15:30 Pontefract

Sunday 25 June 2017

All14:0014:3015:0015:3016:0016:3017:00

totepool Pontefract Castle Fillies' Stakes (Listed)

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 2m 37.54s

(1)

Abingdon²⁹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 107| BF| D

1/1

Looks a typical improver from this stable and really moved forward last year winning on three occasions (twice at this level). Highly tried in a Group 2 on her final start of 2016 she should be much happier back at this level and sets a good level of form here.

Form: 4/11215-

(7)

Colonial Classic⁵⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 97| D

12/1

A winner for the Gosden team last year with her victory coming at Goodwood over 1m4f off a mark of 85. Beaten twice at this level once on her reappearance (debut for this yard) and more needed here to see her winning at this level.

Form: 32197-4

(3)

Lucy The Painter¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: D Tudhope| T: E De Giles| OR: 93

9/1

Progressed well last year picking up three handicaps on the spin early in the season and subsequently acquitted herself well in Listed/Group races. Made very little impact so far this year and this looks tough on what she has shown.

Form: 9-09654

(5)

Pure Art³²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: R Kingscote| T: R M Beckett| OR: 99

7/1

Requires more at this level despite not being disgraced in an event like this on her seasonal reappearance. Won twice last year but those wins were only in maiden and handicap class.

Form: 24173-4

(4)

Shearling⁸⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: B A Curtis| T: B Ellison| D

40/1

An interesting and slightly unusual contender having never run on the Flat before and comes here from bumpers. Fairly useful in that sphere wining three times and looked a little unlucky in a Grade 2 contest at Aintree to only finish fourth but this looks to be a tough introduction on the level.

Form:

(2)

Signe⁶⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: P Cosgrave| T: W J Haggas| OR: 85

6/1

Unbeaten so far and just the improving sort that this yard excel and get the best out of although her bare form so far would not be anything near what she will need to achieve here. Only won a handicap off a mark of 81 last time (not well placed and did well to win) over 1m2f. Should be well suited by a trip like this and not ruled out of making her presence felt.

Form: 111

(6)

Tioga Pass^p²⁵⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: L Morris| T: P & O Cole| OR: 99| D

25/1

Goodwood looks the place to support this one having won twice there and actually managed to finish second in a Group 3 at the track last year. No great record fresh though and away from her "home" track others would be above her in the pecking order for this.

Form: 015277-

(8)

Yorkidding⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: S De Sousa| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 99| D

5/1

Tough and genuine individual who ran well to finish second in the Chester Cup before finding the test in the Ascot Stakes (2m4f) too much. Often runs her best races from the front but not well drawn to satisfy that run style here and facing another tough contest very quickly.

Form: 4-32318

Forecasts

Abingdon (1/1), Yorkidding (5/1), Signe (6/1), Pure Art (7/1), Lucy The Painter (9/1), Colonial Classic (12/1), Tioga Pass (25/1), Shearling (40/1)

ABINGDON looked a very progressive individual last year and although she disappointed in the Park Hill at this level she is a strong contender and should give Sir Michael Stoute compensation for a slightly lack-lustre Royal Ascot. Of the opposition Signe who is yet to taste defeat is the most interesting and should improve for this step-up in trip. Colonial Classic will come on for her reappearance run and the tough and genuine Yorkidding will find this trip a little more to her liking with the unraced on the Flat at least Shearling a fascinating contender having shown up well in a decent bumper at Aintree on her last start.