19:15 Pontefract

Friday 21 July 2023

All18:0518:4019:1519:5020:2521:00

Sky Bet Go-Racing-In-Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap

Off time: 19:15 | Winning time: 1m 45.71s

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(3)

Hartswood⁶²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Billy Garritty| T: R A Fahey| OR: 80| D

13/2

Endured a disappointing 2022 but mark tumbled as a result and he capitalised on the back of 7 months to score at Thirsk (1m) in May, suited by the way the race developed. This rates tougher but he remains with handicapping scope.

Form: 05475-1

(2)

Beltane³¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-1| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby| OR: 79| D

9/4

Returned an improved model on turf this term, gaining second success from 4 starts (first for this yard) at Beverley (8.5f, soft) in June, doing well to hold off one played late in a strongly-run race. Of interest again from 2 lb higher mark.

Form: 65-1321

(7)

Mahanakhon²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-13| J: Sean Kirrane⁽³⁾| T: T D Easterby| OR: 77

12/1

Stepped up on comeback run and benefited from a patient ride when opening his account in novice company at Wetherby (7f) in April. Every chance when third on handicap debut at Leicester (8.2f) next time but needs to shrug off a lesser effort at Redcar latest.

Form: 23-4138

(5)

Vaccine^p²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-13| J: Connor Beasley| T: M Dods| OR: 77

5/1

Winless since his 2-y-o days but he did run right up to best when second in 16-runner C&D handicap in April. Shaped as if he'd strip fitter for the run when midfield in last month's Carlisle Bell and he's been eased 1 lb in weights ahead of this.

Form: 245239

(6)

Ventura Rascal⁵⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-11| J: S A Gray| T: K A Ryan| OR: 75| CD

8/1

Resumed winning ways in a C&D claiming handicap 12 months ago. Lightly raced subsequently, but confirmed he retains his ability in 2 outings this campaign, close-up fourth of 9 at Ayr (1m) in May. Absent since but he has edged back down to last winning mark.

Form: 0189-44

(8)

Kentucky Bluegrass³⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 81| D

7/2

Much-improved upon returning this term (gelded over the winter), landing back-to-back novice events at Redcar/Lingfield (at up to 7.6f). Goes handicapping with yard firmly amongst the winners and respected as sole 3-y-o in the line-up.

Form: 8-11

(10)

Tiger Beetle^p,t²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: G Lee| T: M G Rimell| OR: 68

18/1

Boasts just the one win from 20 starts (gained on AW) but undoubtedly capable from this sort of mark, again running respectably when midfield in 10-runner Doncaster handicap (1m) 3 weeks ago. Others appeal a little more for win purposes, however.

Form: 339656

(1)

Perfect Swiss⁸²

Age: 7| Weight: 9-2| J: D Fentiman| T: T D Easterby| OR: 66| CD

22/1

C&D winner who proved a model of consistency during a pretty busy AW campaign over the winter. Below best at Wetherby (1m) in April and this run may well just bring him on following an 82-day lay off.

Form: 435550

(4)

Fiftyshadesaresdev²⁰¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: P J McDonald| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 65

25/1

Fair maiden handicapper who didn't kick on from a big run when second at York last spring. Modest form at best in trio of juvenile/novice hurdles during the winter and probably best watched on return to action.

Form: 355507-

Non-Runners

(9)

Devasboy⁷

Weight: 9-7| Age: 4

T: Ian Williams J: B A Curtis

Forecasts

Beltane (9/4), Kentucky Bluegrass (7/2), Vaccine (5/1), Hartswood (13/2), Ventura Rascal (8/1), Devasboy (8/1), Mahanakhon (12/1), Tiger Beetle (18/1), Perfect Swiss (22/1), Fiftyshadesaresdev (25/1)

BELTANE has proven a much more reliable proposition this campaign, gaining his second victory this term and his first for Mick Appleby at Beverley 31 days ago, doing well to fend off one who was played later. Only 2 lb higher now, he gets the nod to continue the good work. 3-y-o Kentucky Bluegrass arrives in search of the hat-trick for a stable in very good form and is feared. Vaccine and Devasboy complete the shortlist.