17:15 Wolverhampton

Tuesday 30 October 2018

All16:4517:1517:4518:1518:4519:1519:4520:15

Betway Handicap

Off time: 17:15 | Winning time: 2m 0.76s

(1)

Keswick^t²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: David Egan| T: H Main| OR: 76| BF

10/3

Back to form in no uncertain terms when bolting up by 3¾L at Lingfield (1m2f) last month, and while he was well held off his revised mark at Kempton last time, that race wasn't run to suit, and he could easily bounce back.

Form: 707610

(11)

Bombastic^h1³⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Rob Hornby| T: E De Giles| OR: 80

8/1

Front-runner who can race freely, as when disappointing at Newbury on latest start. Has the ability to be effective off this mark, and perhaps a hood will help him settle here.

Form: 188838

(6)

Blistering Bob⁷⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: R Winston| T: R A Teal| OR: 80

12/1

Well positioned when winning by 7L on handicap debut at Windsor, and raised 11lb for that success. Failed to match the form at Newbury last time, although he did split subsequent winners, and this looks easier.

Form: 56416

(2)

Star Ascending¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: T P Queally| T: J Candlish| OR: 73| C| D

25/1

Gained sixth win of 2018 when scoring over 1m4f here in May, but not at his best on either side of a mid-season break, albeit in a war contest here last time. Should strip fitter, although this trip is on the sharp side.

Form: 611357

(4)

Critical Thinking^p,t¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: S Donohoe| T: D Loughnane| OR: 73| CD

40/1

Three wins here this year at up to 1m½f, and probably needed the run when disappointing here after a break recently. Back to last winning mark, so can't be dismissed out of hand.

Form: 121849

(3)

My Heart³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Tom Marquand| T: I Mohammed & J Santos| OR: 75

14/1

Tends to start slowly, but did better when runner-up in a C&D novice in August. Blew the start again last time, however, and needs to improve to defy a stiff opening mark.

Form: 0-725

(7)

Jetstream^h,t¹²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: R Havlin| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 74

33/1

Sprang a 25/1 surprise at Newcastle in February and joined current stable for 22,000 gns in the summer. Has pulled far too hard in two starts over hurdles, and on a confidence-boosting mission here, it seems.

Form: 0-10365

(10)

Footsteps Forever³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: F Norton| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 74

25/1

Looked strong stamina-wise when off the mark over 6f at Pontefract in June 2017, and lightly raced since. Probably needed the run on return at Musselburgh last month, and worth another chance to progress at this trip.

Form: 6123-6

(8)

Universal Command³⁸¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: Edward Greatrex| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 74

10/1

Best effort in a trio of 2-y-o outings when 2½L fourth of 12 to Indiscretion in minor event at Kempton in October, and open to improvement now handicapping, for all a 12-month absence is something of a concern.

Form: 084-

(9)

Decoration Of War¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: M Dwyer| T: Mrs I G-Leveque| OR: 70| CD

7/4

Has shown progressive form since joining current yard in the summer, and has won both his starts in handicaps here (1m½f). Still thriving, and longer trip looks well within his compass.

Form: 808121

(12)

Liberty Lass²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: L Morris| T: E Mullins| OR: 70| BF

9/1

Won a 1m maiden at Navan last month, and not disgraced when seventh of 10 to Innamorare in handicap at Cork (1m½f) last time. Remains open to improvement, and not easily dismissed given lightly-raced profile.

Form: 07-17

(5)

Sheedy³⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: Joey Haynes| T: I Furtado| OR: 68

40/1

Ran with promise when placed on her third start in novice company, and possible to excuse handicap debut effort because of soft ground. Ran poorly on Tapeta at Newcastle last time, though, and questions to answer now.

Form: 77367

Forecasts

Decoration Of War (7/4), Keswick (10/3), Bombastic (8/1), Liberty Lass (9/1), Universal Command (10/1), Blistering Bob (12/1), My Heart (14/1), Footsteps Forever (25/1), Star Ascending (25/1), Jetstream (33/1), Critical Thinking (40/1), Sheedy (40/1)

DECORATION OF WAR has thrived since joining Ilsa Gansera-Leveque, and can make it three out of three at this venue for his new yard. Liberty Lass is respected as she bids to take this prize to Ireland, and she is still improving, with Footsteps Forever worth a chance to progress having been lightly raced in the last year.