TimeformBlog

The opening race at Pontefract is down to just five runners with Bellechance having justified good support on her debut at Newcastle on Saturday. Richard Fahey's newcomer Sunny Side Up needs checking out in the betting but as things stand Majestic Zafeen (18.30) will likely prove hard to beat if improving on her debut third at Newmarket. The form of that race was boosted when the easy winner Misty Conquest followed up in a Pontefract minor event, and there was enough promise in Majestic Zafeen's effort to think she'll be winning races, seeing things out well despite looking green throughout.

Roger Varian has made a dream start to his training career having taken over the reins at Kremlin House from Michael Jarvis. His strike rate stands at 25% and he can make his first raid to Pontefract a successful one with Watercourse (20.00). It's an all-out attack from Newmarket, with Richard Fahey's Ollon the only runner of the six not making the 289-mile round trip, and Watercourse gets the nod following an eye-catching fourth at Nottingham last time. An opening mark of 76 may prove lenient and the step up to a mile and a quarter could be the making of him.

Pegasus Again (20.15) caught the eye on his return to action at Kempton last month and could reward support back on turf at Windsor. He's undeniably well treated these days, some 10 lb lower in the weights now than for his last success in December 2009, and has a win and a third place to his name from two previous visits to Windsor.

Recommendations
Back Majestic Zafeen @ 2.44 Pontefract 18.30
Back Watercourse @ 2.82 Pontefract 20.00
Back Pegasus Again @ 5.9 Windsor 20.15

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