16:45 Wolverhampton

Friday 10 January 2020

All16:1016:4517:1517:4518:1518:4519:15

Betway Handicap

Off time: 16:46 | Winning time: 3m 47.31s

(1)

Never A Word^b,t⁷^{(ex 5)}

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 53

9/1

Got off the mark at the 34th attempt when winning at Southwell (1m6f, Fibresand) seven days ago for which he has a 5lb penalty. Has ran well here before and this trip is fine so has to be respected with confidence boosted for his first win.

Form: 6/6554-1

(6)

Caged Lightning^p¹⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 9-7| J: P Mulrennan| T: S Gollings| OR: 55

28/1

Now 15lb below his winning mark at Chelmsford (2m) in December 2017. Has run poorly on both starts here, including last time, and on both starts since a 506-day break. First run in a 0-55, however, and any market moves worthy of note.

Form: 2856/80-

(9)

Uncle Bernie^p³⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 9-7| J: J P Sullivan| T: Sarah Hollinshead| OR: 55| CD

14/1

Three-time CD winner who cashed in a much reduced mark with a narrow win at Lingfield (2m) five weeks ago. Only up 2lb and we know conditions will suit but consistency hasn't been his strong point in recent times.

Form: 005781-

(3)

Yasir²⁹

Age: 12| Weight: 9-5| J: Amelia Glass⁽⁷⁾| T: Mrs S Leech| OR: 53| CD

10/1

Seven-time course winner who was touched off by Uncle Bernie at Lingfield (2m) two runs ago. Disappointed back over C&D last time and being now well into the veteran stage, may well be vulnerable to younger rivals.

Form: 734425-

(4)

Butterfield²²

Age: 7| Weight: 9-3| J: E J Walsh| T: B Forsey| OR: 51| C

7/2

Gained a first victory at the 20th attempt over 1m6f here last month. Up just 2lb for a narrow victory and stays this trip so can't be ruled out now having got his head in front.

Form: 293741-

(11)

Fennann^p¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 8-13| J: Faye McManoman⁽⁵⁾| T: Frank Bishop| OR: 47

150/1

Returned to the track after 1034-day absence over 1m6f here two weeks ago. Failed to beat a rival, coming home 20L adrift. Hard to know what ability remains and best watched.

Form: 41498/0-

(7)

Doune Castle^p1,t²³

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: Darragh Keenan⁽³⁾| T: N C Kelly| OR: 52

20/1

Showed a modicum of ability at low level for Andrew Balding over staying trips. Ran poorly on his first run for this yard at Dundalk but is 8lb lower in Britain which will help. Keep an eye on the market.

Form: 504520-

(12)

Call Me Madam²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 8-12| J: Jane Elliott| T: J D Bethell| OR: 46

6/1

Yet to win in 12 starts but posted a career-best when upped to this trip at Newcastle four weeks ago, beaten just ¾L. Unexposed over staying trips in comparison to most and worthy of respect.

Form: 0/57682-

(2)

Lady Natasha^t⁴³

Age: 7| Weight: 8-12| J: Sophie Ralston⁽⁵⁾| T: James Grassick| OR: 45

125/1

A 27-race maiden whose form has been moderate since joining this yard, with one exception when third at Bath (1m5f) in August. Tailed off on both starts since, however, and others are preferred.

Form: 664300-

(13)

Snow Leopard³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: F Norton| T: A W Carroll| OR: 47

9/2

Showed little in three Irish starts before joining Tony Carroll. Well beaten on his GB debut but better last time when beaten 5L into sixth at Kempton (1m4f). First try at this trip but is related to three winners and is an interesting runner.

Form: 58006-

(8)

Brinkleys Katie^p²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 8-7| J: J Fanning| T: Paul George| OR: 45

7/2

13-races without a win but posted a narrow career-best over C&D when third in a seller (beaten ¾L) last month. Consistency not her strongpoint but not entirely ruled out on that latest effort.

Form: 508203-

(5)

Storm Girl⁴⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 8-7| J: Gavin Ashton⁽⁷⁾| T: S-J Davies| OR: 45WS

100/1

Made no impact in four starts for Michael Attwater (all 7f). Upped to 1m1½f on stable debut last month but no improvement forthcoming and is readily passed over stepping up another 6½f in trip. 4lb out of the handicap.

Form: 07690-

Non-Runners

(10)

Showshutai²²⁶

Weight: 8-7| Age: 4

T: C N Kellett J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Butterfield (7/2), Brinkleys Katie (7/2), Snow Leopard (9/2), Call Me Madam (6/1), Never A Word (9/1), Yasir (10/1), Uncle Bernie (14/1), Doune Castle (20/1), Caged Lightning (28/1), Showshutai (50/1), Storm Girl (100/1), Lady Natasha (125/1), Fennann (150/1)

After posting a personal best when upped to this trip at Newcastle, CALL ME MADAM may have more to offer over these staying trips. Of the recent winners Never A Word, Uncle Bernie and Butterfield, preference is for the first-named who has run well here previously. Snow Leopard is lightly-raced and is interesting stepping up to this trip for the first time.