Richard Fahey, who suffered an agonising Group 1 defeat in France yesterday when Mayson just failed to hold off the strong late challenge of Wizz Kid in the Prix de L’Abbaye, returns to bread-and-butter fare at Pontefract this afternoon and is fancied to complete a double.

The Malton trainer can score with Hi There and Our Boy Jack. A winner at Beverley last time out, Hi There goes for the £40 totepool Package Handicap and, ironically, has most to fear from the William Haggas-trained Mabaany, the mount of Paul Hanagan, who was aboard Mayson yesterday.

Hi There has been a model of consistency this season and has improved as the year has gone on. There may be more to come from him yet and, although this is another step-up, the three-year-old is taken to score in the hands of Barry McHugh.

Hanagan will be aboard Kimbali for Fahey in the Book Your Christmas Party Claiming Stakes, but preference is for stable-mate Our Boy Jack, who will be partnered by apprentice Laura Barry, who has established a good rapport with him.

While Kimbali is an unpredictable customer, Our Boy Jack is more reliable and is largely consistent. He should go well with Barry’s 7lb claim coming in handy.

The £10,300 Phil Bull Trophy Conditions Stakes is the feature race on the card and Zuider Zee is capable of taking the spoils.

A talented filly, and a previous course winner, she is trained by John Gosden, whose all-conquering campaign looks likely to result in him being crowned champion trainer.

Also worth noting are the course winner Kamchatka (2.40), the nap selection, and the promising Anqooda (5.10), the mount of Hanagan.

Amy Ryan, chasing the apprentice championship, can clinch a vital double at Catterick tomorrow.

The North Yorkshire rider, locked in battle with Darren Egan as the title race moves into its final month, is fancied to score on Al Khisa and George Rooke.

The latter, who goes for the racinguk.com Nursery, bids to follow up a recent course win when Ryan rode an inspired race on the youngster, getting him back up in the dying strides to win by a head from Khelman.

That race was over six furlongs and tomorrow’s extra furlong should suit George Rooke even better. He looks sure to go well and is awarded the nap vote.

Kevin Ryan, Amy’s father, trains both of his daughter’s mounts and the Hambleton handler has elected to run Al Khisa in the first division of the yorkshire-outdoors.co.uk Adventure Activities Nursery over six furlongs.

The filly has not run since the summer when she finished fourth to Blue Lotus in a maiden at Carlisle. That was over the minimum trip and this longer distance should be more suitable.

Mark Johnston has enjoyed yet another outstanding campaign and the Middleham trainer can add to his tally with Authentication in the Go Racing In Yorkshire Handicap.

The Skyram Handicap over two miles looks a good opportunity for A Southside Boy to win for Glasgow trainer Jim Goldie.

Danny Tudhope has the mount.


Racing selections

Pontefract (today)
2.10 Restraint Of Trade, 2.40 Kamchatka (NAP), 3.10 Hi There, 3.40 Zuider Zee, 4.10 Our Boy Jack, 4.40 Mr Snoozy, 5.10 Anqooda.

Today’s other meetings:
Windsor and Wolverhampton.

Catterick (tomorrow)
2.00 Al Khisa, 2.30 Twilight Pearl, 3.00 Heaven’s Guest, 3.30 George Rooke (NAP), 4.00 A Southside Boy, 4.30 Authentication, 5.00 Dazzlin Bluebell, 5.35 Perfect Honour.

Tomorrow’s other meetings:
Brighton, Leicester and Wolverhampton.