Betweenthesticks sits narrowly behind the top three on our ratings, but it is the progressive profile that makes this five-furlong Pontefract contest compelling — there is reason to believe the ceiling has not yet been reached. Le Beau Garcon heads the ratings and cannot be dismissed, while Spirit Of Applause and Great pose equally legitimate threats in what looks an open affair at the top of the field. On the basis of potential for further improvement, **Betweenthesticks** is the selection, though punters should note confidence is tempered by the quality arrayed against it.