Racecards
15:40 Pontefract
Pontefract Marathon Handicap (Class 5)
- 9 Runners
- Distance: 2m 5f 122y
- Going: Good to Soft
- Surface: Turf
- £6,000 added
- Form 321311
- Age 6
- Weight 9-13
- Official Rating 73
- Trainer R F Fisher
- Jockey P Hanagan
made all, ridden and under pressure from over 2f out, stayed on well
- Form 36580-5
- Age 9
- Weight 9-13
- Official Rating 73
chased leaders, lost place over 5f out
- Form 332/5-52
- Age 5
- Weight 9-7
- Official Rating 67
- Trainer J M P Eustace
- Jockey Dale Gibson
chased winner until over 2f out, kept on same pace
- Form 12721-2
- Age 4
- Weight 8-12
- Official Rating 64
- Trainer Mrs A Duffield
- Jockey R Ffrench
chased leaders, kept on same pace
- Form 42265-0
- Age 5
- Weight 8-11
- Official Rating 57
in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
- Form 381130-
- Age 5
- Weight 8-8
- Official Rating 54
- Trainer J R Jenkins
- Jockey Liam Jones
held up, headway over 5f out, challenged over 2f out, chased winner, every chance over 1f out, one pace
Toni Alcala
325- Form 723646-
- Age 9
- Weight 8-8
- Official Rating 46
- Trainer N B King
- Jockey Nicol Polli
towards rear, headway over 4f out, weakened final 2f
Topwell
41- Form 9-648
- Age 7
- Weight 8-8
- Official Rating 45
- Trainer R C Guest
- Jockey Natalia Gemelova
always behind, struggling halfway
- Form 38730-6
- Age 4
- Weight 8-2
- Official Rating 47
- Trainer A D Brown
- Jockey S De Sousa
towards rear, ridden halfway, soon struggling
In depth
Verdict
Grizebeck is selected to land this marathon handicap ahead of Great As Gold and Toboggan Lady, who re-opposes Grizebeck having finished second behind him last time. This marathon trip should pose no problems to Grizebeck while a 5lb higher mark is unlikely to halt his progress. He is likely to get his own way in front once again today which adds strength to his case. Great As Gold bids for a hat-trick of wins in this contest. He appeared as if he would need the race last time and should strip fitter today. He has struggled since receiving a hike in the ratings though. Toboggan Lady loomed upsides Grizebeck and appeared set for victory at one point in the straight but ultimately struggled to pass her battled hardened rival. The trip is an unknown where she is concerned. Go Amwell is another that deserves consideration coming here fit from hurdling. Grizebeck is selected to complete a hat-trick of victories.
Formwatch
Grizebeck (IRE) 6-4fav (10-1) Made all, ridden over 2f out, kept on well final furlong, won at Musselburgh 2m hcp 0-70 (5) sft beating Danzatrice (9-3) by 2l, 8 ran.
Great As Gold (IRE) 8-1 (9-12) Towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f, 5th of 12, 24l behind Bugsy's Boy (8-10) at Pontefract 2m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Mar.
At The Money 6-1 (9-2) Led, headed halfway, remained in touch, driven over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 2nd of 12, 3l behind Bugsy's Boy (8-10) at Pontefract 2m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Mar.
Toboggan Lady 11-2 (9-1) Held up, headway over 3f out, driven 2f out, kept on final furlong, 2nd of 15, 1l behind Grizebeck (9-5) at Catterick 2m hcp 0-65 (6) gs.
Rocknest Island (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Dwelt and towards rear, reminders halfway, never a factor, 12th of 15, well behind Grizebeck (9-5) at Catterick 2m hcp 0-65 (6) gs.
Go Amwell 7-2fav (9-1) Towards rear, effort over 4f out, never troubled leaders, 11th of 15, 23l behind Ha'penny Beacon (9-7) at Catterick 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Oct.
Toni Alcala 5-1 (8-3) Held up in touch, weakened over 3f out, 6th of 7, 11l behind Silver Mont (8-5) at Catterick 2m hcap (5) gf in Jun.
Topwell 20-1 (8-2) Slowly into stride, always in rear, 8th of 10, 32l behind Nimello (9-2) at Southwell 1m 4f app hcp (6) fbs in Mar.
Welcome Cat (USA) 9-2 (8-10) Slowly away, held up and behind, headway over 4f out, weakened 2f out, 6th of 7, 5l behind Gifted Heir (8-6) at W'hampton 1m 1f app sll (6) pol in Jan.