Beacon should shine brightest down in class

Ashurst Beacon shaped okay when thrown in the deep end on his debut 2.15 Pontefract

Despite finishing only fifth of six on his first outing at Haydock this month, Brian Ellison's gelding ran encouragingly up to a point in a warm race in which the first three home had won their previous starts by a combined 12 1/2 lengths (the winner is almost certainly Group class).

The fact the speedily bred Ashurst Beacon was able to keep tabs on that trio until approaching the final furlong of six suggests he will appreciate this drop to 5f and he is also likely to find this company considerably less demanding. The ground will be similar and he is nicely drawn.

It is also worth pointing out his owner David Armstrong has an excellent record with his juveniles at this track, with four winning from just nine runners in the last five seasons.

Expect a better run from Mon Brav with Silvestre de Sousa back on board 5.20 Pontefract