UK Horse Racing Tips: Wolverhampton

Just A Spark (first) and MISSING YOU (third) encountered each other in a maiden at Kempton 17 days ago and while the first-named emerged as a comfortable winner, Richard Hughes' colt has a live chance of reversing the form on the revised terms and is the preferred option now they step into handicap company. Lady Nagin is also a must for consideration along the same formlines, although joint-top weight leaves her vulnerable.
Prediction : 1st Missing You 2nd Just A Spark 3rd Lady Nagin

Karl Burke plays a strong hand with three live contenders in what is a highly competitive sprint handicap. Both Silky Wilkie and Sir Robin have been in fine form over the winter months and are again rated as players, but Exalted Angel drops from Listed company and could emerge as Burke's protagonist on this occasion. Nevertheless, the returning INGRA TOR gets weight from all those rivals and that could give him a vital edge at the business end, with the promise of plenty more to come.
Prediction : 1st Ingra Tor 2nd Exalted Angel 3rd Silky Wilkie

Notre Belle Bete overcame a wide draw to win this last year, but his form has been a mixed bag since then and this looks a stiff test from 8lb higher. It may pay to focus on the progressive UNFORGOTTEN, who created a favourable impression with two cosy successes at Lingfield last month. The son of Exceed And Excel retains plenty of scope and a further 4lb rise is unlikely to prove too much of a hindrance. Eilean Dubh and Outbreak complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Unforgotten 2nd Notre Belle Bete 3rd Eilean Dubh

ANGEL BLEU was a dual Group 1 winner as a two-year-old but he struggled at that level over a mile last season. That said, he showed plenty of promise when third in the Greenham on his seasonal return in 2022 and could prove to be a class above here. Berkshire Shadow held his own against top-class company on a number of occasions last year and he is likely to be in the mix. Harry's Bar and Dhabab are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Angel Bleu 2nd Berkshire Shadow 3rd Dhabab

BERKSHIRE PHANTOM has returned from a layoff in fine form and this looks a good opportunity for him to complete the hat-trick. Andrew Balding's gelding returned with a narrow victory at Southwell before following up over this C&D with a bit to spare last month and a 3lb rise may not be enough to halt him today. Golden Passport won a novice contest over this track and trip in September and looks feasibly treated off an opening mark of 80 now returned to this venue, while Coco Jamboo was last seen scoring at Newmarket in the autumn and she completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Berkshire Phantom 2nd Golden Passport 3rd Coco Jamboo

FERENSBY took a big step forward when narrowly denied over C&D on her second start in November and the daughter of Zoustar clearly sets the standard here. Flame Spirit showed promise on his racecourse bow at Haydock last June and he should not be underestimated. Highlighter and Jahidin are others with valid form claims, while Mine That Ship and Raincloud are noteworthy newcomers.
Prediction : 1st Ferensby 2nd Flame Spirit 3rd Highlighter

Roberto Escobarr has been gelded since his latest racecourse appearance when runner-up at Kempton in February 2022 and the former Listed winner may just need this outing to sharpen himself up. Earlofthecotswolds wasn't disgraced when fourth at Kempton last month, but a chance is taken with FLEURMAN. Despite having the lowest rating in the field, the five-year-old has won his last couple of starts on the all-weather and he appeals as being the sole runner in the line-up who may have further improvement to come.
Prediction : 1st Fleurman 2nd Roberto Escobarr 3rd Earlofthecotswolds

AUROPHOBIA's improvement came once stepped up to a mile at the beginning of the year and the extra yardage on this occasion is likely to see her gain a second career victory. Secretary (third) is capable of reversing Newcastle form with Annalee Lass (first) in a first-time visor, while Alicefromumbridge, who was behind the selection at Lingfield last time, is expected to benefit from going up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Aurophobia 2nd Secretary 3rd Alicefromumbridge