Race Overview

This is the Stay At The Wolverhampton Holiday Inn Handicap, a Class 6 race run over a distance of 1 mile and 6 furlongs on the Tapeta all-weather surface. A number of non-runners (Kokinelli, Al Khawaneej River, and Jubilee Party) have reduced this to a small, competitive field of five, competing for a first prize of £3,245.

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Runner-by-Runner Analysis

Here is a breakdown of the five declared runners:

• 3. Trojan Truth (Odds: 2/1) This horse is in the form of his life, having completed a hat-trick of wins over slightly shorter trips during the summer. He proved he is still in top condition when finishing a strong second over 1m4f here at Wolverhampton last month. The step up to 1m6f should not be an issue, and he is a proven course performer. Verdict: The most solid and reliable horse in the race. He sets a clear standard and is the one to beat.
• 4. Nobody Told Me (Odds: 11/1) His form has been very poor for a long time, both on the flat and over hurdles. He was beaten by 35 lengths in his last start and shows no signs of a revival. Verdict: Massively out of form and impossible to recommend.
• 6. Spectacular Style (Odds: 5/2) A talented but frustrating horse. He won well over this distance at Redcar in August but has compromised his chances in two races since by pulling too hard. If he consents to settle, he has the ability to win, but that is a big “if”. Verdict: A risky proposition. He has the talent but his temperament makes him unreliable.
• 7. On The Right Track (Odds: 6/1) A previous course winner who is well-handicapped on his old form. However, he is returning from a massive 478-day absence from the track. It is very difficult for a horse to win after such a long layoff. Verdict: The long absence is a major concern. He is best watched on his return.
• 8. Khangai (Odds: 10/3) His last run over 2 miles can be ignored as the trip was too far. Before that, he was in excellent form, winning over 1m4f and then being narrowly beaten over this 1m6f distance. He has a good record on the all-weather and comes here in good heart. Verdict: A strong contender who has proven form over the trip. He looks like the main danger to the favourite.

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Conclusion and Tip

With several key rivals being non-runners, this has become a much simpler puzzle to solve. The race revolves around the two most in-form horses, Trojan Truth and Khangai.

Trojan Truth‘s excellent recent run at this track gives him a slight edge, and he looks the most likely winner. Khangai is a proven stayer who was in great form before his last excusable run and rates as the biggest threat. Spectacular Style is the wild card; he could win if he settles but could just as easily run his race before it begins.

Selection:

1. 🥇 Trojan Truth
2. 🥈 Khangai
3. 🥉 Spectacular Style