The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections for 22nd June 2025
The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections from Pontefract
Pontefract Races Autism In Racing EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes 2.10
Bleep Test
It’s disappointing that there is just the three going to post for Pontefract’s opener, but racing experience should count to give Bleep Test the win. It will be fascinating to see how Enchant gets on with her debut under rules, she cost a pretty penny at the breeze ups, and lines up for Karl Burke in the Wathnan Racing silks. However, Tim Easterby is a top trainer around here, and the progressive Bleep Test can take this eased in grade.
Anna Woolley Memorial Handicap 2.40
Twilight Guest
George Margarson’s Twilight Guest has been making hay in this grade down at Brighton, and the Handicapper’s noticed, but I’ll take the chance he’ll score the hat-trick. He’s running under a penalty for that last win, but Harry Burns makes use of his 3lb claim, and has the benefit of coming out of Stall 1. The fly in the ointment could be Roman Secret, who could be on a dangerous mark in this grade, but Twilight Guest gets the nudge.
Pontefract Races Chairman’s Challenge Handicap 3.10
Lieber Power
Another small field, but an intriguing clash between Creatif and Lieber Power. I think this will go the way of Lieber Power, eased in grade for the in-form Andrew Balding. Creatif seems to have notched up a gear after a wind op, scoring at Newcastle on the all-weather before a fine pair of runners-up spots at Redcar & Hamilton. However, there’s a bit of rain about, and my guess is that conditions will suit Lieber Power.
Pontefract Castle Fillies’ Stakes (Listed) 3.40
Santorini Star (nap)
William Haggas holds the key to this Listed Fillies contest with Santorini Star, who is progressing through the ranks nicely and deserves a crack at some Black Type. Top jockey Tom Marquand is back from Royal Ascot and will find things all a bit more relaxed here, and this Golden Horn filly is two from two on turf, and hasn’t reached her ceiling yet. With the useful trio of Karl Burke’s Karmology, and Ralph Beckett’s pair, Meribella and Allonsy, it is a good line up for the grade, but Santorini Star gets the vote.
Moor Top Farm Shop Hemsworth Pontefract Cup Handicap 4.15
Almudena (nb)
Eighteen furlongs for the Pontefract Cup, so stamina is going to have to come into play, and Sir Mark Prescott’s Almudena appeals the most. This Study Of Man filly has plenty of form in the book at these extreme trips, more so than Surrey Fire, who rates the obvious danger with Tom Marquand a notable booking. Richard Hughes Cinnodin completes my shortlist, but Almudena edges it with blinkers tried to aid the concentration.
The Mandarin
