Shores shines for King

Coral Shores benefited from a well-judged ride by Marie King to win the opening heat at Pontefract.

Sent off at odds of 11-1 for the Pontefract Ladies’ Handicap, King nudged her partner into a clear-cut advantage approaching the final turn for home.

The three-year-old filly then responded strongly when pressed by subsequent runner-up Gala Sunday to secure a tidy length-and-a-quarter verdict.

Owner-trainer Peter Hiatt, who won this race in 2003 with 50-1 shot Moonshine Bill, said: “I’ve always thought this course would suit her.

“The drop of rain they had on Sunday night also probably helped her.

“She’s just a galloper and is improving.”