4.50pm Wolverhampton Tips & Betting Preview 06/02/2017

Only six go to post for this Marathon Handicap at Wolverhampton on Monday, but with such an intriguing field this should be a great race. See our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Despite the small field, this is a very interesting contest and Friday’s winner Burnside will be looking to get a quick fire double off a mark of 65. This however looks a good opportunity for BLUE TOP to gain his first all weather win, after running well behind the progressive Start Seven over C&D on his latest start. He races off the same mark today with Hollie Doyle retaining the ride and taking off a useful 5lb. He’s likely to be tough to beat if building upon that first flat start for almost six months and looks to be the one to side with today for Dai Burchell.

1 MISTER FIZZ – Came back after a lay off when well beaten at Newcastle in January (2m, Std), setting the pace but weakening tamely up the home straight. It’s likely the step back in trip will suit on that evidence but he’s 1-8 overall on all weather and his last win came in September 2013, though off this mark. Others clearly have more solid claims and likely best watched under 5lb claimer David Parkes.

2 COME BACK KING – Is now 212 since the enlisting of the blinkers at Southwell, winning on his penultimate start over the 1m 3f trip. Raised 7lb and although beaten seven lengths, it was behind an improver and he was eight lengths clear of the third (1m 4f, Std). Off the same mark and likely to run a good race with the extra distance possibly in his favour, but will need a bit extra if he’s to defy this mark on the basis of that last run. Should run well with Ben Curtis on board as he’s clearly progressive and has to be respected.

3 GABRIAL THE TERROR – Had been solidly out of form before springing back to life over C&D in January to finish a running on third behind the progressive Start Seven. Races off the same mark again today which makes him hard to dismiss, especially as he’s only 2lb above his last winning mark on the all weather. Ian Williams yard is in good form at present with a record of 9-25 in the past two weeks and his seven year old needs a second look, though he’d need this to ideally be a truly run affair for the best results from his hold up style. Likely type to follow the selection home and has to be respected.

4 TARTAN BUTE – Has showed some useful form over his nine race career thus far, running on well at Catterick in August over this trip to finish second behind the smart Project Bluebook (1m 5f, Good to Firm). Hasn’t been seen since finishing forth of five at Haydock (1m 3f, Good), though that trip was likely to short for him. Has a 185 day absence to overcome with is of slight concern but he remains with potential off a mark of 74 and proved in his earlier races he handles this surface well. Likely to be heavily involved if fully fit and needs a second look, but does lack that fitness edge over his opponents which may prove crucial today.

5 BURNSIDE – Had been in good form before finally breaking his maiden tag at the twelfth attempt at Lingfield three days ago with a tidy success (1m 5f, Std). Can race off the same mark today which makes him highly competitive, though there has to be some concern this may come too quickly for Ian Williams’ four year old. If it doesn’t however he’d have to be given a leading chance under the ever in form Adam Kirby as he is certainly progressive at present. Likely to be a main threat to the selection and cannot be taken lightly.

6 BLUE TOP – Capped off last season with two wins on the turf at Bath over the 1m 3f trip and although returning with a tame effort over hurdles in December (2m, Soft), he was much better here over C&D a month ago when a close third behind Start Seven, only beaten around a length. Can race off the same mark today and he’s likely to have come on from that experience as it was his first flat run for around six months. Although an eight year old, a mark of 60 isn’t likely to be beyond him and he retains the assistance of very capable 5lb claimer Hollie Doyle which is positive. Looks set for another big run and could take some pegging back today.