Fancy some Royal Ascot clues? Possible Commonwealth Cup contender in action at Pontefract

Punting pointers from each of today's race meetings . . .

Carlisle: Imperial Jade goes for hat-trick

Cumbria is a long way from the Cotswolds, but good ground and the nature of the course look tailor-made for Imperial Jade as she seeks a hat-trick in the 2m3½f handicap hurdle (3.50).

The Charlie Longsdon-trained mare has posted front-running victories on good ground at Doncaster and Huntingdon in recent months, and her galloping style could be a key factor at this track.

"For some reason she's improved a bit this spring when the better ground has probably helped," said the trainer. "She's up in grade again, but I think she can continue her progress."

Longsdon, who has a 22 per cent strike-rate at Carlisle, also sends Moon Over Mexico north for his debut over fences in the 3m½f novice handicap chase (3.20).

"It's taken time to get him to the course, but he's been crying out for a fence," the trainer added. "We're looking for a clear round of jumping and a step in the right direction."

Carlisle: 50 per cent

Trainer Ann Hamilton is 4-8 at Carlisle this season for a £1 level-stake profit of £16.70. She saddles Double Digits in the 2m1f maiden hurdle (2.20).

Double Digits14:20 Carlisle

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Jky: Danny McMenamin Tnr: Ann Hamilton

Navan: Poetic Sound looks one to follow

Ger Lyons described Poetic Sound as a "gorgeous horse" after he won a Bellewstown conditions race in October, and the four-year-old will go in search of a third win in a row in the 1m6f handicap (3.10) on his return to action.

The son of Poet's Word has built a likeable profile and recorded a three-figure Racing Post Rating when last seen, so should be one to follow this year off an opening perch of 95.

Jessica Harrington, who is responsible for three of the seven runners, fields dual course-and-distance winner Bay Of Sanibel, who drops in class after ending last season in Group 3 company at Saint-Cloud.

Poetic Sound15:10 Navan

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Jky: Colin Keane Tnr: G M Lyons

Pontefract: can Strong Warrior put down Royal Ascot marker?

There could be a Commonwealth Cup pointer in the opening 6f novice (2.02), with Strong Warrior set to make his second start.

The three-year-old son of sprint sensation Mehmas was purchased for 150,000gns as a juvenile and is trained by Richard Fahey and owned by Sheikh Rashid Damook Al Maktoum, who combined for success in the Royal Ascot race with Perfect Power in 2022.

Strong Warrior made an eyecatching start to his racing career with a three-length win at Ayr on his debut in July. Like chief rival Veblen Good, he has to carry a 7lb penalty for that victory on his seasonal reappearance.

Strong Warrior14:02 Pontefract

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Jky: Oisin Orr Tnr: Richard Fahey

Pontefract: trainer to note

Richard Fahey has won four of the last eight runnings of the 6f handicap (4.07) and bids to enhance that record with Lesley's Boy.

Lesley's Boy16:07 Pontefract

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Jky: Oisin Orr Tnr: Richard Fahey

Southwell: Philanthropist could be in the money

James Fanshawe pulled a rabbit out of the hat last season with Kind Of Blue, who came from novice win in May to grab the Champions Sprint in October.

The Newmarket trainer, who is 3-8 at Southwell this year, could have another useful prospect on his hands in Philanthropist, who returns from 210 days off in the concluding 7f handicap (8.30).

The son of Sergei Prokofiev took three attempts to get off the mark, but did it with some style at Newcastle in September under Danny Muscutt, who is on board again.