SBC News Luke Tarr of Star Sports picks his Pontefract race winners

Luke Tarr of Star Sports picks his Pontefract race winners

Luke TarrLuke Tarr, Head of Public Relations at Star Sports, is back for a second tilt at the Tipster Challenge at Pontefract. After returning 16.50 points on his first outing in May, he will be hopeful of extending the Guest’s lead at the top of the leaderboard.

Star Sports will be competing against SBC News, Timeform and Stephen Harris, the Horse Racing Guru at bettingexpert. Harris will be buoyed after bettingexpert leapfrogged SBC News into second place at Goodwood last week. They are now less than 15 points off the top.

The action gets underway at Pontefract at 2:10 this afternoon, with races every half an hour right through until 5:10. You can follow all the results on Twitter via @SBCGAMINGNEWS.

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2:10

SBC News: Silver Alliance

Won a similar race last week with jockey Ross Birkett. Trained by Julia Feilden, Silver Alliance should cope with a 3lb rise.

bettingexpert: Merchant of Medici

Has been given a plum draw in stall one, combined with the assistance of the excellent Simon Walker in the saddle.

Timeform: Silver Alliance

Silver Alliance isn’t getting any younger, but he returned to winning ways at Newbury in June, and a 3lb rise leaves him well treated on old form.

Star Sports: Silver Alliance

Back to form grey is still well handicapped on past glories and can go close from a yard that excels in these events.

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2:40

SBC News: Glorious Artist

Well exposed, and well respected after fourth place finish at Newbury. Among the favourites.

bettingexpert: Glorious Artist

Has shaped well in two stronger maidens at Newbury and can cut these down late if getting the breaks from a tricky wide draw (will need dropping in under Graham Lee).

Timeform: Glorious Artist

Built on his debut promise when a good fourth at Newbury last time, and he wouldn’t have to improve too much to play a leading role here.

Star Sports: Perfect Madge

This filly has failed to raise her game when faced with tough assignments lately, but must be the pick at this level from an excellent draw.

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3:10

SBC News: Mime Dance

The big favourite for this one, ahead of City of Night, and La Havrese, a recent winner at Musselburgh but with a bad draw.

bettingexpert: Taking Libertys

Sliding down the weights after a disappointing season so far, but has caught the eye on a couple of occasions and comes from a yard hitting top form.

Timeform: Mime Dance

Mime Dance has yet to fire for David O’Meara, but is well weighted as a result, and given his form took off for the application of cheekpieces, it could be very significant that they are back on for the first time this season.

Star Sports: Mime Dance

The money would indicate new connections think they have a well handicapped project, and it is hard to look elsewhere.

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3:40

SBC News: Stars Over The Sea

Ran a great race at Goodwood last week, and goes off the same mark here in a weaker field.

bettingexpert: Mukhayyam

Knocking loudly on the door and can gain reward for his consistency from the foot of the weights.

Timeform: Stars Over The Sea

Emerged with plenty of credit when finishing third in a Goodwood handicap last week, faring best of the pace setters in the process, and he’ll take some pegging back from the same mark.

Star Sports: Stars Over The Sea

Anything like his gallant Goodwood performance should see this improving stayer take care of these.

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4:10

SBC News: Hilary J

Flicka’s Boy is worthy of consideration, but we’re siding with Hilary J on her fifth career start.

bettingexpert: Hilary J

Made a winning handicap debut in taking style at Carlisle, and should be capable of further improvement after just four career starts.

Timeform: Flicka’s Boy

Competitive for the grade but Flicka’s Boy is taken to end his losing run having gone close off 2lb higher at Beverley last week.

Star Sports: Storm Trooper

It may be too soon for Dandy to work his magic but this gelding’s mark has fallen through the floor and should be competitive soon, so we’ll take him today at big odds.

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4:40

SBC News: Chiswick Bey

Drops down a grade, and will go off heavily backed for this one after good performances at Ascot.

bettingexpert: Chiswick Bey

Will find this a lot easier after running with credit at Ascot twice recently, and has a chance to bag the “magic carpet” against the far rail from stall one.

Timeform: Ralphy Boy

Warmed up for his repeat bid with an excellent second at Musselburgh last week, and from an unchanged mark, holds sound claims of going one better.

Star Sports: Like A Diamond

This 6yr old has been at a few yards but now Brian Ellison gets to work his magic. Promising last time on stable debut, this represents a significant drop in class and normal progression should suffice.

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5:10

SBC News: Maureb

Has form over this course and distance, with a second place just 10 days ago.

bettingexpert: Yeeoow

Ran a blinder over this CD at the end of July when finishing an unlucky third, and can end a losing sequence here under top weight.

Timeform: Kyllukey

Kyllukey wasn’t disgraced at Salisbury last time, especially as he was a bit too free early on up in trip, and the drop to 6f on this stiff track should suit him down to the ground.

Star Sports: Sunraider

A low draw has been a big advantage at Pontefract this season, and the back to form Sunraider can sneak through up the rail late on to land the finale.

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Latest leaderboard after 27 weeks

RankTipsterWeekAverageTotal
1Guests11.005.46147.45
2bettingexpert14.004.92132.74
3SBC News0.004.85130.94
4Timeform5.883.1284.26

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