Racing Chat 19th January

[The Brigadier]

The ITV cameras are bringing us four races from Dunstall Park on Friday and here are my early thoughts :-

 

Wolverhampton 1.40

Landed a gamble on his stable/all-weather debut over course and distance just after Christmas having been backed from 16/1 into 9/2 for trainer Ralph Smith when bolting up by 6L. The handicapper has responded by sticking him up 10lb but there may be more to come from this ex Fergal O’Brien trained hurdler who was runner up to Luccia in a listed novice hurdle over hurdles.

 

PALACE BOY 1 point each way @ 11/2 William Hill 1/5th 1234

 

Wolverhampton 2.15

Newmarket handler Roger Varian has his string in fine shape and appears to hold a decent chance of taking this class 4 7F 0-85 handicap with his lightly raced four year old Al Farabi. He made a pleasing handicap debut when beaten a length by Swiss Ace (run well in defeat since)at Newcastle just after Christmas and with just a 2lb rise to contend with should be thereabouts with Jack Mitchell in the saddle.

 

AL FARABI 2 points win @ 11/4 bet365

 

Wolverhampton 2.50

Mark Usher has been in good form this year and runs a brace of runners here in Sea The Buckhorn and Outreach who both have chances. Slight preference though is for the latter who finally broke his duck at the thirteenth time of asking over course and distance on Boxing Day under today’s pilot George Bass who is good value for his 3lb claim. A 2lb rise in the weights may not stop him from following up in a race where a careful eye must be kept on the top weight Kraken Diamond who has joined rookie trained Brian Twomey from John C McConnell in Ireland

 

OUTREACH 1 point win @ 4/1 bet365

 

Wolverhampton 3.25

James Fanshawe hasn’t had a winner for 42 days but has been knocking on the door in the past fortnight with four of his five runners all hitting the frame. He can take this 9 1/2F class 5 0-68 with his four year old daughter of Cracksman who’s only win came over course and distance last October off of a handicap mark 3lb lower than today’s. Back here she can score again and give Fanshawe his first winner of 2024.

 

FAST AFFAIR 1 point win @ 11/4 bet365

[richard-westwood]

215 wolv 

Follow your heart. 8.0 4/1 

Jonny James. 7.6 

Eden storm 7.5 

Closeish race but follow your heart is dropping in grade so has a lot going for him .....5pt  win