THERE WILL be no ostrich feathers or ridiculous hats in evidence at Pontefract today. This fixture is very much a meeting of minds.

For, as with every September, the eggheads, boffins, call them what you will, of the Timeform Organisation hold their annual Pontefract meeting.

Feature of the afternoon is the Phil Bull Trophy, a race named in honour of the company's outspoken founder, who died in June 1990.

The £10,000 added race attracts five runners, with Henry Cecil's Canon Can looking the most likely winner.

A chestnut gelding by Green Dancer, Canon Can showed ability, without looking anything out of the ordinary, when campaigned at a mile and middle distances.

However, the three year old showed dramatic improvement when allowed to tackle two miles in a Newmarket handicap last time.

Stepping up half a mile in trip, the 2 to 1 favourite looked in trouble when pushed along by Pat Eddery with five furlongs of the race still to go.

However, he got into gear approaching the last quarter mile and had struck the front nearing the furlong marker. Staying on resolutely to the finish, he had opened up a two length gap at the line and was probably value for a little further.

Now that connections have established Canon Can's optimum trip - the further the better is a rough guide - he looks set to continue on the upgrade.

The two and a quarter miles over Pontefract's demanding terrain could almost have been designed for Canon Can, who looks set to win again.

The £10,000 added Timeform Futurity (Conditions Stakes) should go to Lima. Luca Cumani's daughter of Distant Relative has had just one outing so far and created a favourable impression when winning a six runner maiden at Folkestone.

Held up after a slow start, she was short of room when making headway approaching the final furlong but sprinted into the lead once a gap presented itself, beating Signs And Wonders by half a length.

She is sure to improve for her debut and can make the most of the weight she receives from the colts.

At Brighton, Reg Akehurst's Balance Of Power can defy a 6lb penalty in the Hanningtons of Brighton Handicap.