Pontefract tips: Arctic Feeling hot stuff, Burmese a solid bet
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Class-dropping Burmese looks a cut above
Burmese looks a worthy favourite to cash-in on a drop in class and land the 2m 2f Phil Bull Trophy Conditions Stakes on today’s card at Pontefract (16.40).
The Marcus Tregoning trained gelding came into his own last season when stepped up in trip, opening his account at Bath before following up in good style at Kempton.
Burmese went on to complete the hat-trick on his final start of the campaign when posting an impressive display to land a competitive 12-runner handicap at Ascot easing down by 2 3/4 lengths.
The manner of the victory suggested that the four-year-old needing keeping firmly onside, and that view was confirmed when Burmese finished an eye-catching fifth to Mizzou in the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot on seasonal reappearance.
Solid efforts in Group company
After being held-up in touch travelling well, the son of Sir Percy was denied a clear run when trying to make a move two from home before being switched left and keeping on nicely to be beaten just 2 1/2 lengths.
Burmese has since been highly tried and ran a blinder on his penultimate outing when fourth in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup.
He was also far from disgraced last time out when seventh of 12 to Quest For More in a Group 1 at Chantilly and this represents a huge drop in class and a golden opportunity for Burmese to get back to winning ways.
Mud-loving Arctic Feeling handicapped to strike
Arctic Feeling has become dangerously well-treated and with underfoot conditions in his favour looks the answer to the 5f handicap that brings proceedings to a close (17.40).
Richard Fahey’s eight-year-old is a course and distance winner who looked as good as ever on his seasonal reappearance when winning at Beverley off a mark of 92.
The gelding has since run better than his form figures suggest, including in some competitive class 2 contests, and is now able to race in this lower grade class 4 affair off a reduced rating of just 81.
That gives Arctic Feeling outstanding claims at the weights and he has a 25 per cent strike rate in the grade having won three times and been placed on five occasions from 12 starts.
Other pluses are that the son of Camacho will relish the soft ground and has the services of top apprentice Adam McNamara in the saddle who is terrific value for his 5lb claim.
Pontefract tips
14.10: Crystal Dome
14.40: Benjamin Thomas
15.10: Street Poet
15.40: Dowayla
16.10: Bailarico
16.40: Burmese (NAP)
17.10: Throckley
17.40: Arctic Feeling (NB)
Related
You’ll find recommended race-by-race British Champions Day bets on the Ascot page of Coral news prior to the flat season’s big finale.
