20:00 Wolverhampton

Monday 3 February 2020

All17:0017:3018:0018:3019:0019:3020:0020:30

Betway Novice Stakes

Off time: 20:01 | Winning time: 1m 59.72s

(6)

Desert Dawn¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Cam Hardie| T: B Ellison| BF

20/1

Dawn Approach gelding who was seventh of 11 in a bumper at Newcastle (2m½f) last month where he went off as the 9/4 favourite. Set for his Flat debut now where he merits respect, especially if there is market support behind him.

Form:

(7)

Fair Star³³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Ben Robinson| T: B Ellison

2/1

Sea The Stars gelding who won a bumper at Market Rasen (1m5f) on his debut on the track. He could only finish fifth of 16 last time at Cheltenham (1m6f) in a Listed race. This will be his first run on the Flat. One to consider.

Form:

(3)

Go On My Cocker⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: T Eaves| T: D Shaw

150/1

Was tailed off on his debut at this course over 7f last month, finishing at the rear of six runners after going off at 33/1. Needs to take a big stride forward on this latest appearance in order to be competitive.

Form: 6

(8)

Karalius^t1

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Charlie Bennett| T: M R BosleyWS

100/1

Cape Blanco gelding whose dam was successful over 6f in Australia. Has had a wind operation ahead of this opening outing, while he will wear a tongue-tie. Best to watch on debut.

Form:

(10)

Lep³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: D C Costello| T: M J Attwater

16/1

Has shown some promise on both of his two starts to date. He was fourth of 10 on the AW at Lingfield (1m2f), while he then came back third of eight over that same C&D last time out. One to think about here.

Form: 43-

(1)

Maharashtra⁴⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Phil Dennis| T: M Herrington

200/1

Has struggled on his two outings in bumpers. His latest attempt came at Newcastle (1m6½f) where he came home at the rear of seven runners. Set for his Flat debut here. He will need to improve to be in the mix.

Form:

(5)

Opportunist⁵⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: B A Curtis| T: M Meade

9/2

Finished fifth of 10 at Lingfield (1m2f) on the AW on his opening start after going off at 5/2. He kept on well in the closing stages. Is open improvement on his second outing over this shorter trip. One to consider.

Form: 5-

(4)

Sheriffmuir^p⁵⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: K T O'Neill| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 77| BF

11/10

Is still a maiden but has finished second on his last three starts, including latest attempt on the AW at Kempton (1m) when he was second of eight on his handicap debut. Remains off the same mark. Leading contender.

Form: 3/222-

(2)

Happy Face^p1,t⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Charles Bishop| T: J Tuite| OR: 63

22/1

Has produced some modest performances on the track in her six starts but is without a win. She was fourth of nine on her latest run at Kempton (1m) on the AW. Remains off the same mark. Can't discount.

Form: 4354-34

Non-Runners

(9)

Its All Clover Now⁷

Weight: 9-5| Age: 5

T: D Shaw J: Jason Hart

Forecasts

Sheriffmuir (11/10), Fair Star (2/1), Opportunist (9/2), Lep (16/1), Desert Dawn (20/1), Happy Face (22/1), Its All Clover Now (50/1), Karalius (100/1), Go On My Cocker (150/1), Maharashtra (200/1)

SHERIFFMUIR has gone close to victory on her last three starts but this extra distance should give him a great chance of recording his opening success. Fair Star was a winner of a bumper at Market Rasen and can be in the mix on his debut on the Flat, while Opportunist is likely to improve on a modest debut to finish in the frame on his second attempt on the track.