5.55pm Wolverhampton Tips & Betting Preview 20/02/2017

Seven go to post for the ‘lucky last’ at Wolverhampton on Monday, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Killermont Street ran a good race here in Class 4 company last time out and is interesting now back up in trip but JUMPING JACK stands out above all. He’s been steadily improving for Richard Hughes since going into handicaps and his latest second on return at Kempton represented another career best for the three year old. He’s likely to come on for that run and a 3lb rise shouldn’t be enough to stop him from taking his third all weather victory from seven runs with Shane Kelly taking the ride.

1 JUMPING JACK – Has been a steady improver since switching to handicaps, with two wins on all weather surfaces and his latest second on return at Kempton represented another career best after four months off (7f, Std). A 3lb rise for this progressive three year old is unlikely to be able to stop him from gaining his third all weather victory under Shane Kelly, as going back up in trip is another positive for him. Looks tough to beat and has to be respected for Richard Hughes.

2 HOCHFELD – Won a C&D maiden on his third start for Mark Johnston and hasn’t been disgraced the last twice in handicap company, finishing fourth of six on his latest start at Lingfield, but not beaten far (1m 2f, Std). Dropping back in trip is unlikely to be a problem with PJ McDonald taking the ride and he remains with potential after only five starts under rules for connections. Likely player and has to be respected as such off the same mark as his latest run.

3 WHATSTHEMESSAGE – Showed promise on her first two runs for Keith Dalgleish, winning on debut at Ayr in August (7f, Good to Soft) and was far from disgraced to finish second at the same venue in better company a month later (1m, Good to Soft). She has however gone backwards since with three tame efforts, finishing fourth at Southwell when last seen and well beaten too (1m, Std). Has questions to answer now despite being dropped a further 3lb and others are readily preferred.

4 OLYMPIC LEGEND – Showed promise when winning a nursery at Naas in September (1m, Yielding) but has been beaten the last twice, the latest of which when fifth of six at Lingfield two weeks ago, two lengths behind Hochfield (1m 2f, Std). Drops in trip which is likely to suit and also drops two pounds in the weights, but it’s hard to fancy him reversing the places with Hochfield who looks more progressive. Not one to discount entirely but would be a surprise winner for Martin Bosley.

5 KILLERMONT STREET – Won her first handicap at Newcastle in a apprentice race ten days ago (1m, Std) and ran another good race off the same mark to finish second here over the seven furlong trip in Class 4 company a week later. Raised 2lb and only been given a three day break which is of concern but she’s clearly in good heart and can’t be discounted for Mark Johnston, looking the stable pick with Joe Fanning taking the ride. Likely to run an admirable race again and has to be respected as a main contender if this doesn’t come too soon.

6 DE VEGAS KID – Still a maiden after eight attempt sand hasn’t gone close on any occasions, well beaten when last seen at Southwell in January (5f, Std). Goes up significantly in trip once again in a bid to revive but makes little to no appeal despite his handicap mark dropping another 4lb. Other’s readily preferred.

7 BAZWIND – Consistent performer at this level and he wasn’t disgraced when third at Lingfield when last seen in four days ago (1m 2f, Std), albeit in claiming class. Cheekpieces go on and they’ll need to be effective if he’s to notch up his second victory now back up in class. Possible place contender off the same mark as his latest run if the headgear has the desired effect for David Evans, but remains vulnerable for win purposes.