LUCK BE A LADY AT PONTEFRACT

It seems counter-intuitive to say a Listed prize appears an easier task than a handicap, but that certainly looks the case for Foxtrot Lady at Pontefract.

Andrew Balding’s charge contests the EBF Stallions Highfield Farm Flying Fillies’ Stakes at the Yorkshire venue and while she faces some worthy rivals, it does not look anywhere near as hot as her most recent start at Goodwood.

Pitched into the Stewards’ Cup under a 6lb penalty, Foxtrot Lady was sent off favourite for the six-furlong prize, but she bumped into the literal Group-class horse in handicap company, Gifted Master.

Beaten two and a quarter lengths in sixth there after lacking a bit of pace when it was really needed, that effort was certainly another leap forward from her previous Newmarket success and she now boasts a mark of 102.

Given she won off a perch of 80 at Chester back in May, Foxtrot Lady has made relentless progress this term and this race seems an excellent opportunity to add a little black type to her page.

Georgian Manor bounced back from a disappointing penultimate run to win at Doncaster and he will surely be involved in the finish of the William Hill Handicap.

His Newmarket defeat in June looked too bad to be true and that impression was confirmed when he powered home by threequarters of a length on Town Moor last month.

Georgian Manor kept on well that day to take it up with only 50 yards or so to run, so he was perhaps a bit better value than the official margin suggests.

Dagueneau can make a swift reappearance pay dividends in the Moor Top Farm Shop Hemsworth Handicap.

Ed Dunlop’s runner is sure to take a hammering from the handicapper after winning by six lengths at Beverley on Thursday, seemingly thriving for the step up to two miles.

He turns out again over a furlong further here and while he must shoulder a 6lb penalty, Dagueneau is surely on a more favourable mark than he will be after he is reassessed.