We have two runners declared for Thursday at Pontefract, where the going is currently described as good, good to soft in places.
The Retriever has been an excellent servant over the past four seasons on the all weather, and will have his 42nd career start at 1.42.pm, in a 0-70 apprentices handicap over six furlongs, where his regular pilot Aiden Brookes retains the ride. The Retriever ran right up to his best at Wolverhampton back in May when finishing second, but has not matched that form since in four starts, including back on the all weather last time. He has never finished better than fourth in 14 previous runs on turf, he is also up in Grade to Class 5, and he has drawn badly in stall 16, (unless they come stand side) so a personal best will be required.
The ex French Visite Officielle makes his stable debut for us at 4.37.pm, in round 5 of the Pontefract stayers championship over two miles and one furlong, where he will be partnered by P.J. McDonald. Visite Officielle has raced on 23 previous occasions in France for two different yards, and has won one of his starts, which was at Dieppe over one mile and seven furlongs in August of last year. On the whole Visite Officielle has been a consistent sort, winning or placing on 12 occasions. It is very nearly 10 months since he was last seen, so he could well need this run to put him straight, as he has been bought as a dual purpose performer. He should get the trip, and the ground will be no problem.
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Good luck to the connections, Resdev.
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