Five furlongs at Dunstall Park is no place for the faint-hearted. It’s a tactical burn-up where the start usually dictates the finish. Monday’s 5.30 handicap (Class 5) presents a classic conflict between the speed figures and the starting stalls.
Here is the lowdown on the key players for tomorrow’s dash.
The Stats-Leader: Hint Of Humour (4/1)
If you bet on data, Hint Of Humour is your selection. She tops the HorseRaceBase master ratings (273.5) and has been in the frame in five of her last six starts. She’s a model of consistency at this level.
The Problem: Stall 10. Being drawn on the outside over five furlongs here is like starting a 100m sprint in heavy boots. She’ll need a blistering early pace to collapse the front-runners so she can sweep around the field late.
The Form Choice: Thecoffeepoddotco (5/2)
Richard Hannon’s filly finally got the job done at Lingfield 11 days ago. She won “going away,” suggesting she’s finally figured out the game.
The Verdict: She carries 9-8 here, which is a lot of lead for a 4yo. However, Stall 5 is the perfect “stalking” draw. Expect Sean Levey to sit just off the shoulder of the early pace and pounce turning for home.
The Local Specialists: The Loughnane Factor
Beaumadier (5/1) is drawn in Stall 2 with Billy Loughnane in the plate. At Wolverhampton, that combination demands respect. This horse is a Course & Distance winner and gets a handy weight pull over the market leaders. If there’s a “well-handicapped” plot in the race, this is it.
The Each-Way Value: Speed Of Maajid (7/1)
A serial runner-up (2nd in three of his last five), this horse is knocking loudly on the door. He’s drawn in the middle (Stall 7) and has a 29% win-rate partnership with jockey George Wood and trainer Robert Cowell. He’s the most likely to outrun his odds and hit the frame.
The Final Word
Street Life (Stall 9) is going to blast from the gates and try to cross the field. If he creates a “burn-up” with Thecoffeepoddotco, the race will be set up for a closer.
THE VERDICT:
While Hint Of Humour is the best horse on paper, the wide draw is a massive hurdle. THECOFFEEPODDOTCO is the percentage call to back up her recent win, but BEAUMADIER is the one to save on if the rail opens up for the Loughnanes.
Selection: Thecoffeepoddotco (Win)
Alternative: Beaumadier (Each-Way)