Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece, you’ll find my thoughts on two key races from Wolverhampton, both live on ITV Racing.
Cheltenham Going & Weather Update
Selective watering began at Cheltenham on Thursday, despite the official going being good to soft. The decision wasn’t a shock—the track didn’t get the expected rainfall on Thursday. Some racing fans weren’t happy, but with no rain due until Monday night (possibly up to 10mm), the course had a call to make. Of course, as we’ve seen this week, forecasts can be wrong.
It’s a tough job for the Clerk of the Course—damned if they do, damned if they don’t. But there’s no point dwelling on it—it is what it is.
Colder Weather Incoming
The recent springlike conditions will be replaced by cold, dull, and damp weather. Temperatures will struggle to top 6°C, and Tuesday night could drop to -3°C. Hopefully, the frost sheets will be in place.
If you’re heading to Cheltenham, wrap up warm—and maybe those flying to Spain to watch the festival have the right idea!
Saturday Racing
The best of Saturday’s action is at Sandown, which I covered earlier in the week in the column. However, ITV is also showing two strong races from Wolverhampton on the all-weather. The first of them is the BetMGM Lincoln Trial Handicap (2:45).
Wolverhampton
Will Kingdom Come Land Lincoln Trial Again?
▪ Kingdom Come thrives on the all-weather and won this race last year off a 2lb lower mark. However, he lacks a recent run this time. Interestingly Kingdom Come has been weak in the betting this morning which hopefully doesn't mean connections are aiming him at a more valuable prize on All-Weather Finals Day.
▪ Final Voyage ran to form when second at Dundalk 15 days ago. He was beaten a head by Kingdom Come in this race last year but is 1lb better off. The wide draw is a concern, but he should be in the mix.
▪ Zoffandia overcame a slow start and a modest pace to win on handicap debut at Kempton 17 days ago. A 5lb rise looks fair, given he’s had just four career runs. If he handles the surface, he can go close. His yard has a strong record with last-time-out winners in handicaps on the flat (4-10, +22.83 profit, 5 places).
3:20 – BetMGM Lady Wulfruna Stakes (Listed Race) – 7f
▪ Jabaara produced a career-best when runner-up in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket last summer and was first past the post in a Group 3 at Goodwood. She’s making her Tapeta debut but looks the one to beat if fully tuned up after seven months off. Her trainer won this race in 2022.
▪ Golden Mind made all to win a Kempton handicap last time, producing a career-best effort. He’s up in class but shouldn’t be dismissed.
▪ Witch Hunter can win this on a going day, and his yard won this race in 2020 and 2021. However, he hasn’t won since landing the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes in August 2023 (finished a nose second last year) and needs a strong pace to show his best which doesn’t seem likely.
I'm unsure how much time I'll have for columns after Monday given it’s my busiest week of the year. However, if you want all my Cheltenham Festival race previews and picks, you can get them for just £19.99 here.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John