15:22 Pontefract

Monday 22 April 2024

All13:5214:2214:5215:2215:5517:0017:30

Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Save Lives Handicap (Div 1)

Off time: 15:55 | Winning time: 1m 52.99s

(6)

Perseverants⁷^{(ex 5)}

Age: 6| Weight: 10-1| J: Phil Dennis| T: S Dixon| OR: 76| D

2/1

Returned to turf with a good second at Doncaster (7f, soft) in March and confirmed promise of that run when running out a convincing winner from the front at Windsor (8.1f) 7 days ago. No surprise to see him out under a penalty and big shout again.

Form: 27-0521

(3)

On The River²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-10| J: Cam Hardie| T: H Bethell| OR: 76| CD

11/4

Enjoyed an excellent first season with this yard in 2023, winning 4 times, including this race on his reappearance last spring. Possibly in need of his respective return her 3 weeks ago and feasible to expect a better showing with that under his belt.

Form: 15468-5

(4)

Paris Lights²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: D Nolan| T: P T Midgley| OR: 75

18/1

Left a poor run over hurdles behind when fourth at Newcastle (1m) last month and best not judged too harshly on his subsequent run back there 4 weeks ago. However, others appeal more for win purposes back on turf despite sliding mark.

Form: 200-548

(2)

Man Of A'An³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: D Tudhope| T: L Bailey| OR: 72

22/1

Lightly-raced gelding. Off 9 months and 12/1, first run since leaving Harry Eustace cheaply when last of 7 in handicap at Newcastle (8f) 35 days ago, weakening from 2f out. Needs to leave that well behind to figure.

Form: 6233-7

(8)

First Dynasty^h1²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: P Mulrennan| T: S England| OR: 70

50/1

AW novice winner early last year but largely underwhelming efforts since, including in 3 starts for this yard, sixth of 12 making turf debut in a C&D handicap 3 weeks ago. Hooded for 1st time.

Form: 1200-66

(1)

Dogged¹⁹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 9-1| J: O J Orr| T: R Menzies| OR: 67| D

6/1

Successful 4 times in apprentice/amateur riders' handicaps last year but below best on final start at Redcar (10f) in October. Possible he'll strip fitter for this first start for 6 months.

Form: 131550-

(9)

Arkenstaar²⁰³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Connor Beasley| T: M Dods| OR: 66| D

10/1

Three wins from 11 runs last year. Career best when winning 7-runner handicap at Hamilton (8.3f, soft, 4/1) in October, staying on to lead final strides. Nudged up 2 lb and of interest on his return to action.

Form: 254751-

(7)

Golden Melody¹⁹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 8-13| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 65| D

13/2

Winless last term but posted plenty of creditable efforts, good third of 16 in a C&D handicap on final start in October. Conditions will hold no fears on seasonal bow and this the lowest she's been in the weights for some time.

Form: 642443-

(5)

Dandy's Angel²⁰⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 8-11| J: Ryan Sexton| T: J S Wainwright| OR: 63

16/1

Notched her fifth victory of 2023 at Beverley (10f, heavy) in September, just holding on in a strongly-run affair. Well below best at Chester (10.3f) final start later that month and present mark demands that bit more on return to action.

Form: 413214-

Forecasts

Perseverants (2/1), On The River (11/4), Dogged (6/1), Golden Melody (13/2), Arkenstaar (10/1), Dandy's Angel (16/1), Paris Lights (18/1), Man Of A'An (22/1), First Dynasty (50/1)

Successful on his respective return over C&D 12 months ago, ON THE RIVER shaped as if needing the run this time around when fifth in a C&D handicap 3 weeks ago. Expected to take a step forward from that run, he's dropped 1 lb below his last winning mark and could well be worth chancing to come out on top. Perseverants comes here in fine form and should play a big part again, with Arkenstaar another to consider on return to action.