This response works through all the Wolverhampton races in chronological order, identifying the TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses and providing the requested analysis based on the source material.
Wolverhampton Race Analysis (Chronological Order)
2.18 Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Nursery Handicap (7f)
| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Weight | TimeWise Master Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exotic Baby | 2yo, 9-10 | Top Two rated |
| 2 | Balthamos | 2yo, 9-1 | Top Two rated |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Exotic Baby (2yo, 9-10): Finished behind Balthamos on debut at Kempton (7f) but immediately improved to win a 1m maiden at Southwell 18 days later. Showed further progress when beaten less than one length at Kempton last month while attempting to overcome a penalty. She is considered a major player now contesting a handicap.
- Balthamos (2yo, 9-1): Has been held back by a refusal to settle. His second of seven at Epsom (7f) was a good run, but he failed to reproduce that effort at Goodwood four weeks ago. The addition of a hood might help, though others appeal more.
Spotlight Verdict:
The vote goes to EXOTIC BABY who has progressed with each of his three runs and lost little in defeat when trying to give 7lb to two promising sorts at Kempton last month. Chale Chalo has yet to fire in nurseries but he should be well treated on earlier efforts.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: Race is for 2yo horses.
- Fate of Favourites: Not available in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: Trainer George Boughey (Exotic Baby) has a 10% win rate (W%) from 21 runners in the last 14 days. Trainer S & E Crisford (Balthamos) has an 11% W% from 9 runners in the last 14 days.
Assessment of the Top Two:
- Exotic Baby:
- Strengths: Consistent progression in all three starts. Handled a penalty well last time out. Enters handicaps as a major player.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: No obvious weaknesses cited, highly suitable for this assignment.
- Balthamos:
- Strengths: Showed potential with a good second at Epsom. Connections are applying a hood which might aid temperament.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Refusal to settle is a major concern. His performance has been inconsistent.
2.50 Join The Midnite Movement Handicap (1m6f)
| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Weight | TimeWise Master Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Artisan Dancer | 5yo, 10-0 | Top Two rated |
| 2 | Diamond Bay | 7yo, 9-11 | Top Two rated |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Artisan Dancer (5yo, 10-0): Won at Ripon (2m, good) in April and has been placed six times subsequently, including on Tapeta. Finished poorly at Kempton two weeks ago in a Class 2 race, but he lost a shoe which might explain the result. He is considered interesting as he drops back in grade.
- Diamond Bay (7yo, 9-11): Is a dual course winner over 1m4f/1m6f. He bounced back to form recently with a rallying second over 2m here last month. He is only 1lb higher than for that close run and is deemed a big player if he can reproduce that form back at this distance.
Spotlight Verdict:
The vote goes to FRANCESCO BARACCA, who turned things around with a comfortable win here last month and remains well handicapped on his best form. Diamond Bay had a near-miss here two weeks ago and he’s feared most, ahead Charlie Johnston’s class-dropper Artisan Dancer. Both Percy Jones and Pleasant Man look interesting back up in trip, while Parramount needs watching in the market on his comeback.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 3yo+.
- Fate of Favourites: Not available in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: Trainer Charlie Johnston (Artisan Dancer) has a 19% W% from 21 runners in the last 14 days. Trainer Tom Ward (Diamond Bay) has a 0% W% from 5 runners in the last 14 days.
Assessment of the Top Two:
- Artisan Dancer:
- Strengths: Solid form with a win and six places since April. Dropping in class is a positive. Latest poor run has a valid excuse (lost shoe).
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Only rated third choice in the verdict.
- Diamond Bay:
- Strengths: Excellent course record (dual winner). Showed strong form last month. Carries a manageable weight increase (1lb).
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Highly suitable for this course and distance. He is feared most in the verdict, indicating a strong chance.
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| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Weight | TimeWise Master Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Silvery | 2yo, 9-9 | Top Two rated |
| 2 | Zighy | 2yo, 9-2 | Top Two rated |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Silvery (2yo, 9-9): Showed eye-catching late headway when sixth on debut at Southwell and subsequently improved greatly to win a 6f Yarmouth novice on soft ground in September. Carries a 7lb penalty but is thought capable of further improvement.
- Zighy (2yo, 9-2): Has consistently placed in all four maiden/novice events, including over 6f on AW most recently. She looks sure to be in the thick of things again.
Spotlight Verdict:
Karl Burke’s LA BELLE FOREST travelled well in the lead for a long way on last month’s York debut and having a rail against her this time could help given she hung left once headed there. She can leave that opening run behind and prove too strong for Yarmouth winner Silvery. Zighy already has a bit of an exposed look about her but should be on the premises again. Market support for one or more of the newcomers would also see them enter calculations.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 2yo fillies.
- Fate of Favourites: Not available in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: Trainer M Botti (Silvery) has a 50% W% from 4 runners in the last 14 days. Trainer George Boughey (Zighy) has a 10% W% from 21 runners in the last 14 days.
Assessment of the Top Two:
- Silvery:
- Strengths: Demonstrated ability to win and improve significantly after debut. Expected to be capable of better despite a penalty.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Carries a 7lb penalty. The verdict predicts she will be proven “too strong for” by La Belle Forest.
- Zighy:
- Strengths: Very consistent, having placed in all four career starts. Expected to be “on the premises”.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Suggested she has an “exposed look” and may be vulnerable to improvers.
4.00 Midnite Aint Your Grandads Bookie Handicap (5f)
| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Weight | TimeWise Master Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clearpoint | 5yo, 9-6 | Top Two rated |
| 2 | Rubys Profit | 3yo, 9-4 | Top Two rated |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Clearpoint (5yo, 9-6): Is currently “on a roll” after securing decisive back-to-back 5f wins at Lingfield in September and again on Tuesday. He is 1-1 over C&D. He should give another good account despite running under a 5lb penalty.
- Ruby’s Profit (3yo, 9-4): Is a reliable front-runner. He was beaten off only just inside the final 1f when finishing fifth out of 14 at Southwell seven weeks ago. Also boasts a 1-1 record over C&D and is not discounted.
Spotlight Verdict:
Sixth in a big field at York last time from a poor draw, Rhythm N Hooves can be expected to bounce back to form today, but even more interesting is ATOMIC FORCE who was winning Group races as a 2yo and 5f handicaps in Hong Kong last year. The selection should be well suited by this drop back in distance after showed bright speed over 6f here last time. The hat-trick-seeking Clearpoint commands obvious respect under a penalty, while Arctic Summer may still be unexposed and looks the pick of Gemma Tutty’s pair.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 3yo+.
- Fate of Favourites: Not available in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: Trainer S Hodgson (Clearpoint) has a 33% W% from 3 runners in the last 14 days. Trainer Dr R Newland & J Insole (Ruby’s Profit) has a 10% W% from 20 runners in the last 14 days.
Assessment of the Top Two:
- Clearpoint:
- Strengths: Seeking a hat-trick of wins and is in excellent form. Proven C&D winner (1-1).
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Carrying a 5lb penalty. “Commands obvious respect” according to the verdict, making him highly suitable.
- Ruby’s Profit:
- Strengths: Reliable front-runner and 1-1 over C&D.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Faded in his latest run.
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| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Weight | TimeWise Master Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Como | 2yo, 9-7 | Top Two rated |
| 2 | Ranga Tang | 2yo, 9-7 | Top Two rated |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Lake Como (2yo, 9-7): Finished eighth on his only start. Has a recorded Racing Post Rating (RPR) of 58.
- Ranga Tang (2yo, 9-7): Sets the standard based on prior form. Has finished midfield in two maiden/novice events at Newmarket (1m, good) and Goodwood (1m1f, good). He is a half-brother to three AW winners, suggesting high suitability for this surface, and should be taken seriously.
Spotlight Verdict:
The standard set by Ranga Tang is not a demanding one and although he should be well suited to AW, this may go to one of the newcomers. DIRECTOR’S CUT, a half-brother to Group 1 winner Light Infantry, is marginally preferred. Heyzoom looks a likely type.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 2yo.
- Fate of Favourites: Not available in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: Trainer George Boughey (Lake Como) has a 10% W% from 21 runners in the last 14 days. Trainer J Owen (Ranga Tang) has a 13% W% from 46 runners in the last 14 days.
Assessment of the Top Two:
- Lake Como:
- Strengths: Listed among the top two rated contenders.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Form is poor (RPR 58). Unlikely to challenge the leaders.
- Ranga Tang:
- Strengths: Sets the known standard in the race. Pedigree suggests strong suitability for AW.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: The standard he sets is “not a demanding one”. Predicted to be beaten by the newcomer Director’s Cut.
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| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Weight | TimeWise Master Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Havana Sky | 4yo, 9-9 | Top Two rated |
| 2 | Noisy Music | 4yo, 9-7 | Top Two rated |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Havana Sky (4yo, 9-9): Has a record of 7-20 on AW and 3-5 at Wolverhampton. All his previous wins have been over 6f, but his most recent win at Lingfield suggested he may be equally effective back at 7f.
- Noisy Music (4yo, 9-7): Has a largely consistent record at Wolverhampton, including two wins and two second-place finishes this autumn. Holds solid claims if kept to this venue.
Spotlight Verdict:
Being still favourably treated on peak form, WINTER CROWN may be able to complete a quickfire double and make it 2-2 for his new yard. Noisy Music, who holds solid claims, is second choice ahead of Havana Sky who brings good stats.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 4yo+.
- Fate of Favourites: Not available in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: Trainer E A L Dunlop (Havana Sky) has a 20% W% from 15 runners in the last 14 days. Trainer M Appleby (Noisy Music) has a 31% W% from 13 runners in the last 14 days.
Assessment of the Top Two:
- Havana Sky:
- Strengths: Impressive AW (7-20) and Wolverhampton (3-5) record. Latest win suggests adaptability to 7f. Brings good stats.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Previous wins were mainly over 6f. Ranked third in the Spotlight Verdict.
- Noisy Music:
- Strengths: Consistent performance specifically at Wolverhampton. Solid claims and is the second choice in the verdict.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Highly suitable for this venue.
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| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Weight | TimeWise Master Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al Muqdad | 5yo, 9-9 | Top Two rated |
| 2 | Tortured Soul | 5yo, 9-6 | Top Two rated |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Al Muqdad (5yo, 9-9): Won four times in 2024, including on Tapeta. Has been runner-up off this exact mark in two of his last three runs, most recently behind an improver at Southwell two weeks ago. This recent form gives him a big chance. Note: The source mentions he was a non-runner in the 5.30 Newcastle Friday race.
- Tortured Soul (5yo, 9-6): Is well handicapped relative to his best AW form from last winter. Showed a bit more encouragement in his latest run after being down the field since a summer break.
Spotlight Verdict:
Question marks surround most of the field. A revival from Fools Rush In wouldn’t be a complete shock, while Way To Dubai has plummeted down the weights and has been found a weak race. C&D winner Monsieur Patat has bounced back from quiet runs before and is second choice, but if AL MUQDAD takes part (he was a non-runner at Newcastle on Friday) he will be the one to beat.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 4yo+.
- Fate of Favourites: Not available in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: Trainer D O’Meara (Al Muqdad) has a 4% W% from 26 runners in the last 14 days. Trainer A W Carroll (Tortured Soul) has a 9% W% from 48 runners in the last 14 days.
Assessment of the Top Two:
- Al Muqdad:
- Strengths: Proven winner on Tapeta and comes into the race following recent competitive runner-up efforts off the same mark. If running, he is the horse to beat.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Recent non-runner status may indicate uncertainty.
- Tortured Soul:
- Strengths: Looks well handicapped based on past AW performance.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: 7f is a major query, as all eight career wins were over 1m3f/1m4f. Lacked form following his break.
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| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Weight | TimeWise Master Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beaumadier | 5yo, 9-9 | Top Two rated |
| 2 | Call Time | 4yo, 9-7 | Top Two rated |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Beaumadier (5yo, 9-9): Has maintained consistent form since July, including a turf win. He is effective on AW and achieved a close second at Southwell just last week. Considered to hold solid claims.
- Call Time (4yo, 9-7): His turf form this year includes a win and several placed finishes, with his latest run coming at Bath last week. He should be thereabouts if he proves equally effective returning to AW.
Spotlight Verdict:
In his current form BEAUMADIER (nap) holds particularly solid claims. Jungle Dance (second choice) and Beauzon are interesting off their current marks.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 3yo+.
- Fate of Favourites: Favourites have a win rate of 0% (0 wins from 2 runs).
- Trainer Records: Trainer D M Loughnane (Beaumadier) has a 0% W% from 18 runners in the last 14 days. Trainer J S Moore (Call Time) has run 0 horses in the last 14 days.
Assessment of the Top Two:
- Beaumadier:
- Strengths: Highly consistent, proven AW form, and ran well very recently (second last week). Chosen as the NAP (best bet).
- Weaknesses/Suitability: No obvious weaknesses cited, appears highly suitable.
- Call Time:
- Strengths: Good recent turf form.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Must prove he is as effective back on the AW surface.
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| Rank | Horse Name | Age/Weight | TimeWise Master Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | City Of Poets | 3yo, 9-9 | Top Two rated |
| 2 | Silver Sword | 5yo, 9-12 | Top Two rated |
Recent Form and Comments:
- City Of Poets (3yo, 9-9): Pulled hard on turf handicap debut, ending his hat-trick attempt. Displayed quirks at Lingfield (reluctant to load, flashed tail) but still ran close to a win. His raw ability is highly respected.
- Silver Sword (5yo, 9-12): Was a Meydan winner in March. However, he has not scored in Britain for a considerable time, and the handicapper is not helping him with his current mark.
Spotlight Verdict:
An open finale. CITY OF POETS is proving his own worst enemy but it’s still early days and the chances he can improve when/if he focuses more on the job in hand. Fellow 3yo Invited can run well despite an absence of three months, while Zryan has each-way claims.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 3yo+.
- Fate of Favourites: Not available in the source material for this race.
- Trainer Records: Trainer J Tate (City Of Poets) has a 44% W% from 9 runners in the last 14 days. Trainer Dylan Cunha (Silver Sword) has a 20% W% from 20 runners in the last 14 days.
Assessment of the Top Two:
- City Of Poets:
- Strengths: Possesses high ability (nearly won despite issues). Selected as the tentative winner due to scope for improvement.
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Unruly behaviour (pulled hard, loading issues, flashed tail). Suitability depends entirely on focusing on the race.
- Silver Sword:
- Strengths: Proven winner (Meydan).
- Weaknesses/Suitability: Handicapper is not favourable, and UK wins are scarce. Considered less preferred than others.
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