PONTEFRACT 14:00

Non Runners: FISHABLE.

Time: 2m 9.81s Closing Sectional: (2f): 25.85s (100.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 100.9%

Only 5 runners and all of them were returning for the season, hard then to be certain as to the value of the form given the likelihood of varying fitness levels, but initially a positive view is taken of the winner who does look to have the potential to graduate into a much higher grade; the runner-up set a good pace.

WALDKONIG didn't quite live up to lofty expectations last year after making a huge impression on his sole 2-y-o start, though in hindsight both races he was a beaten favourite for proved strong, and even in making this winning return from 10 months off he looked a work in progress, showing inexperience still with some initial hesitation to enter the stalls and then warming up steadily through the race itself, powerful through the last furlong and ultimately much too good; held up, travelled well, headway out wide over 2f out, led approaching final 1f, stayed on strongly, had plenty in hand; a half-brother to the Arc winner Waldgeist, he still has stacks of potential and should progress further to be competitive in pattern races this season, the Brigadier Gerard a suitable target in a few weeks time having proven his fitness and well being.

KALEIDOSCOPIC improved further after 6 months off and just bumped into a potential pattern performer; led, went with enthusiasm, quickened over 2f out, headed approaching final 1f, kept on, no match for winner; she was beaten far enough to not go up much in the weights and should remain competitive.

VICTORY CHIME (IRE) without the headgear this time, ran respectably after 5 months off, likely to be sharper for the run, but he's no more than averagely treated after a fruitful 2020; prominent, pushed along 3f out, one paced.

HIGHWAYGREY should strip fitter for the run after 6 months off but looks handicapped to the hilt after 4 wins last year; reared leaving stalls, headway 2f out, effort flattened out.

LOUGANINI was gambled on after 6 months off but seemed unsuited by conditions; tracked pace, took keen hold, labouring 3f out, weakened 2f out; progressive last year and with some strong form, he goes very well on ground softer than good.