THE old warrior SUMMERGHAND (3.55) is expected to open his account for the season in the Iveco Daily Business Trimline At Northern Commercials Handicap at Pontefract.
The nine-year-old gelding has been a noble servant to the David O’Meara yard, and has grabbed a number of big handicap prizes over the years.
Winner of the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood three seasons ago, he came good last September when adding the Ayr Gold Cup to his list of victories, beating Commanche Falls by a length.
While he has yet to enter the winner's enclosure this season, he ran well when unplaced in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot last month and this six-furlong contest looks a much easier task at a track he has won at before.
THE BIG JETAWAY (6.10) had been a disappointment over hurdles, but was transformed when winning on his chasing debut at Sedgefield in February last year.
He ran too freely after a 290-day break when fifth at Bangor, but then put in a decent run with a return to hurdles after yet another long absence, when third over two miles, beaten seven lengths, by Our Scholar at Uttoxeter.
Donald McCain’s seven-year-old now returns 24 days later in the QuinnBet Novices’ Hurdle over the same course and distance and should be primed ready for a big run.
Tuesday's selections
PONTEFRACT
2.10 CELESTIAL FLIGHT
2.45 JUMEIRAH KING
3.20 PURPLEPAY
3.55 SUMMERGHAND (NAP)
4.30 BILLY NO MATES
5.05 HI CLARE
WOLVERHAMPTON
2.30 OUTGUN
3.05 EMMA EMILLEEN
3.40 SPANISH ANGEL
4.15 SHARP POWER
4.50 MAGIC GEM
5.25 CATESBY
5.55 ALL DUNN
UTTOXETER
5.35 A DIFFERENT KIND
6.10 THE BIG JETAWAY (NB)
6.40 KOMEDY KICKS
7.10 TANGO ECHO CHARLIE
7.40 CHEMICAL WARFARE
8.10 MAGIC MIKE
BRIGHTON
6.00 NOTRE MAISON
6.30 THE AFRICAN QUEEN
7.00 CHIPS AND RICE
7.30 WILLING TO PLEASE
8.00 HONEYMOONER
8.30 MISTER X
DOUBLE: SUMMERGHAND and THE BIG JETAWAY
