Pick Poyle Vinnie for Pontefract prize for Ruth Carr

- Poyle Vinnie can win for the first time today since his transfer to Ruth Carr's yard when he takes the plunge in the big race of the day at Pontefract.

A strong field has been assembled for the Riu Hotels And Resorts Handicap, but many of the big-hitters could well need the run, having been off the track for a long time.

That should not apply to Poyle Vinnie, who has been on the go since January.

This eight-year-old gelding did well for former trainer Mick Appleby but showed at Chelmsford this month Carr is now getting to grips with him.

Poyle Vinnie was beaten two lengths by Tavener in a hot little sprint at the Essex circuit, and yet he has been relieved of 1kg by the assessor for this race.

He also knows the time of day at Pontefract, having won twice at the Yorkshire circuit.

And though he is not getting any quicker at this advanced stage of his career, a perfectly coherent argument can be made to suggest he should not be dismissed lightly at the foot of the weights.

Champion jockey Silvestre de Sousa has already cut loose this season and can add another winner to his spring tally by guiding Starboy to success in the concluding 1600m handicap on the Pontefract card.

George Scott's three-yearold won nicely at Brighton last autumn and must have given his team optimism upon his return to the fray at Newcastle in March.

Starboy flew home for third place in a 1600m handicap on what was his first race for five months.

That should set him up a treat for this assignment, while it almost goes without saying that the appointment of De Sousa is a clear statement of intent.

Windsor racegoers should be in clover by supporting Leo Minor in the Horse Guards Gin Cup Handicap.

Robert Cowell's gelded son of War Front must shoulder top weight in this 1000m dash, but made a significant breakthrough at Chelmsford in the same race in which Poyle Vinnie finished second.

Leo Minor did not have a great deal of fortune that day, either, as he was continually bumped and pinched for room at important times. But the manner in which he kept going once given a clear run was especially reassuring as he was only a short head away from Poyle Vinnie at the line.

This former Aidan O'Brien inmate has a lot to offer off a mark of 83.- Press Association.