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Horse racing tips: Best bets at Pontefract on Sunday

Horse Racing

Sat August 15, 2026 · 2h ago

Andrew Asquith has two selections for the Sky Bet Sunday Series at Pontefract on Sunday.

Sunday View: August 16

1pt win Miss Nightcap in the 16:45 Pontefract at 16/1 (William Hill, 14/1 General)

1pt win Alfa Whiteburd in the 18:45 Pontefract at 10/3 (Paddy Power, 3/1 General)

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The Sky Bet Sunday Series is back at Pontefract this weekend and this year’s renewal of the EBF Sky Bet Club Flying Fillies’ Stakes looks a competitive one.

However, I do think that MISS NIGHTCAP has been underestimated in the betting. She was a cheap purchase, picked up for just 1,000 guineas at the breeze-ups last year having cost £40,000 as a yearling, but she doesn’t half look a shrewd purchase now.

She bumped into the now useful Jazl when starting 40/1 for her debut at Windsor in May and she met another useful sort when again finishing runner-up at Newbury in June.

Both of those races worked out well and she didn’t have a problem stepping up to seven furlongs when opening her account at Wolverhampton on her third start, having the run of the race but never looking in any trouble, just ridden out to be comfortably on top of the short-priced favourite with the pair pulling well clear of the remainder.

Miss Nightcap improved a chunk when following up on her handicap debut at Leicester last time, fast out of the stalls and soon making the running, having all of her rivals in trouble from over two furlongs out as she continued to cruise on the bridle.

She was very strong at the finish too back at six furlongs, readily putting further distance between her and the consistent runner-up. Obviously, this represents a big step up in class, but she looks a progressive filly who is well worth her place in this company, and her run style should be well suited to this track.

There isn’t an obvious amount of pace on so, even from her draw in stall 7, she should be able to get across into the lead to bag the rail, and if she gets into a similar rhythm, she may prove hard to peg back, with the stiff nature of Pontefract sure to suit given she’s already won over seven furlongs.

Later on the card I see no reason why ALFA WHITEBURD can’t continue his winning sequence in the Sky Bet Proud To Support Young Lives Vs Cancer Handicap.

He signalled a return to form when runner-up at Southwell in June, and he hasn’t looked back since, landing some nice bets when romping to an eight-length success at Chester last month, and having no problem defying a penalty over this course and distance next time.

Alfa Whiteburd confirmed he’s an improved performer when completing a hat-trick back at this venue last time and that was a comprehensive success, once more making the running and none of his rivals were able to get involved when he kicked for home early in the straight.

The timefigures for his last three wins give credence to the form and there doesn’t appear to be many in this field that will fight him for the lead barring Russet Gold, who is on a lengthy losing run and has disappointed the last twice.

Another 5lb rise clearly asks more of Alfa Whiteburd, but he’s thriving, clearly likes this track and distance, and represents a yard who continue to go well. Jason Hart also rides Pontefract well and he deserves to be towards the head of the betting.

Preview posted at 15:45 BST on 15/08/2026