4.50pm Wolverhampton Tips & Betting Preview 31/01/2017

Seven classy handicappers go to post for this fillies’ handicap at Wolverhampton, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: The five year old mare ABSOLUTE BLAST is on a brilliant run at present and has dismissed her opponents on her last two starts with contempt. Another 8lb rise looks unlikely to stop Iain Jardine’s charge and she can make it a hat-trick of wins at the expense of Summer Icon, who looks set to run another good race for Mick Channon but looks booked for minor honours today after a 6lb rise for her latest win.

1 ABSOLUTE BLAST – Has been a massive improver this winter, easily winner her last two races and dismissed her opponents with contempt at Kempton  two weeks ago (1m Std to Slw) on her latest start. Another 8lb rise looks very unlikely to stop Iain Jardine’s five year old mare and she should have no problem shrugging it off to complete the hat-trick of wins with PJ McDonald on board for this likely steering job.

2 COILLTE CAILIN – Won two of her last three races and ran a great race to win at Lingfield on her penultimate start  (1m 2f, Std), and nothing went her way when finishing last over the same C&D last week. Seven year old and exposed compared to some of her rivals but clearly is in great heart, though this drop back to one mile does pose a question mark as to whether she’ll have the tactical speed to keep tabs when the pace quickens. A mark of 94 is a career high and she has place claims at best today.

3 SUMMER ICON – Has performed well on all three runs on the all weather this winter and deservedly won at Lingfield on her latest start earlier this month (7f, Std). She’s been raised 6lb as a consequence but she is a consistent filly in he main and Mick Channon’s four year is likely to run well again despite a career high mark. Still has scope for progress at this age and stepping up in trip will not be an issue, so has to be respected and looks the likeliest to serve it up to the selection.

4 CAROLINAE – Was very unlucky when hampered over C&D in December, backing up the promise he showed at Lingfield the time before when third over the mile. Very strong stayer at this trip and likely to still have improvement left in her as she’s lightly raced for a five year old. Needs to be taken very seriously for Charlie Fellows and Stevie Donohoe, as you can almost guarantee she’ll be running on late, though it’ll be places only today in all likelihood.

5 HAWATIF – Was never really involved on stable debut when sixth of eight at Lingfield on stable debut for Anthony Carson though should strip fitter for that experience (1m, Std). On her last winning mark and entitled to run well under Mitch Godwin who claims 5lb but others do have more pressing claims, as she looks far less progressive than most of her rivals today. 3-17 under rules and percentage call is to look elsewhere.

6 GLEAMING GIRL – C&D winner earlier this month off 2lb lower though was no match for Absolute Blast at Kempton on her latest start and looks very unlikely to turn the tables on that rival on today’s terms. Obviously is better off with that rival but she is nowhere near as progressive and others do have much more convincing claims for placings despite the David Somcock yard being in good form and Joesphine Gordon taking the ride. Likely to run into a place if this turns into a truly run affair but vulnerable for win purposes.

7 LADY LYDIA – Wasn’t necessarily disgraced when sixth at Kempton two weeks ago, running up to near her best but has quite a bit to find with Absolute Blast who brushed her aside in that race (1m, Std to Slw). On previous evidence she is much better over shorter distances and this trip may not see her at best effect again today. She is likely best watched as she’s also 1-16 on the all weather and still 7lb above her last winning mark.