Pontefract and Down Royal

After the superb performances seen at Royal Ascot last week, today´s action seems very dull. Best race is the listed Pontefract Castle Stakes over 1 1/2 miles at Pontefract at 16.40 CET. 7 runners, but most of them are out of form and will in any case prefer softer going. The exception is the 8yo gelding Nanton (Jim Goldie/ Kieren Fallon), who loves this fast ground and has been running well over a variety of distances.

Next best is probably King´s Destiny (Michael Jarvis/ Philip Robinson), whose stable is in form, but is arguably better at 10 furlongs.Kieren Fallon could be in for a good afternoon, as he also holds winning chances on Luca Cumani´ s Luc Jordan, top-weight in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.10, and Peter Bowen´s Markington in the marathon handicap at 17.10; Markington won this race last year, and is also a recent winner over hurdles. Frankie Dettori travels to Yorkshire for just one ride, Godolphin´s Zabeel Park in the maiden race for 2yo fillies at 15.10; she is a half-sister to classic winners Finsceal Beo and Frozen Power (recent winner of the German 2,000 Guineas), and has most to fear from the equally well-bred Mama Lulu (Michael Bell/ Jamie Spencer).

The only other flat racing today is at Down Royal in N. Ireland, where the main feature is the grandly- named Ulster Oaks over 10 1/2 furlongs at 16.45. This is actually a handicap for 3yo and older fillies and mares, so similarities with the real "Oaks" are hard to find. Vivacious Vivienne (D.Kinsella/ PB Beggy) has won her last 3 races, but we do not believe that she can give the weight to the two Aga Khan-owned 3yo´s Shareen (John Oxx/ BA Curtis) and Daliyra (Mike Halford/ Sean Foley). The latter meets Vivienne on 9 lbs better terms for half a length, and as Shareen is out of the handicap, Daliyra is the selection.