16:00 Pontefract

Sunday 23 June 2019

All14:2014:5515:2516:0016:3517:0517:4018:10

Pontefract Castle Fillies' Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 2m 36.43s

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Selected odds by:

(5)

Bayshore Freeway⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 101| CD

7/4

Rated 6lb clear of her nearest rival on official BHA figures so has to have strong claims. Stays well and was fine third in Group 3 Bronte Cup at York over 1m6f prior to scoring in hot Chelmsford handicap last time.

Form: 3-21131

(6)

Crystal Moonlight⁵⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 90

10/1

New Approach half-sister to two Group 1 winners. Landed Chelmsford handicap last term off 84 and faded inside final furlong on seasonal return in listed event at Goodwood last time. Should strip fitter but has a bit to find.

Form: 12319-5

(4)

Dance Legend¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: L Morris| T: Rae Guest| OR: 95

12/1

Won Lingfield 1m5f handicap penultimate start off 85 on soft ground with a bit to spare but found out in Group 3 last time at Haydock in heavy ground. Doesn't always settle so needs to switch off early to last home here.

Form: 2706-15

(9)

Hameem³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Dane O'Neill| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 94| D

7/1

Progressive Teofilo filly who comes here on a four-timer following handicap wins at Brighton and Newmarket last term, and again at HQ on her seasonal reappearance 1m4f where she won with plenty in hand. Could be more to come.

Form: 22211-1

(8)

Hulcote¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Hollie Doyle| T: C G Cox| OR: 87

12/1

Frankel filly who has won two of her last four starts in handicaps at 1m2f. No impression on only previous attempt at this trip at Goodwood in May. Worth another try but has to improve considerably to score.

Form: 331-371

(1)

Makawee⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 89| BF| D

4/1

Raised 15lb for handicap wins at Wetherby and York in May and ran well in amateurs event back on Knavesmire recently where given plenty to do. In fine fettle and is improving so has place claims.

Form: 31-2115

(7)

Spirit Of Appin³¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Harry Bentley| T: B J Meehan| OR: 95| D

5/1

Won twice at 1m2f last season and plenty to like about her debut win this term at Goodwood over this trip at where she won handicap off 90 with something in hand. On an upward curve and could be right in the mix.

Form: 21187-1

(3)

Tamreer^h¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: B A Curtis| T: R Fell & S Murray| OR: 81

40/1

Landed Newcastle 1m2f handicap last time off 78, so while that was a solid effort she faces a very big task here at a much higher level. Will do very well to be in there pitching for a place at best over extra two furlongs.

Form: 7-39521

Non-Runners

(2)

Ahorsewithnoname¹⁶

Weight: 9-0| Age: 4

T: B Ellison J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Bayshore Freeway (7/4), Makawee (4/1), Spirit Of Appin (5/1), Hameem (7/1), Crystal Moonlight (10/1), Dance Legend (12/1), Hulcote (12/1), Tamreer (40/1), Ahorsewithnoname (50/1)

The fact that her champion trainer takes on a higher rated horses on seemingly unfavourable terms suggests that HAMEEM is believed capable of further improvement and she should make a bold bid to land a four-timer. Bayshore Freeway is clear top rated and has very strong claims so has to be seriously respected, while Spirit Of Appin is another improver who could be very much on the premises as well. A place and black type would massively boost the paddock value of a number of the others, among whom Makawee and Crystal Moonlight are not ruled out by any means.