PRINCESS Sofie, runner-up in her two starts, can make it third-time-lucky at Pontefract tomorrow.

Tim Easterby's filly lines up for division one of the Furniture Factors Maiden Auction Stakes and is fancied to oblige for Kevin Darley, who rode two winners at Ayr yesterday.

Princess Sofie showed plenty of promise at Doncaster on her debut and franked that ability at Thirsk a fortnight ago when chasing home Parisien Elegance, now unbeaten in two races and on course for the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Furthermore, Louvolite, who finished one place behind Princess Sofie at Thirsk, has since scored at Redcar.

Overdue a victory, Princess Sofie now looks poised to enjoy promotion to the number one slot.

Kagoshima gets the vote in the Stanley Lesiure Handicap over an extended two miles.

John Norton's gelding developed into a fair stayer last season and gave notice of coming to hand at Newcastle recently when finishing fourth to Carousing.

With Ollie Pears in the saddle, the six-year-old can get his head in front this time.

Surprised, trained by Richard Fahey for Whitwell-on-the-Hill owner-breeder David Brotherton, is fancied to overcome a poor draw in the £10,000 William Hill Showcase Handicap.

This progresssive sprinter opened his seasonal account in pleasing style at Hamilton recently and looks set for further succcesses on the strength of that performance.

He will not find it easy from the number ten stall here, but should certainly not be underestimated for that reason alone. Paul Hanagan, arguably the best 5lb claimer in the country, has the mount.

The £10,000 Tote Classified Stakes looks a good opportunity for Modrik to get back on top after two creditable efforts this season, while John Quinn and Robert Winston could be worth watching in the second leg of the Furniture Factors Maiden Stakes in which they are represented by a speedily-bred newcomer in Captain Venti.

The best bet at Windsor promises to be nap selection Ferzao in the Fromtheterrace.co.uk Rated Ha-ndicap.

Amanda Perratt's charge lost his way a little last season, but bounced back to form with a workmanlike victory at York last month.

Better is still to come from Ferzao, who will have the assistance of Richard Quinn as he bids to double his score.

Sir Ferbet, who was just touched off on his seasonal bow at Chester, can go one better in the Mail On Sunday Mile Qualifier Handicap.

The in-form Water Jump looks poised to complete a hat-trick in the Berkshire Stakes.

Tomorrow's tips:

PONTEFRACT

2-15 Princess Sofie

2-45 Able Millennium

3-15 Barzah

3-45 Kagoshima

4-15 Surprised

4-45 Modrik

5-15 Captain Venti

5-45 Ace Of Trumps

WINDSOR

2-25 Marshall Neigh

2-55 Kafezah

3-25 Sir Ferbet

3-55 Water Jump

4-25 Ferzao (NAP)

4-55 Bali-Star

Updated: 10:36 Saturday, June 02, 2001