Pontefract and Kempton (a.w. evening meeting)

Pontefract this afternoon and Kempton (a.w.) this evening stage the only flat racing in Britain today. The 5 furlongs handicap at 16.30 CET at the former track is a typically tricky sprint, but the eye is immediately drawn to CD specialist Mr. Wolf (John Quinn/ Tony Hamilton), who has won here 7 times, including 4 times this trip, and is now back to a very lenient handicap mark. The bst race here is the 10 furlongs handocap at 17.00; only a sall field but quite an open affair. Top-weight Laaheb (Michael Jarvis/ Richard Hills) threw away a winning chance last time at Newmarket by hanging badly, but if he stays straight can get back on the winning trail here. Larkham (Ralph Beckett/ George Baker) and consistent William Blake (Mark Johnston/ Greg Fairley) look the main dangers. With Sir Mark Prescott´s stable now firing on all fronts, his Valid Point (Rosie Jessop) can complete a five-timer in the apprentice handicap at 18.00. There is also a small field for the main event this evening at Kempton, a mile handicap for 3yo´s at 21.30, but some useful performers entered. Frankie Dettori is here to partner top-weight Musleh for Godolphin and he has an obvious chance, while Stoic (Jeremy Noseda/ Shane Kelly) and Penitent (William Haggas/ Jamie Spencer), neither of whom has so far finished out of the first two this season, are big threats.