the step up in trip and should be a leading contender.

Flint Hill has a good record at this course, and he ran well in a handicap at Newcastle in February. He needs to prove his stamina for this distance, but he has every chance of being there or thereabouts.

Military Two Step has been consistent in her three runs this year, and she should stay the trip. However, she has not raced on soft ground since 2021, which could be a concern.

Champagne City is an interesting runner as he is likely to set the pace. He has won over 1m6f on the flat, and if he is able to dictate the pace, he could be hard to catch.

Of the others, Ghadbbaan won over 2m at Ripon on his penultimate start and won first time out last year. He has gone up the weights but remains capable of a good run. Detective has stamina questions to answer, while Land Of Winter and The Navigator both have to prove they are fit enough on their first runs of the season.

Based on the above analysis, the top three horses with the potential to win this race are Coquelicot, Flint Hill, and Champagne City.

15:30 PontefractTue 11 Apr 5f Hcap

In this 5f handicap, there are a few horses that have good chances of winning. Arecibo has not won in his last 14 starts, but he went very close to winning at Lingfield (5f, AW) on his second start this year. He is versatile ground-wise and should be equally effective on turf. Live In The Dream is a progressive 4yo who won a handicap at Lingfield (5f, AW) in his last race by a short head. He is equally effective on turf and may still have more to offer. Clarendon House has run well on his first start of the season in each of his two campaigns and finished clear with the highly progressive Raasel in his last reappearance. He was a good second at Beverley (5f, good) when last seen and is very much a contender if at his best.

Ey Up It’s Maggie is carrying a penalty and is 3lb out of the weights, but she won a handicap at Doncaster (5f, heavy) nine days ago and was a good third in this race last year. She could still play a leading role despite the penalty. King Of Bavaria was a good second at Newcastle (6f, AW) in his last race, and both his Irish wins came on slow turf. Justanotherbottle was second in this race two years ago and is well handicapped on last year’s best efforts. However, he may improve for today’s reappearance run. Copper Knight has dropped down the weights but has struggled to be competitive since winning at Chester last June, and a return to form is needed on this reappearance.

Intrinsic Bond won twice last year, including in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon (6f) in August. He may have needed his recent reappearance at Doncaster when soft ground may not have suited him. Dakota Gold won twice last year but may need today’s comeback outing. It is hard to be confident about his form, but he has won 15 of his 55 Flat runs and should not be ruled out.

Based on the comments, the top three horses that have the potential to win are Arecibo, Live In The Dream, and Clarendon House. Ey Up It’s Maggie and King Of Bavaria could also be in with a chance, while Justanotherbottle and Copper Knight are unlikely to win. Intrinsic Bond and Dakota Gold are both unpredictable, with their chances depending on their fitness and how they adapt to the conditions.

16:00 PontefractTue 11 Apr 6f Hcap

In this 6f handicap, there are several runners with potential to win, so let’s take a closer look.

Amy Santiago is a promising type who won at Southwell in February and finished a good second at Thirsk last year. She is expected to do better when getting a stronger pace, and the addition of cheekpieces could help. Hour By Hour won his only start in a nursery at Hamilton and has since been gelded. He’s yet to prove himself at this level, but he’s not ruled out.

Phoenix Fire won a novice race at Redcar on heavy ground in November, but his form may flatter him. Prairie Falcon won two handicaps last season and is also effective on good to soft ground. He has the scope to improve further and is a possible contender. Project Black won at Redcar and was second at Newcastle, but this is his handicap debut, and he has an attractive pedigree.

Revision confirmed his debut promise with a third-place finish at Kempton on his last start, where he was hampered but rallied well. He is an interesting contender, especially as he is expected to be fit. Wen Moon was soundly beaten on his nursery debut over this C&D last year, but the gelding operation may help him unlock some more potential in his pedigree.

California Gem is on the shortlist, as her best efforts came on soft/good to soft ground. She failed to fire on her last start last year, but the slow ground is in her favour, and she is respected in this slightly easier handicap on reappearance.

Overall, Prairie Falcon, Revision, and California Gem are the top three contenders, with Amy Santiago and Project Black also having chances.

16:30 PontefractTue 11 Apr 1m2f Mdn Stks

In this 1m2f maiden stakes race at Pontefract, there are several promising newcomers and horses with good debut runs.

Crystal Mariner is an expensive Sea The Stars colt who is a half-brother to two winners, Crystal Caprice and Crystal Starlet. Trained by the in-form Roger Varian stable, he could be a leading contender on his debut under Richard Kingscote.

King Sharja is another horse that showed promise on debut, finishing fifth of 12 at York (1m, good to soft) last October. By Kingman out of Sharja Queen, who excelled over 1m2f, he is expected to improve this season.

Legacy Power has already shown promise on his debut, finishing second of five at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) in February. The horse should improve further and has a strong chance here.

Perfuse, a debutant, is a half-brother to the French 1m2f winner Pervade and has a top-quality pedigree. He will have stiff competition from fellow debutant Crystal Mariner, but with the trainer’s excellent record at this course, he should not be ruled out.

Yesisaidyes is a Ulysses colt who is closely related to Dutch Connection, a smart 7f winner. Trained by William Haggas, he is a debutant and could be interesting in the betting market.

Knockbrex, who was well beaten on debut, and Master Sheridan, who has been unimpressive in his first two starts, are unlikely to challenge for the win.

In summary, Crystal Mariner, King Sharja, and Legacy Power are the top three contenders, with Perfuse and Yesisaidyes also having a chance to upset the more experienced horses.

17:05 PontefractTue 11 Apr 1m Hcap

In the 17:05 Pontefract, there are several horses with a chance of winning. However, based on their recent performances and form, the top three contenders are Dougies Dream, Little Jo, and Agonyclite.

Dougies Dream has been in good form recently, winning at Newcastle last month and staying on well to lead close home. He has also won on turf before and should remain competitive after a 4lb rise. Little Jo is another horse that has been out of form lately but has dropped to an attractive mark and was a C&D winner in the past. He has been given a break and is now 9lb lower than when second in this race last year. Agonyclite is also improving and has won his last start on his first attempt at 1m. He is less exposed than many of his rivals and could have more to offer at this trip now that he is back on turf.

Other horses that could be in with a chance are Barney’s Bay, who was runner-up twice in a row here last October and has continued in good form on AW at up to 1m. He could be bang there if the return to cheekpieces (from blinkers) isn’t a negative. The Vik won a maiden in Ireland before being sold for 18,000 euros and could have more to offer now handicapping for new connections after a 6-month break. Do I Dream has won over C&D in the mud last spring and could be in the mix if fully primed after 161 days off.

On the other hand, some horses are less likely to win. Top Attraction has won just one of his 29 starts and is 5lb out of the handicap. Frankelio has just one win from 26 starts in Britain and hasn’t been in good form lately. Oliver’s Army has had no impact in two hurdles for his current yard since returning from an absence and needs to prove how much ability he retains.

In conclusion, Dougies Dream, Little Jo, and Agonyclite are the top three contenders to win the race. However, Barney’s Bay, The Vik, and Do I Dream could also be in with a chance. Top Attraction, Frankelio, and Oliver’s Army are less likely to win.