Lightwater Valley Novice Stakes

Off time: 16:52 | Winning time: 2m 1.46s

(5)

Point Taken¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: P J McDonald| T: M Appleby

8/1

Won 1m2f Dundalk AW maiden in October on racecourse debut before joining Dan Skelton. Failed to win in five outings over timber and now back on Flat where ran creditably first run for current yard last time at Nottingham.

Form: 1-5

(1)

Country⁸⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: D Tudhope| T: W J Haggas

30/100

Top yard has 29% strike rate here with their 3yo's and won this race 12 months ago. Stepped up on quiet debut with authoritative succes over a mile at Redcar last time. Should be more to come and has very strong claims.

Form: 61

(4)

Flash Point

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Cam Hardie| T: Miss Tracy Waggott

150/1

Iffraaj gelding out of (1m4f) listed placed dam but cost just £800 unraced in January. Yard not known for debut winners on the Flat and looks sure to benefit form this experience.

Form:

(3)

Noble Prospector²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 76

11/4

Has run creditably last trhee starts but has looked one paced so extra furlong here looks right move. Capable of winning races when handicapped but may have to settle for a place once again.

Form: 4334

Non-Runners

(2)

Pound Off You

Weight: 8-8| Age: 3

T: G Boanas J: T Eaves

Forecasts

Country (30/100), Noble Prospector (11/4), Point Taken (8/1), Pound Off You (100/1), Flash Point (150/1)

COUNTRY will be hard to beat after a good win on only his second start at Redcar recently. His yard has a fine record here and landed last year's renewal of this contest. Point Taken may be the one for the forecast having appreciated the return to the level with a fair run recently at Nottingham, while the only other to seriously consider is Noble Prospector. He will appreciate the extra furlong having looked one paced so far over shorter trips.