Action from Wolverhampton
Action from Wolverhampton

Free horse racing selections for Monday January 14


Festival Of Ages is Ashley Iveson's best bet and he has a tip for every race in the UK and Ireland.

NAP: Festival Of Ages 6.15 Wolverhampton

Next best: Dragon Mail 7.15 Wolverhampton

Festival Of Ages can get back on the winning trail with victory in the Betway Conditions Stakes at Wolverhampton.

Charlie Appleby's charge was sidelined for the best part of a year and a half after winning a Newmarket maiden in the summer of 2017.

However, he was backed off the boards on his return from a near 500-day absence at Kempton in November and duly proved his ability remains very intact with a comfortable success.

He was a warm order to follow up when stepped up to an extended two miles at Newcastle last month and while favourite-backers had their fingers burnt, he was not disgraced in finishing second to Stargazer, who is a high-class stayer in his own right and something of a course specialist at Gosforth Park.

The handicapper was impressed enough to raise Festival Of Ages 4lb to a mark of 98 and with just four runs under his belt, there is every chance he has not reached the ceiling of ability just yet.

Last year's winner Watersmeet is a serious rival in what promises to be an informative fast-track qualifier for the All-Weather Championships, but Appleby's inmate gets the nod.

The Simon Crisford-trained Simple Thought will not be winning out of turn if coming good in the Betway Novice Stakes.

The daughter of Teofilo finished down the field on her only juvenile start at Newmarket, but shaped with far more promise as a three-year-old, placing on four of her five starts in 2018.

She produced what was arguably a career-best performance when beaten a length into second in a Kempton maiden on her latest outing and will not need to improve much - if at all - to go one better.

Dragon Mall is of significant interest in the Betway Casino Handicap.

The six-year-old achieved a three-figure rating at the peak of his career with David Simcock, but changed hands for the bargain-basement price of just 4,500 guineas last July.

He was predictably outclassed on his first start for new connections in a Kempton Listed event at November, but has run well twice since, but recently finishing second in a strong race here just a week ago.

Back in a handicap on a mark of 87, it would be no surprise to see him go close for upwardly mobile dual-purpose trainer Rebecca Menzies.

Not Never can make the most of having his sights lowered in the Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Hurdle at Fontwell.

Gary Moore's charge registered successive wins at Plumpton in January and February of last year, with a 16-length romp for his latter success earning him a 15lb hike in the weights.

He was pitched in at the deep end on his return to action in the Betfair Exchange Trophy - formerly the The Ladbroke - at Ascot and could only finish in midfield.

That run will have blown away a few cobwebs and leave him spot on for this easier assignment.

Steel Native can register a fourth win at Ffos Las in the Tim Vaughan Racing Supporting Ffos Las Handicap Hurdle.

The eight-year-old has done most of his racing at the Welsh circuit - 17 of his 22 career starts to be precise - and has been runner-up three times to go with his three victories.

He won with a bit up his sleeve on his latest visit in a handicap chase and he looks sure to go well again, switching back to the smaller obstacles.

Sporting Life tips

FFOS LAS: 1.30 Steel Native, 2.05 Press Gang, 2.35 The Last Day, 3.05 Chief Brody, 3.40 Quantum Of Solace, 4.15 Get In The Queue.

FONTWELL: 1.20 Not Never, 1.55 So Lonely, 2.25 Cabragh, 2.55 Carrick Roads, 3.25 Mortens Leam, 4.00 Sky Full Of Stars.

PUNCHESTOWN: 12.40 Farid, 1.10 Free Ranger, 1.40 Lighthouse Warrior, 2.15 Black Tears, 2.45 Whatsinthecorner, 3.15 Lady Writer, 3.50 Fasola Tido.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 4.40 Macho Lady, 5.15 Carpet Time, 5.45 Secondo, 6.15 FESTIVAL OF AGES (NAP), 6.45 Simple Thought, 7.15 Dragon Mall, 7.45 Bollihope.

DOUBLE: Festival Of Ages and Dragon Mall.


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