Wednesday, January 21, 2009

all-weather action at Kempton and Wolverhampton

All-weather racing this afternoon at Wolverhampton and Kempton this evening, with quite a few of the jockeys and trainers in action at both meetings. At Wolverhampton, the 1 1/2 mile race for 4-6yo maidens at 17.50 CET is a desperate affair, but it could be significant that Irish trainer Philip Rothwell sends over two runners here, Castaneous (Dane O´Neill) and Listen Carefully (Adam Kirby), with the former the clear form choice. The best race here is the 7 furlongs handicap at 18.20, in which David Simcock´s Milne Bay (Jimmy Quinn) can complete a quick four-timer; he made all to win easily at Great Leighs last time from Sendreni and should confirm that form today under a penalty. Simcock can also be on the mark at Kempton´s floodlit meeting, where Harald Bluetooth (Jamie Spencer) can defy top-weight in the main event, a mile handicap at 21.20. Paul Howling´s pair Resplendent Nova (Jimmy Quinn) and Gallantry (Tolley Dean) look the main dangers. The two-mile handicap at 21.50 looks very tricky, with all 8 runners having a chance and several of them meeting regularly with varying results. However the improving Zuwaar (Ian Williams/ Stephen Donohoe) is on a roll and, although moving up in grade, is another one who can complete a four-timer.