Flat racing at Pontefract and Windsor (evening)

Main feature this afternoon at Pontefract is the class 2 handicap over 6 furlongs at 16.10 CET. With 14 runners this looks very open. David Nicholls is a specialist for these races and has 3 runners, of which top-weight Sonny Red, with Kieren Fallon an interesting jockey booking, could be the best. He was not beaten far last time when 8th of 18 at Doncaster. Frankie Dettori rides Thebes, now back to his best trip, for Mark Johnston, while the in-form team of Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan are represented by Castles in the Air, not seen out since running 6th in a huge field at Ascot´s September meeting. Another to consider is Marine Boy (Tom Dascombe/ Richard Kingscote). The Pontefract Marathon handicap an hour later is one of the longest races to be run on the flat at 2 miles 5 furlongs.Bsoclly thse ar all öploidfdrs, andf the quszion is who will last home over a trip non hve before attempted. Top-weight Dan Buoy (Richard Guest/ Billy Cray) made all to win here last week ov er 2 1/4 miles, but these tactics are not certain to succeed again. Born to Perform (Alan Swinbank/ Fallon) is the likely favourite, having run well when stepped up to 2 miles last time, but our selection is Amir Pasha, one of 3 runners for trainer Micky Hammond, who took this race last year. Amir Pasha is still a maiden on the flat, but has quite useful hurdles form and has the assistance of Paul Hanagan in the saddle.

Windsor begins its traditional programme of Monday evening racing today. These meetings are always popular, even if the quality of racing is not high. Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes have a great record here, and they have started the season in great form. Their 2yo debutant Sir Rocky is therefore certain to be one of the favourites for the opening maiden at 18.40, although on pedigree (he is by German Derby winner Shirocco out of a Sadlers Wells mare) the distance of 5 furlongs seems rather sharp. A more likely winner for the duo, in our view, is Calpyso Star in the 3yo handicap at 20.40. They are also represented by Half Sister in the 3yo fillies maiden at 19.40, but this looks a very open race, with well-bred runners from several leading stables, including Akamon (Ed Dunlop/ Ryan Moore), a daughter of Monsun, Circus Girl (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), Desert Liaison (Jeremy Noseda/ Shane Kelly) and Eden Nights (John Gosden/ William Buick).