No place for weak finishers as Pontefract challenge puts sprinters' stamina to the test

A wide draw in a Pontefract sprint can be as problematic as one at Chester, racing's most renowned draw track. However, Pontefract sprints place a greater emphasis on stamina at the trip. 

This is no place for weak finishers and we can expect a decent pace on with in-form front-runner Partisan Hero berthed in stall two, next door to another source of early speed in Native Instinct (stall three). 

Partisan Hero made all in a mile race at this track in April and must prove he possesses the speed for 6f. That is probable, at this course at least, given his recent victory over an easy 7f at Epsom, after he ran another cracker over 7½f around Chester's sharp circuit. 

There may also be more to come from Havana Blue (stall six) for a stiff 6f. He faded as if the run was needed on his return in a fair 7f handicap at Doncaster, his first run following wind surgery. He ended the previous season in progressive form for Julie Camacho.

Rare Change (stall four) is the other one dropping in trip to note for Richard Hughes. He found himself boxed in by the far rail in a messy 7f handicap at Goodwood last time after travelling sweetly into the contest. 

That £100,000 race was stronger than this and Rare Change was an impressive 6f winner at Windsor on his comeback in May. It is unlikely this versatile three-year-old will stay down for long.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

Ground and weather

The going was described officially as good, good to firm in places on Saturday and clerk of the course Jonathan Mullin said: "There's a slight chance of a shower but nothing too significant and I suspect we might flip it round to good to firm, good in places by Sunday."   

What they say

Steve Brown, assistant to Julie Camacho, trainer of Havana Blue
He's in good shape and showed a lot of speed at Doncaster last time, so we thought it was worth giving him a try back over a stiff six furlongs. It looks a suitable race dropped back to sprinting.

David Loughnane, trainer of Partisan Hero
He's in super order and hasn't put a foot wrong for us. He was in the Buckingham Palace and Wokingham at Ascot but didn't get a run. This will be a lot easier task, although he has top weight and is dropping back to six furlongs for the first time. On what he's shown us, I'd like to think he's got enough speed, so fingers crossed he'll put up a big performance.  

Brian Ellison, trainer of Northern Spirit
He has a good chance. The ground was quick enough for him last time at York and he was drawn high and all the action was on the low side. He's been running well and the stiff six furlongs will suit him.

Chris Dixon of the Horse Watchers, owners of Intervention
He's had excuses the last twice as the ground has been too soft for him. He's back on fast ground, has run well at Pontefract and is on a decent mark. He's in good form and should run well.

Richard Hughes, trainer of Rare Change
He has a good chance. He never came off the bridle last time at Goodwood, after two decent efforts. I don't mind dropping him back in distance, the stiff six furlongs will be okay.

Ed Bethell, trainer of Native Instinct
He's got a good draw so we'll jump and hopefully he should run well. He was a bit gassy early on over seven furlongs first time out, so we thought it would be best to bring him back in trip.
Reporting by David Carr

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