2:00 Pontefract -
Fair money for this 5f 3y EBF Novice Stakes on good to firm going. Just four horses and very much a two-horse race. Both have received significant entries. Richard Fahey's Flawless Jewel is a bay daughter of Kheleyf racing in the familiar colours of The Cool Silk Partnership. She was fancied to go well on debut at York. A battling performance saw her beaten by a neck. A recent entry for the Lowther Stakes (Group 2) adds to confidence. Priced 1/3f, punters will be disappointed if she is beaten.
The major opponent is Murqaab. David O'Meara's charge has raced five times and, for the most part, proven to be a consistent juvenile. This son of Showcasing disappointed in the Windsor Castle Listed race at Royal Ascot but that was no surprise at odds of 66/1. He may have gone a stride to fast last time out at Ripon, although there wasn't anything wrong with the performance in third. The cheek pieces have been applied for the first time. Interesting to see what tactics are employed. I can imagine he will be sent to the front.
Interesting to see how this goes. There may be an option of backing both and laying Murqaab in running if shooting clear.
2:20 Wolverhampton -
Eight two-year-olds take part in this Novice Stakes over 7f 36 y on standard to slow going. Sylvester Kirk does well on the all-weather.
Hackle Setter was noted on debut because the trainer had detailed this son of Noble Mission as having some ability. He wasn't fancied on debut but not disgraced, running on in the closing stages to finish midfield. This step up in distance will help and improvement is likely to be seen.
James Tate gave Zmhar an entry early season. This son of Shamardal hasn't been fancied in the betting on both starts but showed ability second start at Chelmsford.