UK Horse Racing Tips: Wolverhampton

MANARA has risen a total of 24lb since making her handicap debut three starts ago, racking up a hat-trick with consummate ease, and the daughter of Camelot might not be done improving yet. San Juanito landed a novice event over 1m1f here recently and looks a real threat to the selection, along with Enrolled, who should appreciate this extra half a furlong.
Prediction : 1st Manara 2nd San Juanito 3rd Enrolled

Phoenix Beach was a commanding winner over C&D recently and although respected, a 7lb higher mark and wide draw could scupper his chances. With that in mind, a chance is taken on ACES WILD. He's posted a couple of solid efforts since returning from an absence and the booking of David Egan is noteworthy. Watermelon Sugar is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Aces Wild 2nd Phoenix Beach 3rd Watermelon Sugar

EXCELLENT BELIEVE hit the woodwork over C&D on his racecourse debut three weeks ago and, with that track knowledge sure to stand him in good stead, the son of Make Believe is fancied to go one place better. That could come at the main expense of L'Karama, who has been absent since failing to justify favouritism at Newcastle in October. Carron should not be overlooked either.
Prediction : 1st Excellent Believe 2nd LKarama 3rd Carron

This is a competitive race for the grade. However, BUNGLE BAY has shown plenty of grit and determination of late and is fancied to complete a three-timer off just 2lb higher than last month's C&D success. Candy Warhol was a close third in that race and also commands respect under a 5lb penalty for his own track-and-trip victory last week. Bold Suitor and Diligent Henry are other strong contenders.
Prediction : 1st Bungle Bay 2nd Candy Warhol 3rd Bold Suitor

FOREST SPIRIT was professional in winning her last two starts and can extend the profitable run with the step up from 1m4f to 1m6f not expected to pose too many issues. The lightly-weighted Irish raider Slowdownbarney is potentially the biggest danger to the selection based on his consistent Dundalk form, although Swinging London and Banderas can also have a big say.
Prediction : 1st Forest Spirit 2nd Slowdownbarney 3rd Swinging London

Lhebayeb got first run on PORT NOIR when they clashed over 1m1f here last month but the latter was eating into the advantage towards the finish and, armed with a 3lb pull at the weights, she can reverse the form over this slightly longer trip. Dash Power is another who needs to be taken seriously, while River Alwen and Star Of Jupiter, who tries first-time cheekpieces, are others to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Port Noir 2nd Lhebayeb 3rd River Alwen

STRATEGIC FORTUNE had to be switched for a clear run in the closing stages here last month. The winner had already flown, but Tony Carroll's charge ran on well for second and is taken to confirm superiority with The Pug, who showed signs of a resurgence back in third. Cryptos Dream scored off a similar mark over course and distance in November and a recent placed effort at Chelmsford suggests she can make her presence felt.
Prediction : 1st Strategic Fortune 2nd The Pug 3rd Cryptos Dream

PAPA DON'T PREACH has been threatening to take advantage of a potentially lenient mark. Narrowly beaten here a fortnight ago, Kevin Frost's charge has only a neck to find with today's rival Nubough for a defeat at Chelmsford before that. The latter can feature again raised only 2lb, while Bomb Squad is usually thereabouts at this level and cannot be left out of calculations.
Prediction : 1st Papa Dont Preach 2nd Nubough 3rd Bomb Squad

Last year's champion trainer James Owen continues to have his horses in great form under all codes. Top rated Upstart Crow is twice a winner on his return and is sure to be primed for a repeat. The only doubt is his ability on the all-weather as all wins are on turf. Stablemate Amirat Al Zaman is by a sire that produces black-type winners on dirt, and is sure to improve again this term, though her main target is in June and this may come too soon. A paddock and market check is advised for Marakeb on his debut for that yard, too, but the narrow preference is for MUTWAHHEJ ATHBAH. A strong type, he's had a few minor hold ups but goes well for his jockey, is a half-brother to all-weather winners and won on his seasonal return last year.
Prediction : 1st Mutwahhej Athbah (A) 2nd Upstart Crow (A) 3rd Amirat Al Zaman (A)