The David Marnane-trained Elleval© Photo Healy Racing
David Marnane is looking forward to making his first visit to Pontefract on Sunday as Elleval bids for Listed honours in the Skybet Supporting The Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival Pomfret Stakes.
The four-year-old enjoyed a fantastic start to his campaign with a lucrative victory at the Dubai Carnival at Meydan and made a promising return from a three-month break when fourth in the Group Three International Stakes at the Curragh on his most recent appearance.
He steps down in trip and class for his British debut and Marnane is anticipating a bold show.
"He won a big pot in Dubai earlier in the year and he had a lovely first run back in Ireland the last day," said the County Tipperary-based trainer.
"I'd expect him to improve for the run and this looks a good, winning opportunity for him, hopefully.
"He's probably more of a mile and a quarter horse, his best trip is probably actually a mile and one (furlong), but a stiff mile at Pontefract should be fine for him, especially if there's a bit of pace in the race.
"I've never been to Pontefract before, so it's another one to knock off the list.
"I'd love to have a winner there. I love to have winners anywhere!"
Elleval features in an eight-strong field and will be ridden by Jamie Spencer for the first time.
His rivals include the David O'Meara-trained Custom Cut, Godolphin's Artigiano and Highland Knight from Andrew Balding's yard.
