Monoski to Bounce Back from Royal Ascot Disappointment

Monoski made a big impression in his first two starts, including a race which he won at Pontefract. However, he disappointed when going to Royal Ascot, and is now looking to bounce back from that poor run. He is back at Pontefract, the scene of his only win so far and everything looks primed for a big run from this youngster, and I think he can make it two wins from two starts at the West Yorkshire venue.

He pulled very hard and went too fast at Royal Ascot, with the occasion seemingly getting to him. He won’t have so many other rivals and the big crowds to contend with here, on what will be a quiet Monday afternoon fixture with just four runners in the race. That should allow him to settle better and looking at the make up of the rest of the field, I see him getting out in the lead and making all up the Pontefract hill.

His biggest rival in this one could well be Lord Of The Lodge, a horse who actually beat Monoski in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. However, he only managed midfield in that race, and there is no doubt that Monoski was not at his best. If that is all Lord Of The Lodge is capable of, I’ve got confidence in Monoski to better than performance here.

Toro Strike made a nice debut in a hot race and then went one better when making the running at Thirsk. He wasn’t suited to making the running that day, so I expect him to tuck in behind today, which may see him perform even better. However, he is going to have to, the form of that Thirsk win is not good enough to win a race like this. Hurstwood rounds off the field, he won at the third time of asking at York last time out, although just like Toro Strike, he is going to have to show a little more to get involved here. He does have an extra furlong, which could well suit, but that is going to have to bring out plenty of improvement for him to make his mark.

All of that takes us back round to Monoski, who’s win over C&D is by far the best form in this race. That was a very eye catching performance and one that led a lot of good judges to fancy him at Royal Ascot. He didn’t enjoy that experience though, and was tailed off. He can show much more here today back in calmer waters and without a big crowd in attendance.

That can be the difference maker, I’m expecting Monoski to make all and win this one to take his record to two wins, both at Pontefract.