UK Horse Racing Tips: Wolverhampton

ALFRED returned to winning ways at Newcastle on Sunday when justifying favouritism in good style and the step up in trip on this occasion may bring about further improvement, despite carrying a 6lb penalty. Dr Hackenbush sports a hood for the first time on his nursery debut which is likely to help him progress, while Palazzo Persico (first) and Go Your Own Way (second) were closely matched at Chelmsford earlier this month and the pair are capable of being in the mix again.
Prediction : 1st Alfred 2nd Dr Hackenbush 3rd Palazzo Persico

SOUTH KENSINGTON went close to shedding the maiden tag when beaten a nose over C&D on her latest start and the daughter of Blue Point, who is 3lb well-in on this occasion, has been found an excellent opportunity to go one better. Gaiden is entitled to be competitive with her sights now lowered, while Sala Da Ballo and Elegant Appeal can fight it out for the minor honours.
Prediction : 1st South Kensington 2nd Gaiden 3rd Sala Da Ballo

PITNEY sets the standard based on his two starts to date, hitting the frame at both Lingfield and Chelmsford, and the son of Mehmas wouldn't need to improve on those efforts to get his head in front here. Sunny Street finished fourth on his first start at Kempton and he is likely to enter the reckoning along with Leveret, who may benefit from stepping up in trip, and newcomer Venerate.
Prediction : 1st Pitney 2nd Sunny Street 3rd Leveret

ROSA APPLAUSE fared best of those held up off the pace at Newcastle on her racecourse bow three weeks ago and natural progression might be enough to see the daughter of Blue Point come home in front today. Disclosure finished a creditable fourth at the Gosforth Park venue on her first start and looks another potential improver. See You Tonight is related to some useful types and is worth a market check ahead of her debut, though the application of headgear must raise slight concerns.
Prediction : 1st Rosa Applause 2nd Disclosure 3rd See You Tonight

Just a length separated Havana Ball (fourth) and Mrs Morrell (fifth) at Newcastle three weeks ago and both must be of interest today, along with Stars Away, who hit the frame on her racecourse debut last month. However, preference is for newcomer MOONFIRE. Charlie Appleby's charge is a half-sister to two Group/Grade 1 winners so it would come as no surprise were she to be useful herself, and a low draw ought to aid her chance. Reine Des Coeurs is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Moonfire 2nd Havana Ball 3rd Mrs Morrell

An open contest for the feature, in which only a tentative vote can go to RHYTHMIC INTENT. Stuart Williams' charge has been running to a consistent level on the turf in recent starts, but he is completely unexposed on the all-weather and could take advantage of a gradually declining mark. Sonnerie Power was on target for the Roger Varian team last month and he merits respect, despite being raised 5lb, now in the care of Michael Appleby. Prydwen and Capital Theory are also noted.
Prediction : 1st Rhythmic Intent 2nd Sonnerie Power 3rd Prydwen

Ecclesiastical (winner) and Cooperation (second) are closely matched based on their encounter over this course and distance 17 days ago but with a 6lb pull at the weights, the latter might be able to turn the form around if he can overcome a wide draw. However, MUSICAL MYSTERY has done little but nothing since joining Ed Dunlop's stable and, having backed up last month's C&D success with a win over 7f at Chelmsford 16 days ago, a 3lb higher mark might not be enough to put a stop to his winning spree.
Prediction : 1st Musical Mystery 2nd Cooperation 3rd Ecclesiastical

Lord Riddiford is showing no signs of losing his enthusiasm and can go well again if he doesn't fluff the start, while Never Dark is a previous C&D winner and cannot be ruled out in a field of this size. However, DYNAMIC FORCE is still of low mileage and, having been cut some slack by the handicapper since he returned to these shores after a spell in Bahrain, he rates as the most appealing option from 8lb below his last winning mark (turf). Nelson Gay also enters calculations.
Prediction : 1st Dynamic Force 2nd Lord Riddiford 3rd Never Dark

SANCTION appeals at the weights and, with the return to this trip very much in her favour, the Edward Bethell-trained filly looks open to further progression. Way Of Life is more wily than some and, having been placed over this C&D the last twice, rates as another strong candidate despite the burden of top-weight. Noble Anthem has shown promise in both starts for his current yard and is also notable off 6lb lower than his last winning mark (turf).
Prediction : 1st Sanction 2nd Way Of Life 3rd Noble Anthem