'He's progressing well and we're hopeful' - analysis and key quotes for a competitive Pontefract nursery

Stirrup Cup: form worked out over the weekendCredit: John Grossick

Those who race prominently over 6f at Pontefract usually have an advantage irrespective of whether the runners stay on the far side or come to the stands’ rail when there is significant cut underfoot.

Dark Rosa, winner of a maiden over course and distance last month on good to soft going, made most of the running that day. Her mark of 76 does not appear excessive and she seems sure to go well.

Top Juggler graduates to nurseries off 79 on the back of a soft-ground Hamilton success in August. He was well on top at the finish and is bred to be a bit better than his current mark.

Veydari has been gelded since his last start at Haydock. He has plenty of experience in handicaps and competes off a 1lb lower mark. The drop back to 6f on a stiff track could prove ideal.

Sir Palamedes made all on heavy ground at Ffos Las in August. There is a chance he could be well drawn in stall 11 if Callum Rodriguez decides to venture down the stands’ side route.

The form of Stirrup Cup’s Ayr second to Candy last month received a huge boost on Saturday when the winner landed Redcar’s Listed Two Year Old Trophy.

Stirrup Cup had previously taken a soft-ground Carlisle nursery in excellent style and rates a serious player despite an 8lb higher mark.
Race analysis by Richard Birch

Going report

The ground is soft, good to soft in places, but it is expected to change with rain in the forecast. Clerk of the course Richard Hammill said: "We had 40mm of rain last week and a touch of rain on Sunday morning and we're forecast more overnight, and we're expected to get 4-6mm. If that is the case I expect the good to soft areas will go and it'll be predominantly soft."

What they say

John Quinn, joint-trainer of Top Juggler
He's progressing well and improving with racing. He put in a good performance at Hamilton last time. I feel like he'll go on the ground and he's in good form so we're hoping for a nice run.

Jedd O'Keeffe, trainer of Georgecandoit
He's run some very good races and deserves to get off the mark. It has been frustrating, as was the fact he was in a nursery at the last Pontefract meeting which was abandoned. We're going back and the ground wouldn't be a problem, things should suit well so hopefully it'll be his turn.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Sir Palamedes
He won well last time at Ffos Las and would love a little more rain, he doesn't mind how soft it gets. The stiff six furlongs will suit, but it looks a competitive race. Any rain is a positive and we've got a great jockey in Callum Rodriguez.
Reporting by James Stevens

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