Richard Birch's play of the day at Pontefract

Alafdhal

1.52 Pontefract

With rain forecast for Pontefract, the ground looks likely to be soft and there is a distinct possibility the runners may make a beeline for the stands’ rail in the straight.

If that proves to be the case, course-and-distance winner Alafdhal looks well drawn in stall 12 for the 14-runner 5f handicap.

The sprinter has returned to his best lately after a quiet summer and comes into this race on the back of three highly creditable seconds at Wolverhampton, Pontefract and Catterick.

He ran on strongly to beat Showalong by one and three-quarter lengths on soft ground on his penultimate visit to Pontefract in April, yet competes off 7lb lower this time. He ought to reward each-way support at the very least.