Northgate pick at Pontefract

Step back in trip could help five-year-old grey in tight field

There could be some sense in lending one’s support to NORTHGATE LAD at Pontefract.

A tight-looking field has been assembled for the five-furlong Riu Hotels And Resorts Handicap, but Brian Ellison’s inmate is taken to come out on top.

His claims are, at first glance, hardly obvious as he has not hit the back of the net since June 2015.

Dig a little deeper, though, and quite a reasonable case can be made for Northgate Lad.

The five-year-old grey has flickered, without really ever igniting, since he won so well at Newcastle over two years ago.

And despite having disappointed on two starts last September, Ellison must have been heartened by his return to the track at Doncaster on April 2.

Sent off at princely odds of 50-1 in a hot six-furlong handicap, Northgate Lad showed up really well for a long way and eventually came home sixth.

He was only beaten a length and a quarter by the winner, Wentworth Falls, so that was a good effort, all things considered.

Northgate Lad races at Pontefract on the same mark of 89 which, while not necessarily generous, is still a bit more lenient than when he was pushing a three-figure rating two summers ago.

His two victories to date have also been achieved over five furlongs, so the step back in trip is possibly a good thing.

A shower or two would be handy, but Northgate Lad should still go well at what might be generous odds.

TUSCAN GOLD is due a change of fortune when he contests the Pontefract Marathon Handicap.

Micky Hammond’s stayer once again finished second at this track a fortnight ago and knows the West Yorkshire terrain probably better than any horse in training.

Tuscan Gold was fifth in this race last year, when sent off the 9-2 jointfavourite, yet returns for another go off a 13lb lower mark.

SELECTIONS:

KEMPTON: 2.10 Autumn Lodge, 2.40 Coverham, 3.15 Masquerade Bling, 3.45 Luduamf, 4.20 Angel Of Rome, 4.50 Captain Peacock, 5.20 Sgt Reckless, 5.50 Halling’s Wish.

PONTEFRACT: 2.00 Ventura Knight, 2.30 Rockwood, 3.05 NORTHGATE LAD (NAP), 3.35 Tuscan Gold, 4.10 Star Catch, 4.40 El Principe, 5.10 Sakurajima, 5.40 Reinstorm.

DOUBLE: Northgate Lad and Tuscan Gold.