Monday evenings in January aren’t exactly glamorous, but there’s a decent little card at Wolverhampton tonight to get stuck into. We’ve had a proper look through the form book—dodging the obvious traps and hunting for a bit of value—to dig out the most likely winners.
Here’s our take on the action, race-by-race. We’ve got our main fancy for each contest, plus a “dangerous lurker” to keep an eye on if you’re looking for a forecast or an alternative.
17:30 – The Opener
Selection: ICE OPERA (1/1)
We’re kicking off with a 1m 4f handicap, and honestly, it’s hard to look past the favourite here. Ice Opera was rated as high as 75 in Ireland just over a year ago and is now running off a mark in the low 50s. That’s a massive drop. She finally woke up three days ago over this same course and distance, winning by over three lengths. She’s effectively “well-in” at the weights, and with Billy Loughnane booked to ride, she should have too much class for this lot.
The Dangerous Lurker: LATE CLAIM (11/2). He won at Southwell a month ago and stays all day. If the favourite bounces or fluffs the start, he’s the one most likely to pick up the pieces.
18:00 – Classified Stakes
Selection: RELEVANT RANGE (6/5)
This is a Classified Stakes (0-50), which is a punter’s dream when you find a horse rated right at the ceiling. Relevant Range is rated 50, meaning he meets horses rated in the 40s on level weights—a huge advantage. He won comfortably at Southwell just last week and looks like a horse revived by his new stable. The step up in trip should suit him down to the ground.
The Dangerous Lurker: AL BAAHY (7/2). He doesn’t win often, but he ran a cracker to finish third at Newcastle recently. Billy Loughnane takes the ride, which is always worth noting at Wolves.
19:00 – The Sprint Handicap
Selection: WATER OF LEITH (3/1)
This is the most interesting race of the night. Water Of Leith finished fourth over this course and distance three weeks ago, but he was given a very “tender” ride (so much so the jockey caught a suspension). He reappears tonight 4lbs better off with the winner, Zoulu Warrior. It looks like a classic plot job, and with the experienced Rab Havlin on board, we’re expecting a much more aggressive effort tonight.
The Dangerous Lurker: EARLY RELEASE (12/1). Finished down the field in that same race but is capable of much better. At a double-figure price, he could sneak into the frame.
19:30 – The Veteran’s Chance
Selection: CHIFA (7/1 Each Way)
Old Chifa loves it round here. He’s won his last two races over this exact course and distance, and he did it with a bit of authority last time out. He’s gone up in the weights, but current form is worth its weight in gold in these lower-grade handicaps. At 7/1, he’s a cracking each-way bet to hit the frame again.
The Dangerous Lurker: ASH WEDNESDAY (4/1). The main danger on paper. He’s got an excellent record on the all-weather and was unlucky not to win here on Boxing Day.
20:00 – The Banker
Selection: HARDSTYLE (4/7)
We don’t usually like tipping odds-on shots, but sometimes you just have to take the free hit. Hardstyle is simply in a different league to this opposition. He won easily at Lingfield two weeks ago, and George Boughey has found him a incredibly weak race to follow up in. It would be a massive shock if he gets turned over.
The Dangerous Lurker: FALLACIOUS PROMISE (11/1). Making his handicap debut after three quiet runs. He’s the only one open to any real improvement, so makes sense for the forecast.
20:30 – The Nightcap
Selection: COLORS OF FREEDOM (13/8)
We finish with a 5-furlong dash. Colors Of Freedom has been frustratingly consistent, finishing runner-up in her last three starts. However, she’s beating most of these rivals regularly and lost by less than a length here just three days ago. She’s fit, fast, and due a win.
The Dangerous Lurker: MASTER DANDY (9/2). He’s been out of form, but he’s drawn in Stall 1. Over five furlongs at Wolverhampton, that inside rail is a massive advantage if he can trap fast.
Summary of Selections
NAP (Best Bet): Ice Opera (17:30)
Next Best: Relevant Range (18:00)
Value Pick: Water Of Leith (19:00)
Each Way: Chifa (19:30)
Good luck if you’re having a flutter, and please remember to gamble responsibly.