British Racing Money Back Play for Pontefract Aug. 17

The TwinSpires “British Racing $10 Money Back” promotion heads to Pontefract on Sunday, Aug. 17. Located southeast of the city of Leeds, Pontefract boasts a seven-race program, and the race we’ll highlight is the fifth.

This is a Class 3 handicap for three-year-olds and up going five furlongs, and it’s attracted a field of six runners before scratches. Do note that, in order for the promotion to apply, the race must go with at least five runners.

After opting into the promotion, place a win bet on your horse in Race 5. If your choice wins, collect your winnings. If he runs second, you’ll get your money back, up to $10 (again, if there are at least five runners).

Let’s take a look at the top contenders!

Dan Tucker looks to bounce back

My top pick is one that didn’t run well last time out, but I think there were a few reasons for that. #2 Dan Tucker (5-2) won at this level over this course and distance two back, on July 18, and came back less than two weeks later in a similar spot. Despite the presence of Ryan Moore, that race didn’t go well, as he was eighth of 13 as the betting favorite.

However, that race was contested over heavy going. I think he wants firmer ground, and judging by the local weather forecast, he should get it. Cross out that clunker, and you’re left with a sheet that looks far, far better. Given the disappointing effort, we may also get a tolerable price, which is always a plus.

Betting against Ventura Express

#3 Ventura Express (2-1) is your morning line favorite. He suffered a bad beat last time out, when he was beaten a nose in a Class 4 event at this route. While he does get four pounds in weight from my top pick, though, I do have some doubts.

He’s an eight-year-old gelding that’s 0-for-7 this season. While he’s been competitive at this level in the past, it feels like he’s going the wrong way. If he can recapture the form he showed earlier in his career, he’s got a chance, but I just can’t use him at a short price. If he beats me, I’ll tip my cap and move on.

I much prefer #5 Equity Law (3-1), and that one is my second choice. He dropped into Class 5 company earlier this month, but that move woke him up, and he managed to get the job done while toting 137 pounds. He gets in with 125 here, the second-lightest assignment in the field, and he has back races from earlier this year that would make him a contender here. The question is, can he bring his form from his favorite track, Thirsk, to Pontefract? If he does, he’s got a shot.