Cloudy Rose Can Bloom If Pontefract Pace Heats Up

The 15.48 at Pontefract, the Pontefract Squash And Leisure Club Handicap, is a Class 6 contest over 1m4f on good ground, and it has the look of a race where pace could be just as important as raw ratings.

On the figures, Dubai Venture has obvious claims. He is proven over course and distance, has already shown his effectiveness on fast ground, and drops in grade after a below-par run in a stronger 0-70 at Carlisle. His best recent Racing Post Rating of 65 sets a high standard in this field, and his overall distance record is one of the strongest in the race.

The concern is race shape. Dubai Venture is one of two likely front runners, alongside Coverbridge, with Princess Vivi and Muhib also capable of racing prominently. That creates the possibility of a strongly-run race, and Pontefract’s stiff finish can punish those who do too much too soon.

That brings Cloudy Rose firmly into the picture. She is not the most obvious win machine, but she arrives with a strong late-finishing profile and the race setup looks ideal. Her recent form has been solid without being spectacular, and she is now 5lb lower than when winning around this time last year. With Tom Marquand booked and conditions in her favour, she makes plenty of each-way appeal.

Regal Glory is another major player after scoring at Beverley last time. She is only 2lb higher, and the form has substance with the runner-up winning since. However, she is now short enough in the market for a mare with a modest overall strike-rate, so she may be more of a fair contender than a value bet.

The most interesting improver could be Clipsham Noble. He won at Leicester in May and followed up with a fair fourth behind Coverbridge. He is still only four, comes from an in-form Charlie Clover yard, and has upside, but his habit of starting slowly is a concern in a race where track position can matter.

At bigger odds, Jedhi Knight is worth a second look. He shaped respectably on his second start for Paul Midgley and first run after wind surgery, and he is on a workable mark judged on last season’s form. If the early pace collapses, his stamina could bring him into the frame late.

Overall, Dubai Venture is the most solid win candidate, but the betting angle may lie elsewhere. With a strong pace likely, Cloudy Rose looks the best value option, especially each-way, while Clipsham Noble remains the dangerous improver if overcoming his starting issues.

Selection: Cloudy Rose each-way
Main danger: Dubai Venture
Dark horse: Jedhi Knight