5.12 Pontefract – Peter Craven 80th Birthday Extravaganza Fillies’ Handicap (Class 5, 6f, Good)

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Pace Scenario: A solid early pace is likely, with Lady Wingalong, Miss Hathaway, and Carlton And Co all showing previous front-running tendencies. Pontefract is a stiff, galloping track where stamina is tested at this trip, and racing prominently can pay if the early gallop isn’t overly aggressive.

Draw Angles: Low-to-middle stalls are generally favoured over this 6f track, especially when the ground is good and there’s a contested pace. Stalls 2–6 look advantageous on today’s conditions.


Strongest Contenders:

THUNDEROUS LOVE (Progressive/Proven) – Has won three of her last four starts and continues to improve. Her latest win at Salisbury was achieved with something in hand, and she’s well drawn in 1 to deploy a stalking or handy sit. Versatile tactically, and rising in the weights, but not overburdened yet.

MISS HATHAWAY (Progressive) – Improving 3-y-o who won readily at Nottingham last time after a strong third at Thirsk. Handles different ground, well drawn in 6, and capable of sitting handy or leading. First-time in older filly company, but her figures stack up well. Carries 6lb penalty but still on the up.

LADY WINGALONG (Proven) – In flying form for David Evans, winning at Leicester and holding on well in a Class 4 last time at Newbury. That form holds up, and she’s a reliable yardstick. Billy Loughnane booked again; will likely press the pace from stall 7. Vulnerable to late closers if pace is strong, but hard to rule out.


Main Dangers:

VIBRANT PEARL (Promising) – Took a leap forward when winning cosily at Carlisle last time. Lightly raced and open to further progress. A true sprinter with speed pedigree, and well drawn in stall 4 to track pace. Up in class, but that win was authoritative.

D FLAWLESS (Unexposed) – Useful maiden winner at Chelmsford and has form in deeper races, including when running with credit at Kempton. Better than she showed in Class 3 last time. If she drops in and settles, she could be a real threat back in calmer waters.


Interesting Outsiders:

CARLTON AND CO (Proven at Track) – Recently won well at Redcar and is back on a winning mark. Has run well at Pontefract before, though stamina can be tested late. Will race prominently, so danger if able to dictate.

COURT DRIVE (Capable of Better) – Blotted copybook recently but has good back form, including a strong Kempton win. Trainer’s horses can be streaky. Blinkers help focus; stamina slightly questionable at this track.


Runner Scores & Suitability:

  • Thunderous Love: 8/10 – In form, suits stiff 6f, tactically versatile, drawn ideally.
  • Miss Hathaway: 8/10 – Rapidly improving 3-y-o, acts at track, handles tempo; 6lb penalty manageable.
  • Lady Wingalong: 7/10 – Reliable form, best when controlling gallop; drawn a little wide.
  • Vibrant Pearl: 7/10 – Unexposed, impressive last win, well drawn to challenge.
  • D Flawless: 6/10 – Class dropper, not many miles, fair chance to bounce back.
  • Carlton And Co: 6/10 – Last-time-out winner, best when dominating, stamina queries.
  • Court Drive: 5/10 – Bits of form but recent efforts inconsistent; stamina a concern.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.


Each-Way Angles:

With 7 runners, each-way betting is not recommended unless three places are offered in enhanced markets. However, Vibrant Pearl may represent value if drifting in price due to her profile and unexposed nature.


Private Tissue Estimate:

  • Miss Hathaway – 3/1
  • Thunderous Love – 7/2
  • Lady Wingalong – 4/1
  • Vibrant Pearl – 6/1
  • D Flawless – 8/1
  • Carlton And Co – 10/1
  • Court Drive – 14/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


Summary & Professional Punter View (Smart Play):

This looks a competitive sprint for fillies, with several in form and upwardly mobile. The standout profile belongs to Miss Hathaway, who is progressing quickly and boasts ideal conditions. Thunderous Love is a real threat with consistency and a good draw on her side. Vibrant Pearl is the wildcard with scope to improve again.


Smart Play:

  • Win: Miss Hathaway – unexposed 3-y-o, thriving, and profiles perfectly for a stiff 6f.
  • Cover Bet: Thunderous Love – consistent and well positioned; will be thereabouts.

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