A competitive Class 6 amateur riders’ handicap over 1m6f rounds off the card at Wolverhampton, with proven course form, stamina and race positioning all likely to play a major role in a contest where several arrive with something to prove.

Beaune sets the standard after winning twice over 1m4f at this venue earlier in the spring and hinted at a return to form when a respectable fourth at Ffos Las last time. The return to Tapeta and the reapplication of cheekpieces could see the four-year-old bounce back, and his proven record around Wolverhampton makes him the one they all have to beat.

The biggest threat may come from Zaraquelle, who shaped encouragingly when third on her return from almost a year off at Yarmouth. James Owen’s filly remains lightly raced, and with that comeback expected to have brought her forward, she has the potential to take another step. The only lingering question is whether she’ll fully see out this longer trip.

Course specialist Daaris is difficult to dismiss despite below-par recent efforts. The seven-year-old boasts an excellent record over this course and distance, with three victories and two further placed efforts, and if the return from a ten-week break sparks a revival, he’s capable of outrunning double-figure odds.

Three Yorkshiremen has yet to rediscover the form that saw him bolt up here last autumn and now starts life for another new stable. A return to Wolverhampton could help, although he still has something to prove over this distance after mixed recent efforts.

The market may again give respect to Into Combat thanks to his powerful connections, but he has yet to justify that confidence in handicaps and now tackles a staying trip that looks far from certain to suit. Unless he finds significant improvement for the extra distance, others make stronger appeal.

Further down the field, One Million Dreams is becoming well handicapped based on last season’s form and could fare better in first-time blinkers, while Shopaholic is an intriguing outsider. She has shown little in three starts over shorter trips but is bred to improve with distance and represents a yard capable of unlocking improvement.

Overall, Beaune appeals as the most reliable option thanks to his proven Wolverhampton credentials and recent signs of a revival. Zaraquelle rates the chief danger with her untapped potential, while Daaris looks the standout value play if rediscovering his best around a track he clearly enjoys.

Prediction:

1. Beaune
2. Zaraquelle
3. Daaris
4. Three Yorkshiremen