17:00 Wolverhampton

Tuesday 9 July 2019

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

Top Man Alan's 40 Year Race Handicap

Off time: 17:04 | Winning time: 2m 40.20s

(12)

Torolight^p1³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: S W Kelly| T: R Hughes| OR: 70| D

11/1

Proving consistent since going handicapping and appreciated the step up to this trip at Lingfield when winning in April. Struggled off 5lb higher when upped to this grade over the same C&D. More needed off 1lb lower.

Form: 31-4417

(8)

Gold Fleece^p²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-6| J: J Mitchell| T: H Palmer| OR: 69| BF

5/1

Has only had six starts and progressed with each run. Beaten favourite last twice but did little wrong with two seconds. Stable a bit quiet at present but a repeat performance should see her involved again.

Form: 6-52322

(5)

Fayetta^b⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: Oisin Murphy| T: D Loughnane| OR: 68

9/1

Remains an 11-race maiden but proving very reliable so far. Got an easy lead when just touched off last time in first time blinkers and her run of close up efforts is starting to frustrate. One to consider but others may improve past her.

Form: 343442

(4)

Swansdown^p1²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 66| BF

3/1

Six-race maiden produced an improved effort when a narrow third (rider dropped the whip late on) on heavy ground last time. Up in trip, cheekpieces added and does have form here. Should be competitive.

Form: 6092-43

(3)

Second Sight³¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: S Donohoe| T: C Fellowes| OR: 65

16/1

Showcasing colt has struggled to get involved in three well held efforts so far. Up in trip on handicap debut and would need to find improvement for it.

Form: 400

(2)

Bartimaeus³¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Charles Bishop| T: D J Coakley| OR: 64

17/2

Back to the promise of his debut when a narrow third over 1m2f on handicap debut but he looked questionable in the finish. Up 1lb, two furlongs and in grade but also open to further progress. Another to consider.

Form: 67-93

(10)

Lieutenant Conde¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Charlie Bennett| T: H Morrison| OR: 64| C

20/1

Off the mark over 1m1.5f here following a three month break in May but proved disappointing over 1m2f on turf subsequently. Possible now he's a far better horse on the AW although this is tougher company again.

Form: 4-34415

(7)

Gold Arch^b¹⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-1| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: D R Lanigan| OR: 64| BF| CD

4/1

Beat Wilkommen by 2L over this C&D but threw his chance away on turf the last twice by hanging badly. Possible the soft surface and then the Ripon track didn't suit so one to consider back on the AW. Stable form rates a concern.

Form: 070-142

(6)

So Hi Cardi²⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Jason Watson| T: H & R Charlton| OR: 62

25/1

So You Think filly cost €57,000 as a yearling and well held in three starts so far. Extra furlong could help and with a good stable but improvement required on handicap debut.

Form: 584

(1)

Blue Beirut²²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-8| J: Harry Bentley| T: W R Muir| OR: 57

50/1

Has struggled to make any sort of impression in four starts so far, including on handicap debut. Down 1lb but this is tougher still and hard to make a case for.

Form: 6686

(9)

Percy's Prince³⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: L Morris| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 54

13/2

Improved on handicap and season debut when a well held fourth over 1m2f at Chelmsford. More needed but that was a creditable effort following 220 days absence and the extra two furlongs are a big plus. Could go close.

Form: 088-4

Non-Runners

(11)

Willkommen⁴⁹

Weight: 9-2| Age: 3

T: M Botti J: Stefano Cherchi

Forecasts

Swansdown (3/1), Gold Arch (4/1), Willkommen (9/2), Gold Fleece (5/1), Percy's Prince (13/2), Bartimaeus (17/2), Fayetta (9/1), Torolight (11/1), Second Sight (16/1), Lieutenant Conde (20/1), So Hi Cardi (25/1), Blue Beirut (50/1)

The third from PERCY'S PRINCE comeback run has since won and there was enough to like over a shorter trip, following a lengthy absence, to think he can find the required improvement over this more suitable test of stamina. It's a competitive affair and the progressive Willkommen has to be respected following his breakthrough win. Gold Fleece is also on an upward curve and a win at this level shouldn't be far away while Swansdown rates a danger in headgear after an unlucky effort last time.