Pontefract 3.20
Pontefract 3.20 3 Royal Shaheen - 1/2 point e/w @ 6/1 + 7 Silvery Moon - 1/2 point e/w @ 10/1
ROYAL SHAHEEN won over Course and Distance in this grade off a mark of 77; was then 4th and by no meansdisgraced last time up in Class 4 off a mark of 83; gets a pound back off the handicapper here, back in Class 4; will appreciate
the soft going and if more rain comes won't be inconvenienced and I always like Graham Lee in this type of "slog" in the mud!
The two Easterby horses intrigue me, Purple Rock has his first run in soft since a great run on it at York in May; could be very
interesting off a mark of 78; less a 7lbs claim, the break does not put m off but the form of the Mick E stable does a lot more
and I just have the view that today is more a "prep" for the AW and he did win on AW last November; so whatever he does
today, we will track him for his seasonal AW debut, likely in a few weeks time.
SILVERY MOON; I am told has won for SP2A at least once in 2012; 2013; 2015 and 2016; a favourite no doubt for SP2A Members;
no win this season but this is a significant drop in Grade to Class 4 and the handicap mark of 80 reflects a gradual decline, I do
think it can be very competitive off this mark in this grade. All the best form is on soft at a mile BUT did win over this trip back in
August 2012 (you do have to dig with this type of horse) and some runs at this trip indicate the horse can be "switched off" and
delivered late to some effect. The Tim E yard like his Uncle Mick has not been in great form but a couple of winners in the past
few days, and a close examination indicating many of the "losers" were inexperienced 2 year olds being educated, means I can't
less the chance of a win in 2017, to keep the incredible run for SP2A and this horse go begging.
The obvious angle is a win for Royal Shaheen and each way for Silvery Moon but as it is the only tip of the day and we want
to try to consolidate, I'd not put you off a place saver on RS and an each way bet on SM but strongly suggest 50% staking
today to 1/2 point each way or 1 point win on RS and 1/4 point each way on SM; as it really is end of season and tough!