A Stoute defence for Gabr hopes
The Listed Pomfret Stakes is the feature event at Pontefract, and Sir Michael Stoute is bypassing some attractive targets at Goodwood to head north with Gabr.
The one- mile contest carries a £28,000 first prize, so this is no small beer when measured against the champagne-swilling environment at the Glorious meeting.
Three-year-old Gabr has been mixing with some lofty company and was beaten just three- quarters of a length by Wednesday’s Sussex Stakes favourite, Without Parole.
That was at Sandown in May, and the third horse home, Vintager, last Saturday turned a hot Newmarket handicap into a procession.
The three- year- old Mr Wagyu competes on 5lb more favourable terms, when his age allowance is added to the equation in the following sprint.
Still progressive for in-form John Quinn, he has only been hoisted 3lb for winning a competitive handicap at Newmarket eight days ago.
Mr Wagyu is a six- time winner in his fledgling career and excellent 5lb- claimer Cameron Noble retains the ride from last weekend.
Adams Park was a comfortable winner for Dr Richard New land sat Stratford two weeks ago and a penalty may not stop him at Uttoxeter.
He was a well- backed favourite that day, so connections were clearly confident that he would take a big step forward from a tame Market Rasen debut.