Horse racing tips: Pontefract picks from Angus McNae

Our presenter and website regular Angus McNae is back from his break and shares four likely contenders for Sunday’s Flat card from Pontefract. Enjoy all the action live on Racing TV.

2.15 Pontefract: Mabre

I like his chances now that he is refitted with the blinkers that he has worn for this last two victories.

Mabre won comfortably at Newbury in May with the headgear on from a mark of 67 and he will surely be competitive here off a rating of 69. He did run well last time and signalled a return to form when second in a first-time visor.

It's also worth noting that Mabre has been ridden by inexperienced apprentices and amateurs on his last five starts and now gets the assistance of Ben Curtis. He looks sure to run well .

2.50 Pontefract: Poker Face

Despite defeat on his last two starts he remains thoroughly progressive.

He was unbeaten in his first three career starts and then ran a blinder in Group Three company to finish second to Ottoman Fleet on his seasonal return at Newmarket. After a disappointing run in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot he bounced back to form when second in the Listed Gala Stakes, and given he was a bit keen over the ten furlongs at Sandown coming back to a mile should suit.

There is no pace signed on here and James Doyle may well decide to seize the initiative and make the running. Poker Face is a very solid option here.

4.35 Pontefract: Fleurir

She is the most experienced in this field of maidens and can finally break her duck.

In truth, Fleurir has done little wrong in five starts and ran particularly well at Newmarket last time when just touched off by a newcomer late on. She made the running there and that may be a sensible ploy given there doesn’t seem to be a front-runner in here.

She is very well-bred, being by Justify out of a Galileo mare, and she can gain a precious win in a weak contest.

5.10 Pontefract: Elzaal

I am taking a chance on this hold-up performer who is something of a Newcastle specialist, but he has also won on turf and has gone well here before previously.

Elzaal will be suited by the likely very strong pace here and he seems to be in fair form given the late headway he made in defeat at Doncaster last time. He has won off this mark of 63 in the past and he is a decent play given the potential pace meltdown here. This race should set up perfectly.