20:00 Wolverhampton

Friday 30 January 2026

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

Read Meg Nicholls' Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap

Off time: 20:01 | Winning time: 1m 28.61s

(2)

Urgent Call^p⁴⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: Cieren Fallon| T: C Johnston| OR: 74| D

33/1

Well placed to win at Newcastle (7f) 74 days ago but struggling since that win, third of 4 in handicap there (5/1) 45 days ago, weakening late.

Form: 436153-

(8)

Three Non Blondes²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: Pierre-Louis Jamin| T: K R Burke| OR: 74| BF

5/1

Won debut at Chelmsford but went backwards when second of 8 in 6f novice at Newcastle (11/10 fav) 29 days ago, beaten a neck. In good hands however, and she could improve on handicap debut with step up in trip.

Form: 1-2

(1)

Balthamos^h⁴⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Harry Davies| T: S & E Crisford| OR: 73| BF

4/1

Yet to win from 8 starts but backed up previous effort when second of 4 in handicap at Newcastle (7/4 fav) 45 days ago, hampered over 1f out and looking more straightforward under pressure. Should be in the mix again.

Form: 426532-

(9)

Illy's Roo¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: George Bass| T: J Channon| OR: 73| D

16/1

Won handicap over 7f 43 days ago when settling better but fourth of 4 in handicap at Kempton Park (9/2) 16 days ago, too keen on first start over 1m (jockey reported bit slipped). Needs to settle to show best form but will find this a more suitable test.

Form: 81571-4

(5)

Chief Red Wing⁶⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: Joe Leavy| T: B J Meehan| OR: 72| BF

4/1

Lightly raced gelding was fourth of 13 in maiden at Chelmsford City (5/4 fav) 65 days ago, improved again but didn't justify short odds. Going the right way and may take another step forward on handicap debut.

Form: 074-

(3)

Marseillan^b,t³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: L Morris| T: Lemos Souza| OR: 72| D

9/2

Lightly raced gelding who fared best of those ridden prominently when second in a handicap before getting off the mark in 7f novice at Lingfield (4/5 favourite) 30 days ago, not needing to improve. Should remain competitive in back in a handicap.

Form: 32521-

(4)

Because We Can^v¹⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Georgia Dobie| T: C G Cox| OR: 68| CD

3/1

Lightly raced gelding who showed improved form on handicap debut when first of 8 in handicap at this C&D (15/2) 18 days ago wearing first-time visor, took a strong hold but saw the race out well. Up 4lbs but bred to be at least useful and likely has more to offer with headgear retained.

Form: 055-1

(7)

My Shagaf^b1⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Jack Nicholls⁽⁵⁾| T: T Kent| OR: 67

16/1

100,000 gns yearling who showed improvement when third of 9 in 1m handicap at Southwell (5/1) 42 days ago. Interesting back over 7f if first-time blinkers have the desired effect (has taken strong hold previously).

Form: 5833-

(6)

Fermain^t,p1¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Grace McEntee| T: G Boughey| OR: 67

28/1

Little win threat since winning a 6f turf novice in October, plugging on in first-time tongue tie (retained) when third of 9 in handicap at Southwell (14/1) 13 days ago. Now tries 7f with cheekpieces added but has a bit to find on bare form.

Form: 31676-3

Forecasts

Because We Can (3/1), Balthamos (4/1), Chief Red Wing (4/1), Marseillan (9/2), Three Non Blondes (5/1), Illy's Roo (16/1), My Shagaf (16/1), Fermain (28/1), Urgent Call (33/1)

BECAUSE WE CAN won at this C&D 18 days ago on his handicap debut wearing a first-time visor and, though up 4lb, this lightly-raced gelding is bred to be at least useful and likely has more to offer. Balthamos continues to run creditably and the likely strong pace will be in his favour, while Marseillan got off the mark in a Lingfield novice last month and should remain competitive back in handicaps.