A field of seven lines up for this Class 4 handicap over just shy of a mile and a quarter at Wolverhampton, and the key angle here is pace – or more accurately, the lack of it.
Timeform flag the race as having a very weak pace forecast, and the race-shape data points to Sir Paul Ramsey as the likely lone front-runner. In small-field Tapeta races that scenario often turns things tactical, with the leader controlling steady fractions before the sprint begins turning for home.
Sir Paul Ramsey therefore has to be respected purely from a pace perspective. Dropping in class and likely to dictate, he could make life awkward for the closers if allowed an easy lead. The concern is his profile: he ended last season poorly and returns from a five-month absence. He may simply lack the sharpness required.
The most solid option looks to be Borgi.
Simon and Ed Crisford’s seven-year-old returned to winning ways at Lingfield four weeks ago and that performance suggested a tactical tweak had been found. Ridden more prominently than usual, he travelled strongly and finished the race off well. That effort backed up a series of consistent all-weather runs and his HRB rating of 340 stands out as the best figure in the field.
A 4lb rise for that win is fair rather than harsh and Tom Marquand keeps the ride. In a race lacking depth, Borgi brings the most reliable recent form and should be well positioned tracking the likely leader before delivering his challenge in the straight.
Tribal Wisdom is respected. Ian Williams’ veteran remains competitive at this level and his Southwell second two starts ago reads well in the context of this race. However, his hold-up style could be a disadvantage if the tempo collapses into a sprint.
Star Studied is the wildcard. James Tate and Rossa Ryan boast strong Wolverhampton statistics and the horse has the profile of one who could still be ahead of his mark. The issue is the 300-day absence, which makes him difficult to trust without market support.
Last year’s winner Bravo Zulu arrives out of form and needs a revival, while Hitched may find the likely steady gallop against him.
In a race where tactical positioning will be crucial, Borgi looks the runner most likely to get the right trip and deliver when it matters.
Selection: Borgi
Bombproof rating: Strong 💪🐎