Wolverhampton preview: Billyoakes ready to cut a dash
Published:
David Metcalf | December 4, 2015
Billyoakes looks nicely treated on the pick of his form and decent value to get back to winnings ways in the 6f handicap on this evening’s Coral-sponsored card at Wolverhampton (18.15).
The gelding was a three-time winner last year when trained by Mick Channon, and has posted some eye-catching efforts since joining David Barron.
They include a staying on never nearer 2 1/2 length fourth of 10 to the now 106-rated Don’t Touch over 6f at Haydock off a mark of 85 when the pair met on level weights.
That represents really strong form in the context of this contest, and Billyoakes also shaped well two starts back at Haydock when running on well to be nearest at the finish and a 2 1/4 length sixth of 16 to Brando off 87.
Although the three-year-old was subsequently well-beaten last time out at the same venue, the handicapper has been quick to react and dropped Billyoakes another 1lb to 84.
That should enable the son of Kodiac to be very competitive, especially now switched back to the Tapeta surface for the first time than when last successful at the track 13 months ago.
What’s all the Fossa about?
In the 7f apprentice handicap (17.15), Fossa can take advantage of a drop in the weights to score a long overdue success.
The Dean Ivory trained gelding is on a long losing run having not scored since landing a 7f contest at this venue on the old polytrack surface back in September 2013 off a mark of 67.
However, Fossa has run well to make the frame on two occasions this year off marks of 65 and 63, and is now able to race off just 58.
That is 8lb lower than when last successful and the lowest rating the five-year-old has raced off in 2 1/2 years.
It gives Fossa major claims from a handicapping perspective and, from a good draw in stall three, everything looks in place for a big run.
Selections
16.10: Harry Champion
16.45: Taqdeer
17.15: Fossa(NB)
17.45: Tatting
18.15: Billyoakes (NAP)
18.45: Innish Man
19.15: Fallen For A Star
19.45: Cahar Fad
Related
Check out our horse racing archive.
