6:32 Pontefract
This Class 4 EBF Restricted Novice Stakes over 6f at Pontefract features a field of seven juveniles, several of whom are lightly raced and stepping up in trip or class. The KTB Fit Scores are tightly bunched at the top, with Angel In My Heart heading the numbers on 59, followed by Sea Mirage on 52, Maximus Meridius on 50 and Baldetti on 47. With most of the principals unproven on the surface and several making their first visit to the track, the race carries a degree of guesswork, though the yard and jockey course stats provide some pointers.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape suggests a steadily run affair with no obvious front-runner among the principals. Angel In My Heart and Baldetti are likely to track the pace from their middle to wide draws, while Sea Mirage from stall 2 and Maximus Meridius from 4 could settle prominently. The key question is whether the step up to 6f will suit those who showed speed over 5f on debut, or whether the more experienced but modest Turnstile can capitalise on his drop in class from a midfield position.
The KTB Fit ranking
- 1Angel In My Heart KTB Selection59/100Angel In My Heart showed fair speed when finishing fourth on debut over 5f and now steps up to 6f for the first time which asks a fresh question.
- 2Sea Mirage52/100Sea Mirage has shown fair form in three runs at maiden level, finishing second on debut then sixth twice since.
- 3Maximus Meridius50/100Placed second on debut over this trip and looks sure to improve with racing.
- 4Baldetti47/100Baldetti showed some promise when third on debut over 5f and now steps up to 6f for the first time which asks a fresh question.
- 5Dawlah47/100Dawlah is a newcomer with no racecourse form to go on and only pedigree and sales background to assess her.
- 6King Of Persia44/100King Of Persia has shown little in two starts so far, finishing seventh both times.
- 7Turnstile38/100Modest performer who has been consistent at this level without winning, finishing in the first four on four of his last five starts.
The contenders
Angel In My Heart KTB Fit 59/100
Angel In My Heart showed fair speed when finishing fourth on debut over 5f and now steps up to 6f for the first time which asks a fresh question. The yard has a solid 17% strike rate from 42 runs at Pontefract. With only one run on the board overall the form is hard to weigh up. Adrian Keatley and Oisin McSweeney both have above-par records at the track, the trainer operating at 17% with an A/E of 1.26 and the jockey at 17% with an A/E of 1.34. The selection is unproven on the ground and has no course form, yet his debut effort suggested enough ability to make him of serious interest stepping up in class.
Sea Mirage KTB Fit 52/100
Sea Mirage has shown fair form in three runs at maiden level, finishing second on debut then sixth twice since. Stepping up from 5f to 6f poses a fresh question while a sixth on his only visit to Pontefract suggests the track may not play to his strengths. Kevin Ryan has a 12% strike rate here from 571 runs. The colt remains unproven on the ground. Tom Eaves takes the ride and the pair will look to overcome a modest trainer-jockey record at the venue, the yard at 12% with an A/E of 0.88 and the jockey at 8% with an A/E of 0.84.
Maximus Meridius KTB Fit 50/100
Maximus Meridius placed second on debut over this trip and looks sure to improve with racing. The yard has a modest 9% strike rate at Pontefract from 47 runs. Silvestre De Sousa takes the ride but with only one run on the board overall this remains guesswork. The trainer-jockey combination has a healthy 23% strike rate with an A/E of 1.49. He is unproven on the ground and has no previous course form, yet his debut placing marks him as a clear danger if the step forward materialises.
Baldetti KTB Fit 47/100
Baldetti showed some promise when third on debut over 5f and now steps up to 6f for the first time which asks a fresh question. The yard has a 10% strike rate from 651 runs at Pontefract. With just one run on the board this remains a low-confidence profile that needs to improve to figure prominently. Michael Dods and David Nolan have modest course figures, the trainer at 10% with an A/E of 0.85 and the jockey at 11% with an A/E of 1.04. He is unproven on the ground, steps up in class and is drawn widest of the principals.
The rest of the field
DawlahKTB Fit 47/100
Dawlah is a newcomer with no racecourse form to go on and only pedigree and sales background to assess her. The first-time headgear is an interesting move from connections on debut. Trainer Paul Midgley has a solid 11% strike rate from 517 runs at Pontefract.
King Of PersiaKTB Fit 44/100
King Of Persia has shown little in two starts so far, finishing seventh both times. He drops back to 6f having been well held over 7f last time, though the shorter trip is an unknown at this stage. The Tim Easterby yard has a 10% strike rate from 1338 runs at Pontefract.
TurnstileKTB Fit 38/100
Modest performer who has been consistent at this level without winning, finishing in the first four on four of his last five starts. He has placed once at this trip from four attempts but remains unproven on the ground and is making his first appearance at Pontefract. Trainer Tim Easterby has a 10% strike rate from 1338 runs here while David Allan is in the saddle.
KTB verdict
Angel In My Heart is the KTB Selection. His debut fourth over 5f hinted at fair speed and the yard's strong 17% strike rate at Pontefract, backed by positive trainer and jockey course A/E figures, gives him a solid platform as he steps up to 6f. The form is limited and the trip a question, but he edges the ratings. Maximus Meridius is the obvious danger after his promising debut second over the trip, while Sea Mirage and Baldetti cannot be dismissed on their placed efforts despite their respective track doubts and low-confidence profiles. Turnstile brings the most experience but remains modest.
KTB Selection Angel In My Heart
This is the narrative read of the 6:32 Pontefract. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Pontefract racecard. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has the highest KTB Fit Score and why is it the selection?
Angel In My Heart has the highest KTB Fit Score on 59 and is the selection because of its fair debut speed, the yard's 17% strike rate at Pontefract with an A/E of 1.26, and the positive jockey course stats.
How many horses in the race are stepping up in trip from 5f?
Three horses are stepping up in trip from 5f: Angel In My Heart, Sea Mirage and Baldetti.
Which jockey has the best strike rate at Pontefract among those riding in this race?
Silvestre De Sousa has the best strike rate at Pontefract on 20% with an A/E of 1.11.
What is the only horse in the field wearing first-time headgear?
Dawlah is the only horse wearing first-time headgear.
Which trainer has the most runners at Pontefract in the supplied stats?
Tim Easterby has the most runners at Pontefract with 1338 runs and a 10% strike rate.
18+. Analysis and entertainment only — no guarantee of profit. KTB race previews are published for interest and are not betting advice. Only ever stake what you can comfortably afford to lose, and set your own limits. Free, confidential help: the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (GamCare.org.uk); in Ireland, the GamblingCare.ie helpline on 1800 936 725. Self-exclude at any time via GAMSTOP.
More from Kickthebookies