Well-drawn veteran sprinter Caspian Prince in prime position to strike again

1.30 Pontefract
Rui Hotels And Resorts Handicap | 5f | 4yo+ | RTV

There are some fast horses lining up in this five-furlong dash and there won’t be many quicker from the stalls than Caspian Prince, who is still pretty nippy at the age of 12.

Pontefract might be the stiffest finish in Britain, but speed is still a key attribute because it’s quickly into the bend and the ability to hold a position can have a big impact on the result.

Front-runners who are drawn low are usually at an advantage and Caspian Prince fits the bill on both fronts. He looks sure to try and dominate from stall two in this six-runner contest.

Justanotherbottle (far side, yellow) is not straightforward in the stallsCredit: Edward Whitaker

Justanotherbottle doesn’t lack for toe and he is drawn inside Caspian Prince in stall one. The problem is he has developed a habit of fluffing the start. He reared badly but still won at Catterick in October and again reared before the start at Musselburgh on his latest outing.

Jockey Kevin Stott knows him well and will no doubt be expecting another episode in the stalls, so he may be able to negate that concern. Nevertheless, there are clearly risks attached.

Indian Sounds looks the other pace angle from the outside in stall six. He showed his liking for a stiff five when winning at Beverley last year and appeared to be improving at the time.

He disappointed when 11-10 favourite to defy a penalty at Leicester five days later, but that was a quick turnaround and he has form when fresh, so a 210-day absence isn’t a worry.

If the front-runners overdo it then Venturous will be among those who will be ridden patiently waiting to strike. The form of his Lingfield fifth behind Summerghand was given a boost when the winner landed the Abernant at Newmarket last week, so he can’t be ignored.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Mick Appleby, trainer of Caspian Prince
The ground may well have been too soft for him at Musselburgh last time and this surface should suit him better. He’s dropped to a reasonable mark so hopefully he can get his head back in front.

David Barron, trainer of Venturous
His recent all-weather form has stacked up well but we’re back on grass so we’ll see how we go. He’s fit and well and enjoying himself out in a paddock so when he goes to the races he thinks it’s a holiday.

Paul Midgley, trainer of Indian Sounds
He loves fast ground and a stiff five furlongs so there’s plenty of positives. There’s plenty of pace for him to aim at and he’s in great form at home.

Ian Williams, trainer of Mokaatil
He was badly drawn when finishing ninth at Musselburgh last time and this should suit him better. He has previous course form which should stand him in good stead and also he goes on any ground.

Antony Brittain, trainer of Mondammej
We’re going into unknown territory as it’s his first time ever on turf but we’ll take our chances as there aren’t any other races for him at present on the all-weather. He’s not the most straightforward of horses so we’ll see how we go but he has had some experience of turf at home.
Reporting by David Milnes

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