3 minute read
Sam King returns with two selections from Wolverhampton on Monday…
The cold and wet snap across Britain has continued into the new week, causing Ludlow to abandon their programme on Monday morning. That leaves both Ayr and Wolverhampton to open the week, and the more attractive action looks to come from the latter.
Top weight Lequinto makes plenty of appeal as he bids to get back to winning ways in the opening Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap at 5.00.
A three-time course winner, Tony Carroll's charge shaped much better than the bare result when third at Lingfield just six days ago. He missed the kick under Richard Kingscote at Lingfield and was left waiting for gaps when travelling strongly over a furlong out. Once in the clear, he picked up well but the front pair, who had always been positioned towards the head of affairs, had already stolen a march on the field and third place was ultimately as good a result as one could have expected.
This evening's task represents a drop in grade and with top-class apprentice Jack Doughty booked to take off 3lb, it's easy to see why he's well-fancied to go two spots better for a trainer who is 8-30 (27%) with his runners over the last 14 days.
WIN – Lequinto
Odds – 11/4
Later on the card, it could be worth chancing Apache Star in the BetUK: It's Where The UK Bets Handicap at 7.30.
Current favourite Gustav Graves is on a very workable mark, but there's no doubt he'll need to build on his fifth-place reappearance finish at Newcastle just four days ago.
With that in mind, Apache Star can offer some each-way value. Although visibility was significantly reduced by fog, Mark Loughnane's charge definitely appeared to shape with a degree of promise when sixth over six furlongs at this venue following a few months off ten days ago.
That outing should put him spot on for this and with the return to five furlongs in the first-time blinkers an interesting angle, it's easy to make a case for him making the frame. He should get a nice toe into the race from the likes of Basholo and Himawari and looks worth siding with in an open-looking Class 6 sprint.
EACH-WAY - Apache Star
Odds – 9/1
