Wolverhampton - Mon 12 Jan 2026
A few of these arrive with something to prove and it looks best to side with MOON OVER THE SEA. The Tony Carroll-trained seven-year-old won over 1m3f at Southwell and must shoulder a 4lb penalty but he remains competitively treated, especially taking into account Tyrese Cameron's claim. Returning to further is no bad thing either. The consistent Zooks won't be far away, nor will Fascinating Shadow, and Grand Duchess Olga should not be underestimated, despite her wide draw.
ESPONA BAY is still learning his trade and was a little unfortunate to bump into a progressive rival at Kempton. Although absent since that effort in October, the handicapper has only raised him 1lb and with a handy draw to work from, he could gain compensation. There are a number of threats, primarily Southwell winner Grey Horizon. Far Too Fizzy does not lack for speed and that may well tee things up nicely for the selection.
Having to shoulder a penalty will make life tougher for ALL MOONSHINE, but she is still expected to prove too strong. The filly built on an encouraging debut performance to score in comfortable fashion at Southwell and further progress may well suffice. Counting Cards has the edge on these terms, but does need to bounce back from a disappointing Newcastle effort. They All Know Me and Thequietman are more than capable too.
BELLA BISBEE lacked a bit of acceleration over 6f here on Boxing Day, but Scott Dixon's mare is expected to be more effective over this trip. The daughter of Muhaarar won over C&D three starts ago and although higher in the handicap now, she remains well treated. Flowstate let favourite-backers down latest but is capable of a big run, as is The Caribbean, who is 4lb higher than for last month's C&D triumph.
PIMENTEL has improved since being switched to handicap company and was last seen filling the runner-up spot at Yarmouth in October. Off a 1lb higher mark, the daughter of Pinatubo could be hard to beat. The return to 7f should help Slack Bob and he remains open to improvement, while Surgeon Commander and Crown The Future are others who make the shortlist.
Scenario must be respected having won a similar event here earlier in the month, but even a 2lb rise asks more of her now. As a result, preference is for R P MCMURPHY, who won here in December and has gone close when third off this mark the last twice. How's The Guvnor has also been running well in defeat of late and completes the shortlist.
EAGLES WHISTLE has given her new connections quite the thrill already, winning comfortably over 7f at Newcastle on Friday before following up just as easily over the mile a day later. Turned out quickly again with a nice bonus in sight, Daragh Bourke's charge may well take all the beating. A repeat of Bondi Man's recent C&D fourth would have him in the mix, while similar comments apply to Pyrrhic Dancer, who might benefit from a return to further.
FASCINATING SHADOW has been in good form since a move from Ireland at the end of last year and can gain a second victory for the yard. His last run is worth marking up as he was poorly placed off a steady pace and his previous runner up effort has been franked. Grand Duchess Olga has dropped to a handy mark and was another who had too much to do last time after she she met trouble. She can provide the biggest challenge ahead of recent 11f winner Moon Over The Sea. The former C&D winner will have no issue with this longer distance.
ESPONA BAY finished strongly when runner up on his first start after a gelding operation last time and should have more to offer this year. He's ideally suited by 6f on the polytrack and with that last run working out extremely well he should be able to provide Saffie Osborne with a winner on her first ride since returning from a successful trip to Meydan. Blindfold Games has proven consistent since going handicapping and her last run is worth marking up as she sat close to a fast pace. She can fill the places with the steadily progressive Grey Horizon. The top weight showed a willing attitude last time and a 5lb rise looks fair.
A decent contest where ALL MOONSHINE could defy a penalty. The form of both of her debut run has been boosted and she comfortably dispatched a previous winner last time so she can continue the good form of her top stable. Counting Cards was far too free last time but was steadily progressive previously so could prove the biggest danger if settling. Thequietman probably sets the standard on his best Irish form and he shaped with plenty of promise on his first run for his yard last month. That proved he handled this surface and he should also be on the premises.
THE CARIBBEAN snapped a long losing run last time and is expected to follow up off just 4lb higher here. Last spring he was capable of placing off higher marks in better races and his jockey booking suggests another big run is likely. The consistent River Wharfe is feared most along with Mart who hinted at a revival last time. That rival will need to prove his stamina for this far though.
PIMENTEL was in good form when last seen in the autumn and can make a winning return here. She is only 1lb higher than when runner up last time and that form is worth marking up as she hit the front too soon. C&D winner Crown The Future was too keen when upped to 1m last time but could resume her progress back down in trip. She looks the biggest danger ahead of Surgeon Commander who didn't look the most willing but still won last time when stepped up to this trip.
C&D winner R P MCMURPHY put up a big effort last time having raced close to a strong pace and a repeat of that would make him tough to beat off an unchanged mark. Scenario was a winner here last time despite her rider dropping his whip late so a 2lb rise looks potentially lenient. With the drop back in trip in his favour he looks the main challenger ahead of consistent maiden Strobelight.
GEMINI MAN was in good form over hurdles at the end of last year and could make a winning return to the flat here. He was a winner over this trip on turf in the summer and when trained in Ireland he proved he could be effective on the AW. Pyrrhic Dancer has been running back into form after a lay off and he looks well treated on these terms on his old efforts. He can fill the places with That Lucas Fella who was lit up by a first time visor on his flat return but can bounce back in the blinkers.
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