Wolverhampton today

Wolverhampton has the British scene to itself today but it is difficult to get enthused about any of this afternoon´ s 8 races, all of them class 5 or 6. The most interesting race could be the 3yo handicap over 9 1/2 furlongs at 16.50 CET with 7 runners. Top-weight Lily Lily (Kevin McAuliffe/ Robert Winston) is in form, but both her recent wins have been at Southwell.

Both Tuscan King´s (David Evans/ Jean-Pierre Guillambert) wins have been over this CD, so he can possibly be preferred. The jockey will certainly be trying, as the horse belongs to his father. Claddagh represents the in-form team of Mark Johnson and Joe Fanning, but his form is not inspiring, so our choice is the maiden Riviera Chic (Ralph Beckett/ Jim Crowley), runner-up over this CD last time, who seems certain to win a race soon -possibly today.

The best betting race is the 7 furlongs handicap an hour later, with 12 runners, 5 of them runners-up last time. German-bred Carmenero (Conor Dore/ Liam Keniry) is one of them, and had won over this CD before then; he has an obvious chance, but has a big weight. Kensington (Alan McCabe/ Declan Cannon) has won 10 races in his long career, none of them recently, but appears to be coming back into form, while Smalljohn (Bryan Smart/ Tom Eaves) had an apprentice in the saddle when beaten here last time and is now partnered by the stable jockey.

It is possible (though not vry likely) thjat there ar some future stars on vew in the 3yo maiden at 18.20. On public form, Mnasikia (Luca Cumani/ Dane O´Neill), runner-up this CD before Christmas) is best of those that have run, but debutants Hacienda (Johnston/ Fanning) and Blues Music (Barry Hills/ Robert Winston) could be dangerous.
Nabeeda (Mel Brittain/ Scott Dobson) could be worth a small each-way bet in the second division of the amateur riders 6 furlongs handicap 15.40; he has the best jockey on board, and his outside draw could be an advantage. He has now finished 4th 4 times running, but could possibly improve a place or two in this very modest company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Miss Firefly - Towy Boy - Outer Hebrides
2. Race: Meikle Barfil - Albero Di Giuda - Neo`S Mate
3. Race: Sakile - Magenta Strait - Flow Chart
4. Race: Lily Lily - Claddagh - Riviera Chic
5. Race: Tiger Hawk - Always De One - Brenda Duke
6. Race: Carmenero - Kensington - Straight Face
7. Race: Mnasikia - Hacienda - Blues Music
8. Race: Starburst - Look Officer - Crazy Chris