20:45 Wolverhampton

Saturday 16 December 2017

All17:4518:1518:4519:1519:4520:1520:4521:15

sunbets.co.uk Handicap

Off time: 20:48 | Winning time: 1m 27.81s

(10)

The Feathered Nest⁷¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: J Garritty| T: R A Fahey| OR: 86

16/1

Consistent run of form in the summer culminating in a 6f win at Newmarket's July course. Just the one run since so that is a question mark here. Step up to 7f for first time but expect her to stay.

Form: 423319

(12)

Alejandro³

Age: 8| Weight: 9-8| J: Tom Marquand| T: D Loughnane| OR: 86| D

11/1

Seeking what would be a tenth career win. Not running bad of late on AW over variety of trips but bit more needed with mark today unchanged.

Form: 685376

(9)

Exchequer²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: M Harley| T: D O'Meara| OR: 85| D

28/1

Last of 11 on most recent start, his stable debut over C&D last month. Handicap unchanged so big turnaround in form needed.

Form: 03782-0

(4)

Call Out Loud^v¹²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby| OR: 84| BF| CD

10/1

Won five times on AW this year including a C&D hat-trick earlier in the year. Won again two starts ago at Chelmsford before finding 6f sharp enough at Southwell. Record on AW too good to ignore despite higher mark.

Form: 093616

(2)

Loyalty^v⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 9-5| J: P Mathers| T: D Shaw| OR: 83| C| D

20/1

Never really recovered after paying heavy price for 7L Chelmsford win early in the year. Handicap sliding but still higher than that win and remains too high.

Form: 595956

(11)

Sword Exceed²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: L Morris| T: I Furtado| OR: 83

5/1

Gained second win last time out at Lingfield over 6f. Arrived at the furlong pulling a cart before cruising to success under hands and heels. Seemed to stay 7f in only previous try and despite 6lb rise looks like taking some beating again here.

Form: 137441

(3)

Twin Appeal^b²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: B A Curtis| T: T D Barron| OR: 83| D

5/2

On a 14 race losing streak but C&D second latest a step in the right direction. 2lb rise keeps the pressure on but expecting a good showing here.

Form: 868852

(8)

Eccleston^v¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: R Kingscote| T: Miss J A Camacho| OR: 83

15/2

Belatedly tries 7f for first time today after staying on well for third latest over 6f at Newcastle. If he stays he would rate an each-way contender today.

Form: 726033

(5)

Firmdecisions^b¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-4| J: Jack Duern⁽³⁾| T: D K Ivory| OR: 82| BF| D

12/1

Unsuccessful in 2017 so far. Ran slightly better latest when fifth at Chelmsford but more needed to improve his position here.

Form: 030005

(6)

Shepherd's Purse¹⁰²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: P J McDonald| T: D Loughnane| OR: 78| D

12/1

Decent runs in last two races in Ireland and effective on AW. The doubt here is 7f given he has looked a short-runner over it in the past.

Form: 830744

(7)

Kreb's Cycle^p³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: S Donohoe| T: Ian Williams| OR: 76| BF

8/1

Ran well in two of last three starts, both over 7f on AW. Beaten just a head latest at Chelmsford and is likely to be just as competitive today.

Form: 447202

(1)

Energia Flavio^h1³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 8-11| J: S W Kelly| T: P Morris| OR: 75| D

33/1

Back-to-back C&D seconds in the summer would give him a chance although was well below that level in lone race since. Hood added here and not ruled out.

Form: 33-0220

Forecasts

Twin Appeal (5/2), Sword Exceed (5/1), Eccleston (15/2), Kreb's Cycle (8/1), Call Out Loud (10/1), Alejandro (11/1), Shepherd's Purse (12/1), Firmdecisions (12/1), The Feathered Nest (16/1), Loyalty (20/1), Exchequer (28/1), Energia Flavio (33/1)

SWORD EXCEED was most impressive at Lingfield where he travelled incredibly strongly and quickened when asked. This extra furlong should suit just as well and on that evidence he could very easily win again. There are several other contenders worth considering however and Kreb's Cycle is one of them after his narrow defeat last time out at Chelmsford. The Feathered Nest like the selection is upped in trip and while she hasn't raced in a while she showed smart form in the summer.