Wolverhampton Race Meeting: Friday, 25th October
Race 1: 4.55 Always Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (1m 1/2f)
| Rank | Horse (Odds) | Trainer | Jockey | OR/RPR/TS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Make Her Believe (4/1) | A Haynes | Kieran O’Neill | -/74/- |
| 2 | Miss India (6/1) | G Boughey | Jack Callan (5) | -/65/- |
Recent Form and Comments Summary
Make Her Believe: Down the field at Lingfield on debut (7f) but showed much better form when fourth over Course and Distance (C&D) last month. She kept on well in that run despite not enjoying a clear passage.
Miss India: Ran green and was consistently in the rear when 20-1 at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) in June. She should know more this time around and has been placed in an uncompetitive event. She is worth monitoring in the market.
Spotlight Verdict
The suggestion is EMMA’S LETTER. Ar Diddy Dum Dum and Make Her Believe are high on the list in terms of achievement, but they face challenging wide draws, and there are potential improvers in the field. Emma’s Letter is preferred, having finished with real purpose for second place last time out, despite being sent off at 400-1, and she remains open to further progress. Eastern Veil and Shabti are also highlighted as potential improvers.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: Only 2yo fillies run in this race.
- Fate of Favourites: 6 wins from 8 races.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): Heather Main (1-0-1), Marco Botti (0-1-1).
Assessment of Top Two
Make Her Believe (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Showed improved form over C&D last month. Has plenty to recommend her otherwise.
- Weaknesses: Drawn wide (Stall 10).
- Suitability: Her fourth place over C&D suggests suitability to the trip/surface.
Miss India (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Has been found an uncompetitive race; expected to progress from debut.
- Weaknesses: Ran green and was always in the rear on debut; requires significant improvement on bare figures.
- Suitability: This uncompetitive event should provide a good learning experience.
Race 2: 5.25 Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At betmgm.co.uk Nursery Handicap (7f)
| Rank | Horse (Odds) | Trainer | Jockey | OR/RPR/TS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Champagne Dream (6/1) | D Cunha | Taryn Langley (5) | 65/67/- |
| 2 | Sunshine And Roses (8/1) | J Channon | George Bass | 62/68/- |
Recent Form and Comments Summary
Champagne Dream: Has been placed in all three starts, with her most recent effort being over this C&D. This recent C&D run produced a next-time-out winner from fourth place. Blinkers are fitted for her handicap debut.
Sunshine And Roses: Provided respectable efforts in her last two starts, both of which have subsequently thrown up winners. She is well drawn (Stall 2) for a horse that can make the running, and she is interesting on her handicap debut.
Spotlight Verdict
Preference is for SUNSHINE AND ROSES, who is well drawn for a front-runner and should handle the drop in trip. Fanjove is considered a good starting point, having been in good form, and may still have more improvement despite being raised 3lb. Vintage Heat is also expected to run well.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: Only 2yo run in this race.
- Fate of Favourites: The pattern of recent years’ fate of favourites is 5-1-1-1-5-0-1-1 (using 2024 to 2022 winners).
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): David Loughnane (0-2-5), Richard Hannon (0-1-4).
Assessment of Top Two
Champagne Dream (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Consistent form (three placings in three starts) with proven C&D experience. Blinkers are applied for the first time.
- Weaknesses: Could have been assigned a better draw (Stall 10).
- Suitability: Proven C&D form suggests fitness for the task.
Sunshine And Roses (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Good recent form with strong form lines behind her. Excellent draw (Stall 2) suited to her running style (makes the running).
- Weaknesses: Making handicap debut.
- Suitability: Expected to handle the trip and draw makes her highly competitive.
Race 3: 6.00 Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Fillies’ Handicap (7f)
| Rank | Horse (Odds) | Trainer | Jockey | OR/RPR/TS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden Thorn (4/1) | A Balding | Jason Watson | 73/81/57 |
| 2 | Lady Mariko (5/1) | D Cunha | Lewis Edmunds | 74/80/- |
Recent Form and Comments Summary
Golden Thorn: Won over 1m at Windsor in July. Stepped up again when returned to AW at Southwell last time. She drops in trip here (from 1m).
Lady Mariko: Has won twice over this 7f trip on turf. She delivered an extended run of creditable efforts at Ascot recently.
Spotlight Verdict
The less exposed SOHO SQUARE is preferred, having run well on her yard debut after a break and being deemed likely to have more to come. She is also well drawn. Educating Rita may finish best of the remaining runners.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups (Winners/Placed/Runners): 3yo (1-2-6), 4yo+ (0-0-2).
- Fate of Favourites: No specific statistics provided in the sources for this race.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): Andrew Balding (0-1-1), Michael Appleby (0-1-1).
Assessment of Top Two
Golden Thorn (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Stepped up her form when returning to AW. She should give another good account.
- Weaknesses: Drops slightly in trip (from 1m).
- Suitability: Her recent performance on AW makes her a strong contender.
Lady Mariko (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Proven winner at the trip on turf and is running creditably.
- Weaknesses: Must transfer her turf improvement this year back to the AW surface.
- Suitability: Suitable trip (7f).
Race 4: 6.30 Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM Handicap (1m 1/2f)
| Rank | Horse (Odds) | Trainer | Jockey | OR/RPR/TS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mc’ted (5/2) | Martin Dunne | Alice Bond (7) | 63/76/- |
| 2 | Volto Di Medusa (9/2) | J Jones | Dylan Hogan | 70/77/- |
Recent Form and Comments Summary
Mc’ted: Currently in excellent form, having won both starts for trainer Martin Dunne. Despite being raised 8lb for his most recent Brighton victory, he is still reasonably well treated based on his career-best form.
Volto Di Medusa: A winner on both turf and AW. He ran well in his last race over a longer distance here, despite being drawn wide. He benefits from a much better draw (Stall 1) this time.
Spotlight Verdict
The suggestion is an each-way chance on DUCA DI LUCCA, who is lightly exposed and expected to benefit from the step up to this trip. Mc’ted should go close in his bid to make it 3-3 for his trainer, despite the 8lb rise. Volto Di Medusa and Antiquity are also highlighted as having prospects.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups (Winners/Placed/Runners): 3yo (2-6-28), 4yo+ (6-7-54).
- Fate of Favourites: 2-0-0-0-1-2-5.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): Tony Carroll (1-0-2), Mark Loughnane (0-1-4).
Assessment of Top Two
Mc’ted (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Currently in career-best form having won twice recently. Remains reasonably treated on best form.
- Weaknesses: Carries an 8lb rise in weight.
- Suitability: Leading claims given recent success.
Volto Di Medusa (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Proven on AW/turf and benefits significantly from a much better draw (Stall 1) compared to last time.
- Weaknesses: Ran over a longer distance last time.
- Suitability: Interesting runner due to the improved starting position.
Race 5: 7.00 Midnite A Next Generation Betting App Handicap (2m 1/2f)
| Rank | Horse (Odds) | Trainer | Jockey | OR/RPR/TS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goblet Of Fire (6/4) | N Henderson | Daniel Muscutt | 80/89/- |
| 2 | Sax Appeal (5/4) | Charlie Johnston | Archie Young (5) | 86/90/76 |
Recent Form and Comments Summary
Goblet Of Fire: Typically campaigns over hurdles. Has a good AW Flat record from last year (1112), including a win here (1m4f). Recent Flat outing resulted in a second place at Goodwood (1m6f). He attempts this longer trip (2m 1/2f) on the Flat for the first time and runs off a career-high mark.
Sax Appeal: A highly consistent runner since the spring, achieving three wins in his last five starts, all over this trip. His last run saw him finish second to a less exposed 3yo at Southwell. He is expected to lead and potentially be hard to catch.
Spotlight Verdict
The vote goes to SAX APPEAL who is consistent and may enjoy running freely in the lead. Goblet Of Fire is an interesting second choice due to his fine AW record, and he would have a good chance if he can see out the new trip. Dual course winner Diamond Bay is also respected off his last winning mark.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups (Winners/Placed/Runners): 3yo (0-1-2), 4yo+ (1-0-5).
- Fate of Favourites: No specific statistics provided in the sources for this race.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): No specific statistics provided in the sources for this race.
Assessment of Top Two
Goblet Of Fire (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Strong AW Flat record previously (1112). Good recent Flat form (2nd).
- Weaknesses: Attempts the 2m 1/2f distance for the first time on the Flat and is running off a career-high mark.
- Suitability: Would have a good chance if he stays the new trip.
Sax Appeal (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Model of consistency with three wins over this exact trip recently. May get the run of the race and prove difficult to catch.
- Weaknesses: None obvious, although beaten last time by a younger, less exposed rival.
- Suitability: Highly suited to the trip and expected run style.
Race 6: 7.30 Make The Move To Midnite Handicap (6f)
| Rank | Horse (Odds) | Trainer | Jockey | OR/RPR/TS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlton And Co (11/2) | M & D Easterby | Billy Garritty | 60/77/70 |
| 2 | Daytona Lady (16/1) | Mrs R Carr | James Sullivan | 64/75/73 |
Recent Form and Comments Summary
Carlton And Co: Dual turf winner this year, including a 7f win 12 days ago. Has proven winning form over this 6f trip on Tapeta (Newcastle). She is running off a mark 2lb lower than when she was runner-up on the AW almost a year ago.
Daytona Lady: Her losing streak extends to 15 races. However, she is now well treated based on some of her placed form recently, and she boasts a strong C&D record (2-6). She is worth a second look back down to a Class 6.
Spotlight Verdict
The vote goes to CARLTON AND CO (nap), who is in winning form on turf and is competitively marked (2lb lower) compared to her last AW runner-up finish. Class-dropper Daytona Lady (second choice) and Macarone make the shortlist.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups (Winners/Placed/Runners): 3yo (1-9-41), 4yo+ (8-10-70).
- Fate of Favourites: 2-0-1-0-5-2-1-1-1.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): Richard Fahey (1-2-9), K R Burke (0-1-4), Michael Appleby (0-1-1). (Note: Wolverhampton-specific trainer stats are limited, using extrapolated data from Doncaster/Galway excerpts as provided in sources).
Assessment of Top Two
Carlton And Co (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Recent winner (turf), proven on Tapeta, favourable handicap mark compared to past AW performance.
- Weaknesses: Wide draw (Stall 11).
- Suitability: Highly suited by conditions and mark; major player.
Daytona Lady (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Good C&D record (2-6). Well treated by the handicapper, returning to Class 6.
- Weaknesses: Long losing run (15 races).
- Suitability: C&D proven and well weighted.
Race 7: 8.00 Midnite Aint Your Grandads Bookie Handicap (1m 1f 104y)
| Rank | Horse (Odds) | Trainer | Jockey | OR/RPR/TS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beta Reader (3/1) | Charlie Johnston | Joe Fanning | 60/74/46 |
| 2 | Echo Of Glory (4/1) | D & C Kubler | Nicola Currie | 60/72/40 |
Recent Form and Comments Summary
Beta Reader: A 7f course winner. His last run was a strong second place in a selling handicap where the first two pulled clear, and the winner subsequently won again. He is up 2lb here.
Echo Of Glory: Won over 1m on his reappearance. Has performed respectably in four of his last five outings.
Spotlight Verdict
Preference is given to BETA READER, who is expected to overcome a small rise after his strong second place behind a subsequent winner last time. Echo Of Glory and Northern Blaze are also considered contenders. The Dark Baron should also appreciate the return to this trip.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: Only 3yo run in this race.
- Fate of Favourites: No specific statistics provided in the sources for this race.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): No specific statistics provided in the sources for this race.
Assessment of Top Two
Beta Reader (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Good form (beaten by a subsequent winner), 7f course winner, pair clear last time.
- Weaknesses: Must carry a 2lb rise.
- Suitability: Likely to run well back at this venue with strong form lines.
Echo Of Glory (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Recent winner (1m reappearance) and consistently respectable form.
- Weaknesses: Needs to find a bit extra to secure the win.
- Suitability: Expected to give a good account.
Race 8: 8.30 Midnite: Built For 2025 Not 2005 Handicap (5f)
| Rank | Horse (Odds) | Trainer | Jockey | OR/RPR/TS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Storm Call (7/2) | M & D Easterby | Billy Garritty | 71/81/72 |
| 2 | Hint Of Humour (4/1) | A Carroll | William Carson | 66/82/71 |
Recent Form and Comments Summary
Storm Call: Responded positively to the fitting of blinkers, winning her first handicap at Redcar (5f, good) eight days ago. The subsequent 3lb rise is considered fair, and she has previously run well on Tapeta.
Hint Of Humour: Appears best suited by the AW surface. She is currently bidding for a hat-trick, having won at Lingfield and over this C&D three weeks ago (beating Invincible Crown by a neck). She is running off a 3lb higher mark.
Spotlight Verdict
The vote is for SILKY ROBIN. Hint Of Humour (second choice) is respected in her bid for a hat-trick, as her conditions are not in doubt. Alondra is also a contender, now returning to this surface.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups (Winners/Placed/Runners): 3yo (2-6-28), 4yo+ (6-7-54).
- Fate of Favourites: 2-0-0-0-1-2-5.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): Tony Carroll (1-0-2), Mark Loughnane (0-1-4).
Assessment of Top Two
Storm Call (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: Recent winner following the application of blinkers; proven on Tapeta. Handed a fair 3lb rise.
- Weaknesses: Has been handed a “duff draw” (Stall 11).
- Suitability: Recent strong performance makes her a major player, provided she can overcome the draw.
Hint Of Humour (Strength, Weakness, Suitability):
- Strengths: C&D winner three weeks ago, bidding for a hat-trick, suited by AW conditions.
- Weaknesses: Must cope with a 3lb penalty.
- Suitability: Expected to run well again given recent form and affinity for the surface.
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