Invisible Man expected to land Pontefract highlight

By Stephen, bettingexpert.com | Published 00:02 29.07.2012

Email:

racing preview

Invisible Man will relish the quickening ground and can land Pontefract's Skybet Supporting The Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival Pomfret Stakes at 3.50 today.

Saeed bin Suroor's blinkered 6-y-o has not won since landing the 2010 Royal Hunt Cup but posted another fine effort in that race when fifth in this year's renewal. He was slightly below form in muddling small field contest latest but should get the strong pace which suits him here, and can swoop late up the hill under the talented Mickael Barzalona.

There are numerous dangers for the £33,000 prize money, with perhaps Richard Fahey's Ladys First the principal threat receiving 5lb and upwards from her rivals. She is a steadily progressive filly, finishing a creditable third in the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot before going down by only a head in a bunched 1m Sandown listed race earlier this month. There is no reason she won't be in firing line again with proven ability to handle fast ground a big plus.

Henry Candy's stable has returned to form in the past few weeks and he sends out Rugged Cross up north after failing to cut much ice in the Epsom Derby last time out. The 3-y-o impressively won a big-field 7f York maiden last August, and returned with a good third to Thought Worthy in a valuable Newmarket listed event in May. He predictably found the Derby too much last time but is interesting dropping down in distance under Fergus Sweeney.

Set the Trend was better than ever for Andrew Balding last term, winning a Goodwood listed event and finishing placed in the Celebration Mile at the same course. He was far from disgraced on his debut for his new up-and-coming yard 8 days ago and is a player if this second run back does not come soon (bounce factor a concern).

Bannock has not cut much ice in big field handicaps recently and his hopes rest on this faster ground and the fact the Mark Jahnston stable has suddenly hit top form after a spell in the wilderness, while the prolific Prince of Johanne is well up in class and is likely to find a few too good on these terms.

Perhaps Highland Knight is an each-way alternative for those looking away from the front of the market. He seemed better than ever when gamely winning a hot Epsom handicap in June and was not discredited when third to Thistle Bird in a Windsor listed event since (form well advertised by the winner at Ascot on Friday).

In summary, an unusually wide open listed prize, with the layers freely offering 5-1 the field this morning. Invisible Man wasn't seen at his best last time but this stiff course has always suited in the past and he can pounce late on. At around 11-2 this morning a small win bet is the recommendation.

Stephen's Sunday Nap Eltifaat 4.50 Pontefract

Keep track of Stephen's Daily Nap's on our BettingExpert Daily Naps page.

Enter our £5,000 Horse Racing Tipping Competition. It's on now sponsored by Betfred.

Follow Stephen on Twitter :@stephenh61

You must be logged in to post a comment! Sign up + or log in in the top right corner.