UK Horse Racing Tips: Wolverhampton

LAPIDARIST is an attractive proposition at this level and won't need to find much to gain a breakthrough success at the 12th time of asking. Taryn Langley gave her a power-packed ride over an extended 1m1f here 11 days ago and the partnership was unlucky to be pipped by a progressive rival near the finish. A 1lb nudge could be inconsequential as the David Simcock-trained filly bids to go one better. Quick Turn and Musical Soldier, who have been given chances by the handicapper, are the pick of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Lapidarist 2nd Quick Turn 3rd Musical Soldier

SORTED posted his best effort yet with a close-up second over C&D last week. Forced to race wide in the latter stages on that occasion, it would be no surprise to see Billy Loughnane take a handier position sooner and the three-year-old could be tough to overhaul if that scenario plays out. Lexington Express and Buckland Belle have threatened to win races and may take advantage of reduced marks. However, the less-exposed Nautical Sky could be a better value alternative on handicap debut from a feasible rating.
Prediction : 1st Sorted 2nd Nautical Sky 3rd Lexington Express

Several of these are old rivals and there is little to split the likes of Kento, Auntie Jo and Kipp Kelly based on recent encounters. However, this could be a good time to take another chance on HENERY HAWK, who is still handily weighted in comparison to his peak form. A previous C&D winner, Linda Perratt's seven-year-old has held his form well of late and is notably 3lb better off with the aforementioned Kento, who also benefitted from getting first run on him here earlier in the month.
Prediction : 1st Henery Hawk 2nd Kento 3rd Auntie Jo

MONTEVETRO, an 800,000gns yearling and half-brother to Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Mac Swiney, ran green on debut at Chelmsford but it will be disappointing for his illustrious connections if he didn't learn enough to get off the mark at this level. Royal Standard was well held on both starts as a juvenile but also has a likeable enough pedigree to merit respect in a race of this nature. Stepanov disappointed as a well-backed favourite on his debut but is another feasible improver.
Prediction : 1st Montevetro 2nd Royal Standard 3rd Stepanov

OPTIMISTIC is the obvious place to start here and must have a great chance on the evidence of his Southwell third and close-up second here last time. He's going in the right direction and can strike, but it won't be easy because course scorer Flicka's Girl should run her usual honest race and be bang there. Autumn Angel is noted too.
Prediction : 1st Optimistic 2nd Flickas Girl 3rd Autumn Angel

C&D winner TOMMYTWOHOOTS looks ready to get back to winning ways judged on his improved second at Chelmsford last time out. It looks a good move to come back to Wolverhampton and a race of this nature is well within his compass. Dr Ali was beaten just a neck into second here last time and commands respect, as does Black Cab.
Prediction : 1st Tommytwohoots 2nd Dr Ali 3rd Black Cab

AMERICAN BAY gets just a tentative vote on the basis that his comeback run here 15 days ago was a performance full of promise. Not beaten far into third that day, he's entitled to have improved for the outing and could be difficult to stop with Billy Loughnane keeping the ride. Smooth Silesie has an absence to overcome but still requires attention and Beaumadier is interesting as well.
Prediction : 1st American Bay 2nd Smooth Silesie 3rd Beaumadier

This could be a really informative novice heat and BURDETT ESTATE must have every chance following a smooth C&D win in December. He made all that day and looks to be the pace angle again, so could dominate this small field. Merlier confirmed the promise of his debut second at Newcastle when winning impressively there 13 days ago and he's respected along with Nottingham scorer Time To Take Off.
Prediction : 1st Burdett Estate 2nd Merlier 3rd Time To Take Off

A really competitive handicap to close the card and Mr Nugget, a C&D winner, is taken to put a disappointing Newcastle effort on Saturday behind him back at this venue. Panama Black and Farasi Lane are a couple of others to be interested in, but FRANCESI gets the nod as he boasts good form here and can be forgiven one lacklustre effort at Newcastle last time. It's also worth noting that Billy Loughnane takes the ride.
Prediction : 1st Francesi 2nd Mr Nugget 3rd Panama Black