TimeformBlog

A close inspection of this year's statistics confirms that Roger Varian has just about the best strike-rate around at present and Dark Promise, who won a handicap over this trip in fine style on her reappearance, could well be adding to the up-and-coming trainer's fine spell in the listed Pipalong Stakes at Pontefract this afternoon. She looks to have the requisite ability to make her mark in listed company and is open to much more improvement than the likes of Off Chance and Folly Bridge this afternoon.

Maxamillion Bounty bumped into a big Mark Johnston improver when runner-up in a maiden at Hamilton last time and should find the switch to handicap company more to his liking, particularly with the slight drop in trip expected to suit judged on the way he tired after making the running over nine furlongs at Hamilton. At the current price of 4.9, he's one to be with against largely more exposed rivals.

Our final selection of the day comes in the third race on Southwell's evening card. Dubai Gem, who is having just her third start for Olivia Maylam, showed she's got enough to get off the mark at last when second at Ayr last month on soft ground. That effort gives hope that she may take to this unique surface and if she does she won't have much to worry about from the rest of the modest opposition, so at 8.2 she's well worth supporting.

Recommendations
Back Dark Promise @ 2.72 Pontefract 16.00
Back Maxamillion Bounty @ 4.9 Pontefract 17.30
Back Dubai Gem @ 8.2 Southwell 19.40

For more racing betting articles, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/