LYNDA RAMSDEN and Kieran Fallon, a formidable combination at Pontefract, can enhance their fine record at the track by winning the closing Batley Handicap with Seattle Alley today.
Since 1992 Mrs Ramsden has sent out the winners of 24 races at Pontefract at a strike-rate at fractionally under one in five. And Fallon, whose career in Britain looked so uncertain after his brushes with authority last year, is establishing himself with 45 victories so far this year.
Seattle Alley, by Seattle Dancer, has been brought along steadily but now looks ready to win his first race at the ninth attempt.
He failed to make the frame in his first seven outings, but most recently at Doncaster, when allowed to tackle a mile and a quarter for the first time, he gave a better indication of his ability.
Sent off 7 to 2 favourite, he ran well to finish fourth to the David Evans-trained Rasayel, staying on inside the final quarter mile to be beaten four and a half lengths.
Clearly a mile and a half will prove within Seattle Alley's compass, but there seems no reason why he should not show to good effect over Pontefract's stiff 10 furlongs.
The Ramsden stable took the corresponding race 12 months ago with All-time Dancer and Seattle Alley can oblige again.
