14:30 Wolverhampton

Wednesday 15 February 2017

All14:0014:3015:0015:3016:0016:3017:00

Betway Sprint Handicap

Off time: 14:32 | Winning time: 1m 1.40s

(10)

Jack The Laird^v⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: R Winston| T: D K Ivory| OR: 60

5/1

One win from 18 starts and the visor is the piece of headgear reached for on this occasion. Somewhat surprisingly went off favourite last time when finishing third and likely to find things tougher from this draw.

Form: 733430

(4)

Socialites Red^p⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Robbie Walsh⁽⁷⁾| T: S Dixon| OR: 59

16/1

Just one win from 24 starts to date. That came in a maiden on the turf back in 2015 and hasn't been seen to much effect this year. While drop back to the minimum trip is an obvious positive, the yard form has to be a concern.

Form: 543451

(6)

See Vermont^p¹⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-4| J: D Tudhope| T: Rebecca Bastiman| OR: 57

13/2

Disappointing favourite last month on this surface at Newcastle, not benefiting from being held up off a slow pace. Looks to be more of a pace angle in this race and he's one to be interested in if one can see past his recent patchy record.

Form: 534254

(7)

Mighty Zip^p⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: Jordan Uys⁽⁷⁾| T: L Williamson| OR: 56

50/1

Won his maiden here in 2015 but not shown much in five starts for this yard as his mark continues to slide. Probably better over further than this so others hold stronger claims.

Form: 3D1451

(5)

Topsoil^p³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: Oisin Murphy| T: R Harris| OR: 54

4/1

Just caught by K'gari Spirit on penultimate start at Chelmsford and returns 2lb worse off after winning over C&D last time. A little less exposed than most in here and clearly in good form so dangerous if allowed the run of the race.

Form: 316076

(8)

Frank The Barber^t³³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: Adam Beschizza| T: Steph Hollinshead| OR: 54

8/1

Two wins from 38 starts tells it's own story but this C&D winner went close last time after being well-positioned throughout the race. Returns on the same mark but he's not guaranteed to return in the same form.

Form: 513333

(3)

Harpers Ruby¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 8-13| J: P Aspell| T: Miss L C Siddall| OR: 52

28/1

Both career wins have come over C&D, the latter from a 2lb lower mark than today's. Disappointed on her last two starts and may be one to oppose off this mark for now.

Form: 10920-9

(2)

Blistering Dancer¹⁷⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 8-7| J: William Carson| T: A W Carroll| OR: 45

25/1

Poor strike rate of two wins from 42 starts and zero from 12 on the AW. Out of form lately and likely to need this run after an absence.

Form: 250-473

(1)

Times In Anatefka^p,t¹⁹^{(ex 6)}

Age: 7| Weight: 8-12| J: M Harley| T: A B Joyce| OR: 44

13/8

Finally got his head back in front on Monday over C&D on his first time on the AW in the UK. The contests he had been contesting in Ireland prior to that look more competitive that this but he may struggle to back that up having to carry a 6lb penalty.

Form: 47-3511

Non-Runners

(9)

K'gari Spirit¹³

Weight: 9-9| Age: 4

T: J Gask J: N Mackay

Forecasts

Times In Anatefka (13/8), Topsoil (4/1), Jack The Laird (5/1), K'gari Spirit (6/1), See Vermont (13/2), Frank The Barber (8/1), Socialites Red (16/1), Blistering Dancer (25/1), Harpers Ruby (28/1), Mighty Zip (50/1)

SEE VERMONT was well-backed last time at Newcastle and that unplaced effort probably needs upgrading slightly as he didn't get the strong pace he requires to be seen to best effect. Topsoil has been in fine form of late and looks capable of giving another good account from a handy draw while Times In Anatefka proved that the all-weather scene in Ireland is generally more competitive than the UK currently with a win last time on UK AW debut and he should remain competitive carrying a penalty. 1. See Vermont 2. Topsoil 3. Times In Anatefka