Wolverhampton preview: Jonnie Skull and Kieren Fallon a potent duo

Jockey Kieren Fallon has a good record on Jonnie Skull, and everything looks in place for the pair can notch another success in the 7f handicap at Wolverhampton this evening (21.05).

Jonnie Skull has been a real credit to connections, winning 17 times on the level and twice over jumps.

The nine-year-old’s last success on the flat came in an apprentice handicap at Yarmouth eight months ago, where the veteran adopted his usually front running tactics to gamely score by 1 1/4 lengths off a mark of 61.

Jonnie Skull is now able to race off 8lb lower, and that gives him a huge chance at the weights.

The gelding is also a three-time winner over course and distance, albeit on the old polytrack surface, and has a great draw in stall one from which to attack.

It’s also very interesting that Fallon is now reunited with Jonnie Skull for the first time since July 2013.

The six-times champion jockey has partnered Jonnie to victory twice, as well as finishing in the frame on him on numerous occasions, and his booking suggests connections mean business.

In the 7f handicap (20.35), Wickhambrook is weighted to take all the beating.

The four-year-old was last successful in a 7f contest at Warwick off a mark of 75 when trained by Ismail Mohammed, and is now able to race off 1lb lower having shaped really well last time out on his first start for Michael Murphy.

That run came over course and distance, and Wickhambrook kept on well to finish a 1 3/4 length third to Gold Club on his first start for 222 days.

The gelding is entitled to come on a bundle for that run, and the form of the race looks very strong in the context of this contest.

With Shane Kelly in the saddle, this looks a glorious opening for Wickhambrook to get back on the winning trail.

Selections:
17.55: Haines
18.25: Pyla
19.00: Bowberry
19.35: Clarentine
20.05: Frank The Barber
20.35: Wickhambrook (NB)
21.05: Jonnie Skull (NAP)