UK Horse Racing Tips: Wolverhampton

Irish raiders often do well here compared to other all-weather surfaces in Britain and POLITICAL POLICY arrives on a tempting mark on stable debut for Matthew Smith. The nine-year-old is vulnerable against those with less miles on the clock, but showed up nicely for a long way on a few occasions last year and stays this trip better than most. The veteran has a solid record fresh and may prove too hot for Running Cloud, who was successful over C&D nine days ago and carries a 5lb penalty. Foresee has won four of his last five and is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Political Policy 2nd Running Cloud 3rd Foresee

NEVER DARK has a smart sprint pedigree and could make it third-time lucky for Andrew Balding. The three-year-old was third ahead of Mount Mogan (fifth) on debut at Kempton in December and is fancied to confirm that piece of form at the very least. A draw in stall one is a further positive towards his prospects and he can prove too hot to handle for Furqaan, who has displayed potential in two career outings and may do better now with Ian Williams.
Prediction : 1st Never Dark 2nd Furqaan 3rd Mount Mogan

The hat-trick seeking KNOCKABOUT QUEEN has only been raised 7lb since her winning sequence started and this gutsy four-year-old is fancied to continue on the upwards curve for Tony Carroll. She remains at a realistic level dropping back to 5f and could take some stopping in a race that might be run to suit. Tabaahy finished third at Newcastle on his most recent outing and could give the selection a nice tow into the race, while Qaaraat is another to be interested in.
Prediction : 1st Knockabout Queen 2nd Tabaahy 3rd Qaaraat

DELEYLL returned to winning ways over 1m2f at Kempton last time and is expected to remain competitive after a 2lb rise given he also has winning C&D form in the book. Traveller has been raised 3lb for scoring over track and trip last month but has viable place claims, likewise Mr Carbonator, who is fitted with first-time cheekpieces by Phil Kirby and has Ben Curtis booked to ride. Apache Blaze is fairly treated on her best form and could also take a hand.
Prediction : 1st Deleyll 2nd Traveller 3rd Mr Carbonator

REEVES has been in sparkling form on the all-weather and won at Lingfield last time to land a four-timer, even though there was no pace on and Sean Davis had to make his own running. Although he is now another 2lb higher in the ratings, he actually drops in grade today and could prove a tough nut to crack in 0-95 company. Ghaith is similarly thriving and feared most in his C&D hat-trick bid, while the consistent Calder Prince is no forlorn hope for a place.
Prediction : 1st Reeves 2nd Ghaith 3rd Calder Prince

It is hard to oppose RED JASPER, who got off the mark with a decisive victory over C&D last week and even a 6lb penalty is not too much of a worry given that this is not the strongest of races. Seventeen O Four put in a career best on his handicap debut a couple of weeks ago and he may still have more to offer. Pink Jazz and Limaro Prospect are others who merit consideration.
Prediction : 1st Red Jasper 2nd Seventeen O Four 3rd Pink Jazz

In an open race to close the card the marginal preference is for GRACE PLUNKETT, who failed to fire when last seen but she had previously finished second twice and one of those efforts came over C&D. Dark Phoenix is another who could go well if leaving his last run well behind, while Golden Fountain and Full Speight complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Grace Plunkett 2nd Dark Phoenix 3rd Golden Fountain