20:25 Wolverhampton

Wednesday 9 May 2018

All17:5518:2518:5519:2519:5520:2520:55

Hellermanntyton Protection Handicap

Off time: 20:25 | Winning time: 1m 30.30s

(7)

Time To Reason²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: William Carson| T: C Wallis| OR: 74| D

8/1

Ex-Irish who hasn't won since 2016 but has shown enough since arriving here that a win isn't far away. Handicapper has been relenting and ran a solid place off this mark last time.

Form: 7-54573

(2)

The Amber Fort¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Phil Dennis⁽³⁾| T: M Herrington| OR: 73| C

4/1

Consistent performer who struggled to get his head in front for David O'Meara but was very impressive winning on his new stable debut. Overcame a wide draw with a late burst over 6f here and there should be more to come over this trip.

Form: 652321

(4)

Critical Thinking^p,t¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: S Donohoe| T: D Loughnane| OR: 73| CD

3/1

Rapid improvement since fitted with cheekpieces (retained) and dropping to this C&D. Denied a hat-trick last time but suffered with a wide draw and despite another 2lb rise should be competitive again.

Form: 524112

(6)

Alqalsar³²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: David Probert| T: J M Bradley| OR: 73

16/1

Formerly owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum and trained by Brian Meehan when showing plenty of ability in three maidens. Drop back in trip a positive on handicap debut for new connections and remains of interest.

Form: 522-

(3)

Highly Sprung¹⁹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: J Fanning| T: J L Eyre| OR: 71

9/1

Former Mark Johnston runner who makes his stable debut. Overcame slow start when narrowly defeated over this C&D when last seen and clearly appreciated the step back up to this distance. Remains on a competitive mark.

Form: 108403-

(1)

Bouclier⁴⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 9-3| J: L Morris| T: J W Unett| OR: 70| D

5/2

Form tailed off badly for previous stable and has shown nothing in two runs for present trainer. Dropping in the handicap again but best watched.

Form: 090-789

(5)

Energia Flavio^p¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 9-3| J: Fran Berry| T: P Morris| OR: 70| C| D

15/2

Consistent performer over this C&D who made a bold bid last time before weakening in the final furlong. Bit to find with Critical Thinking on that run.

Form: 172354

(8)

Grey Destiny¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 8-11| J: Cam Hardie| T: A Brittain| OR: 64| CD

16/1

Won back-to-back races here at the end of last year but held in three starts since off higher marks, including behind Critical Thinking. Clearly likes it here but 3lb higher than last winning mark and this is competitive.

Form: 211-470

Forecasts

Bouclier (5/2), Critical Thinking (3/1), The Amber Fort (4/1), Energia Flavio (15/2), Time To Reason (8/1), Highly Sprung (9/1), Grey Destiny (16/1), Alqalsar (16/1)

A tough race with most of the runners holding realistic chances. Narrow preference is for THE AMBER FORT who was very impressive winning on his first run for his new yard and the way he hit the line there is more improvement now he gets this extra furlong. Critical Thinking is up again in the weights but is flying at the moment and can go close again. Alqasar and Highly Sprung should be noted in the market for their respective new stables with the latter open to more improvement after showing promise at this distance.