Rocking the odds for trainer Dods
ROCKTHERUNWAY looks a solid candidate for this afternoon’s extended two- mile one- furlong handicap at Pontefract for trainer Michael Dods.
The seven- year- old has been frustrating since winning at Doncaster just over three years ago, with lots of placings and a subsequently slipping handicap mark.
For the first time in his career, the son of Nayef has gone under 70. Last time, at Thirsk, there was a real hint that he was about to hit the jackpot again.
He was third, beaten a length-and-a-half by Ingleby Hollow, over today’s trip and ground. Connor Beasley, who has accompanied the improvement, stays aboard.
The following Fillies Listed race is the feature event at the Yorkshire track and could be the perfect vehicle for Clive Cox’s Exceed and Excel threeyear-old Priceless
She hasn’t won since taking a Haydock maiden first time up in September last year. But her last two seconds give her every chance, stepped up from handicaps.
In particular, the threequarters-of-a-length defeat by Dancing Star at Newmarket in July, after that filly went on to win the Steward’s Cup, offers encouragement.
Richard Fahey and Brian Hughes teaming up over hurdles needs exploring and, at Southwell, Miss Benefitz could deliver for them after her recent move from Ireland.
In a novice hurdle where there is very little to commend most of the runners, the mare’s second to Troublesombr others has worked out reasonably well.