Sam King landed a winner at Navan yesterday and returns with three selections for Monday’s evening action…
Pontefract hosts seven races this evening and a certain trainer's sole runner on the card has caught my eye.
Archie Watson sends just one horse to Pontefract this evening and although Corinthia Knight's recent form figures are uninspiring, there are reasons to believe he could bounce back in the Mr Wolf Sprint Handicap at 8.30.
It's fair to say the eight-year-old is nothing like he was at his peak, but he certainly has the ability to win off this mark. He's been given a break after finishing midfield at Chelmsford in February and I'm expecting connections have had this race in mind for some time given he won the contest last year.
A current mark of 68 is far too tempting to resist. The gelded son of Society Rock won last season's renewal off 3lb higher and went on to score off a mark of 78 at this venue later that summer.
The quick ground is absolutely no issue and the return to Pontefract looks like a huge bonus with a staggering five wins from eight outings over this evening's course and distance.
Paul Mulrennan was on board the last time he won in July 2022, and it looks significant he gets the leg up for the first time since then.
Selection: Corinthia Knight – General 13/2
We head to Berkshire for our second selection where Windsor hosts the Fitzdares Sprint Series Handicap at 7.10.
As expected, it looks competitive on paper but one horse sticks out returning to handicap company back at a track he holds proven form.
The Charlie Hills-trained Equality realistically stood little chance when eleventh behind Dramatised in the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock 16 days ago, but he showed up well enough for a long way and that performance can probably be upgraded given he raced away from where the action unfolded.
He finished an excellent third in a competitive Class 2 handicap at Ascot off 2lb higher last season and holds some solid proven winning form over course and distance.
The son of Equiano is versatile across a variety of grounds and looks a decent bet to get back to winning ways with William Buick booked now returning to handicap company.
Selection: Equality – General 5/1
The third and final wager also comes from Windsor and I'm hopeful it can be a good night's work for William Buick. He partners the Eve Johnson Houghton-trained Noble Masquerade in the O'Malley Haulage Handicap at 8.10 and there appears to be plenty to like about his chances.
The six-year-old was given plenty to do when a keeping on third over course and distance three weeks ago and looks weighted to go close once more.
He won a similar track and trip handicap last April off 4lb higher and is generally consistent at Class 4 level.
Conditions will pose no problems for this honest son of Sir Percy and the stable is really beginning to hit top stride with five winners from their last 22 runners.
Selection: Noble Masquerade – General 3/1
