Monday 22nd April 2024
Author: Jordan Yates (jordan_yates_)
2.52 Pontefract: Riu Hotels And Resorts Handicap: I get things underway on Monday with the 2.52 at Pontefract which is a Class 2 handicap that’s contested over a mile and two furlongs. I’m taking a chance on Baryshnikov here for David & Nicola Barron who’s the mount of Connor Beasley. He’s an eight-year-old and an admirable campaigner for connections, last month he returned to the track with a very solid fourth-placed effort at Doncaster which should set him right for this. He’s now a pound lower than when scoring over course and distance back in September and I think he’s got every chance of going well again here. Baryshnikov – 9/1 (Each-Way)
3.12 Ffos Las: Dragonbet Born From The Betting Ring Handicap Hurdle: My second selection of the afternoon comes in the 3.12 at Ffos Las which is a handicap hurdle over two miles and four furlongs. I like Just Over Land here for the team of Sam Thomas and Dylan Johnston who takes off five pounds. He was three-quarters of a length second to Lively Citizen here last month and will effectively contest this off the same mark taking the rider’s claim into consideration. The step-up in trip is also likely to suit given how well he kept on last time, he’s a big player. Just Over Land – 11/4 (Win)
3.22 Pontefract: Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Save Lives Handicap: It’s back over to Pontefract for my third selection which takes place in the 3.22 which is a Class 5 handicap over a mile. I’m with Perseverants here for the combination of Scott Dixon and Phil Dennis. He made all at Windsor last week in impressive style, getting up by four and a quarter of a length in the end. He should be able to follow up here under a penalty in what doesn’t look like the strongest of handicap contests. Perseverants – 2/1 (Win) (NAP)
3.55 Pontefract: Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Save Lives Handicap: Next up for me is the 3.55 at Pontefract which is the second division of the previous handicap over the mile. I’m with Do I Dream here who represents Ben Haslam and Joanna Mason. She’s an in-form mare and comes into the race avoiding a penalty for her success at Ripon on heavy ground last week. It’s likely that she has a very strong chance of going in again here and if she turns up in the same form she’s the one they have to beat. Do I Dream – 5/2 (Win) (NB)
4.55 Kempton: Sri Lanka, The Wonder Of Asia Novices’ Handicap Hurdle: Signing me off for the afternoon will be the 4.55 from Kempton which is handicap hurdle action over two miles. I’m siding with Cawthorne Banker here for Jonjo O’Neil and Jonjo Jr. He was a distant enough third on his handicap debut last time out at Hereford last month but should improve from that effort, he may well also improve on a sounder surface here. This also looks like a weak race and he should be having a big say. Cawthorne Banker – 5/2 (Win)
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