13:45 Pontefract

Tuesday 2 April 2024

All13:4514:1514:4515:1515:4516:1516:45

Northern Commercials Iveco Driveaway Novice Stakes (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 1m 22.88s

(9)

Laser Focus^t¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Jack Enright⁽⁷⁾| T: James Owen

100/1

Fair hurdler for Henry de Bromhead but below that level for Alexandra Dunn. Switched to the Flat on his stable debut, never a threat when fourth of 7 in minor event at Southwell (7.1f) 13 days ago. Has work to do.

Form: 4

(6)

Federal Envoy¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-11| J: D Tudhope| T: K R Burke

11/10

Appealed on paper and made a winning start in 12-runner maiden at Southwell (7.1f) 19 days ago, scoring with a bit in hand. Open to improvement so he's not taken lightly.

Form: 1

(5)

Own Accord

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: D Nolan| T: D O'Meara

7/1

Pivotal filly. Half-sister to 2-y-o 6f winner Undertake. Dam, 7f/1m winner, sister to smart 6f-7f winner Dark Trooper. One to note as she makes her belated debut.

Form:

(8)

Dandy Devil²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: O J Orr| T: R A Fahey

2/1

Knew enough to make a winning debut in 5-runner maiden at Newcastle (5f) 20 days ago, getting the better of next-time-out winner Kings Merchant. Can follow up with improvement to come over this extra furlong.

Form: 1

(2)

Close Connection²⁶⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Connor Beasley| T: M Dods

12/1

In need of the experience both starts last summer, eighth of 10 in minor event at Carlisle (5.8f, good) when last seen in July. Has been gelded ahead of his reappearance.

Form: 08-

(4)

Obligatory²⁴⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby

80/1

Showed ability amidst greenness in maiden at Catterick (6f, good) on debut but failed to beat a rival at Beverley (5f, soft) only 6 days later. Off 8 months (has been gelded). Will be of more appeal in handicaps.

Form: 80-

(7)

Yorkshire Glory²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Andrew Breslin⁽³⁾| T: B Haslam

16/1

Offered some encouragement when 4½ lengths third of 5 to the reopposing Dandy Devil in maiden at Newcastle (5f) on debut 20 days ago. Could last longer this time with his first outing behind him.

Form: 3

(1)

Mambha

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Sean Kirrane| T: M Dods

33/1

Elzaam filly. Half-sister to several winners, including useful winner up to 5.4f Mamba Wamba and 2-y-o 5f winner Chatburn. Watch for market clues.

Form:

(3)

Moral Standards⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: S H James| T: Grant Tuer

150/1

After 10 months off, again finished well held when eighth of 10 in maiden at Southwell (7.1f) a week ago. Looks to be up against it.

Form: 6-8

Forecasts

Federal Envoy (11/10), Dandy Devil (2/1), Own Accord (7/1), Close Connection (12/1), Yorkshire Glory (16/1), Mambha (33/1), Obligatory (80/1), Laser Focus (100/1), Moral Standards (150/1)

DANDY DEVIL came out on top against the odds-on favourite (won on his next start) at Newcastle 20 days ago and he can maintain his unbeaten record with this longer trip likely to suit. Federal Envoy also made a successful debut at Southwell and looks the main danger, with newcomer Own Accord completing the shortlist.