'They probably have her to beat' - Coyle hopeful with progressive filly

Monday: 3.40 Pontefract
Riu Hotels And Resorts Handicap | 5f | 4yo+ | RTV

It is hard to be dogmatic about the draw on soft ground because there is always the possibility of riders taking their mounts to the stands’ side in the straight at Pontefract.

That did not happen in the seven-runner 6f handicap at last Tuesday’s meeting, but the chances may increase with a 14-runner dash over 5f.

Dream Composer, who is drawn in stall ten, showed progressive form during his three-year-old campaign and looks just the type to make further improvement this term.

The son of Dream Ahead is highly effective with give underfoot, and should rate higher than a mark of 82 in due course.

Fine Wine, well drawn in stall three if the runners stay on the inside, bids for a hat-trick following two Southwell successes.

He has proven race-fitness firmly on his side and remains unexposed on turf, with just one start away from the all-weather surface in Britain. He scored twice on easy ground in France.

Dave Dexter, drawn in stall 14, is perfectly housed to grab the stands’ rail if the runners go to that side.

Roger Fell’s sprinter possesses stacks of early speed, which he demonstrated when making all at Southwell off a 3lb lower mark last time.

Ey Up It’s Maggie, sharpened by an encouraging fourth of 18 behind Bernardo O’Reilly at Doncaster last month, should make a bold bid from stall two.

The market is likely to give the best guide as to whether Huddle Up will be fit enough to win on his first start for the in-form David and Nicola Barron team.

Course-and-distance winner Bossipop will like the ground but, in common with the majority of Tim Easterby’s early runners on the turf, could need this first run of the season.
Race analysis by Richard Birch

What they say

Tim Easterby, trainer of Count D'orsay, Showalong and Bossipop
They're all in good form and ready to go. Count D'orsay and Showalong have both got decent draws, whereas Bossipop is wider out. It's good prize money and they should run well.

Tony Coyle, trainer of Ey Up It's Maggie
She's in good form, she's a good and consistent filly. She's laid-back at home and will have needed her opening run. I'd have a small question mark about the trip as a stiff 5f is her optimum, but we're hopeful of a good run and they probably have her to beat.

Karl Burke, trainer of Rebel At Dawn and Rayong
The track should suit Rebel At Dawn well given his style of running, we're hoping for a big run. Rayong has run well here before and he's got a good draw, he didn't have a great year last time and he's dropped down the handicap, so he's very well handicapped if he produces his best form.

Roger Fell, trainer of Dave Dexter
The soft ground will suit him but if anything spoils his chances it'll be the draw. We've got the best jockey on board so we'll give it a go. He's a totally different horse on soft ground.

David Barron, joint-trainer of Huddle Up
He's fit and well, how much ability he has I don't know, but I'm quite happy with what I'm seeing at home and we'll have a go and see what happens.
Race reporting by Owen Goulding

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday